• VPS Grade 3.2
• Full-time fixed-term contract: December 2021 to December 2023 with flexible work arrangements available
• Are you passionate about engaging with Aboriginal communities to ensure they have a say in what impacts them? Do you want to work in a dynamic team of community workers who aim to ensure all Victorians are  involved in the democratic process? We are looking for someone with strong communication and organisation skills to support the electoral participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people experiencing homelessness and people in prison. 

Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the special measures provision of s12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (Vic).

About the VEC

At the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) we are not just about elections, we are about enabling all Victorians to actively participate in their democracy. The VEC conducts State and local council elections and is responsible for promoting public awareness and understanding of electoral issues in the Victorian community. Our goal is to be change ready and responsive to legislative changes and community expectations in a dynamic and complex operating environment.

Our vision is for all Victorians actively participating in their democracy. Apply now to make a meaningful contribution to the democratic process.

This Aboriginal Inclusion Project Officer role is in the Education and Inclusion Team within the Communication and Engagement Branch. A key function of the Education and Inclusion Team is delivering electoral education and voter information to the VEC’s priority communities:  

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples   
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds  
• people experiencing homelessness 
• people who are in prison  
• people with disabilities  
• young people.  

About the role

Reporting directly to the Team Leader Education and Inclusion, you will be responsible for supporting our team’s Aboriginal Inclusion Officer in delivering projects within the VEC’s Aboriginal Engagement Plan, providing support to the VEC’s Aboriginal Advisory Group and delivering electoral education initiatives to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria.

You will also support our team’s Out of Home Community Specialist to deliver projects within the Out of Home Action Plan, including working with the Victorian prison population and people experiencing homelessness. 

During significant electoral events, such as the 2022 State election, you will assist the VEC Education and Inclusion team members to deliver electoral services across all our priority communities.

What you’ll bring to the role 

This role is an opportunity to apply your understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and experience liaising sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations. You will also bring:

• demonstrated effective communication skills and confidence in presenting to internal and external groups
• high level organisational skills and ability to work independently
• high level administration and writing skills, including appropriate experience managing databases, coordinating meetings, writing project summaries, articles, and other resources.

The VEC’s core values drive the way we work to achieve our vision. We are looking for somebody who can model our five values of: Independence, Accountability, Respect, Collaboration and Innovation. 

Why the VEC is a great place to work 

We provide a values driven workplace culture with a passion for excellence and innovation in the services we provide. We offer a supportive environment that encourages professional development and provide opportunities to broaden your experience though internal working groups and committees across VEC branches. 

We have wellbeing programs and initiatives which aim to promote a culture of positive wellbeing, including an Employee Assistance Program and a social club. We understand the importance of work/life balance and provide flex-time to our VPS grade 1-4 employees.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplaces with the people we employ, and at the ballot box with the people we serve. We aim to create a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and safe for all. 

We understand that candidates may need adjustments in the recruitment process and/or workplace. For any questions or request for accommodations, please e-mail [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Inclusion Project Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

How to apply

Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the special measures provision of s12(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (Vic).

Click "Apply Now". All applicants must submit:

• a current CV and 
• a separate document with responses to Key Selection Criteria (KSC) 4.1, 4.2 and 4.4 as listed in the position description. For guidance on how to respond to the KSC, please visit https://careers.vic.gov.au/how-to-reply-to-selection-criteria 

Applications should only be lodged online via the "Apply Now" button.

The VEC is an equal opportunity employer*. We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people to apply. As a ‘Child Safe' organisation the VEC is also committed to the health, wellbeing and safety of children and young people. This commitment is taken seriously, and all employees are expected to be aware of and comply with this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to satisfy character clearance requirements, including but not limited to national police check and working with children check.

* In accordance with Section 17A of the Electoral Act 2002, the VEC may ask applicants for disclosure of specific political activities that could compromise the perceived independence of the organisation. Please read the Disclosure of Political Activities Fact Sheet before applying.

A position description is attached.