Agency Purpose

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent statutory authority established by the Australian Government to maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs.

The AEC’s values and commitments

The AEC values and commitments are an essential component of our operating environment and frame how AEC staff work. The AEC's focus is on electoral integrity through the values of quality, agility and professionalism.

The Team

The International Engagement (IE) section provides a broad range of services to support the AEC’s international partnerships and programs. 

IE works in partnership with electoral management bodies (EMBs) in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting them to deliver elections and building their technical capacity. The AEC is committed to assisting EMBs in our region as part of our broader remit to defend democracy. Section 7(1)(fa) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 directs the AEC to provide international assistance in matters relating to elections and referendums. 

The AEC’s electoral assistance programs are built on requests for assistance from partner EMBs and are funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through Australia’s international development program.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a dynamic, collaborative, self-motivated and details-oriented professional to fill a position in the International Engagement section.

As an Engagement Officer, you will support the day-to-day management of matters which includes election and referendum assistance to foreign countries or organisations, support on democratic reform agendas, particularly in developing democracies and program management. You will manage international deployments, visiting delegations, and other duties as required. On occasion, travel and work outside of standard business hours may be a required component of the role.

You will be responsible for undertaking work that is moderately complex and/or sensitive in nature, under limited direction, utilising knowledge of the above area. This role contributes to and performs matters relating to electoral support programs implemented by the AEC ensuring that appropriate governance arrangements are in place to support program accountability, compliance, risk management and reporting.

You will also be expected to undertake procedural, financial and administrative tasks to support the section as well as participate in section planning for short term tasks and contribute to strategic planning for longer term initiatives.

To excel you’ll have:

• Ability to use verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills effectively while responding to the needs of a variety of audiences. 
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, pay attention to detail, and deliver quality and accurate results on time. 
• Ability to take initiative in the workplace and utilise sound judgement to balance competing priorities.
• A proven commitment to working harmoniously within a team to achieve positive results.

Desirable

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in international services, public administration or similar and/or practical experience working in development, including in-country experience.
• Understanding of the complexities of working in cross-cultural environments.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly gain knowledge of, the Commonwealth Resource Framework.

Eligibility

• AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
• Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for this role.

A position description is attached.