The Defending Democracy Unit (DDU) sits within the Electoral Integrity and Media Branch. The overall aim of the team is to shape and support the AEC's capability to counter and respond to any instance of interference in electoral systems and processes. The DDU works with teams across the AEC to help strengthen the AEC's ability to respond to current and emerging threats to electoral integrity. We also work with a range of external stakeholders to help protect and strengthen trust in Australia's democratic process, including federal government departments and agencies, electoral commissions, academic, civil society organisations and online media platforms and technology companies. The Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce (EIAT) The EIAT consists of federal government agencies that provide advice and expertise, within their remit, on a broad range of issues within the Australian electoral environment. The collaboration of the EIAT is a part of the AEC's response to threats to our democracy such as disinformation, malicious cyber activity, physical security incidents, and foreign interference. The EIAT also provides advice and reporting to departmental heads, statutory appointees and parliamentary committees as required. The EIAT is governed by a senior executive Board. Secretariat, project management and incident response services for both the Board and the Taskforce are managed by the DDU. The Electoral Council of Australia and New Zealand (ECANZ) ECANZ is a consultative council of the Electoral Commissioners from electoral authorities of the Commonwealth, States and Territories of Australia and New Zealand. ECANZ considers issues about the development and maintenance of the electoral roll for Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Government elections and matters of electoral administration, which have implications for Australian and New Zealand electoral authorities. Secretariat and project management are managed by the DDU. The key duties of the position include The role is to take responsibility for coordination of the AEC's efforts to counter and respond to interference in Australia's federal election systems and processes. In addition, the Director manages the activities of the EIAT and ECANZ. You will be pivotal in leading the collaboration of the EIAT to understand and respond to threats to our electoral processes. You will also lead the preparation and coordination of strategic planning, governance and incident management materials for the EIAT. This will include providing professional, accurate and timely advice to the Assistant Commissioner, Electoral Integrity and Media Branch, and other members of the senior executive, in anticipating, addressing and evaluating risks in a changing environment. As an experienced stakeholder management professional, you will be responsible for developing and actively managing key internal and external relationships. These include partnerships with other government agencies and online media platforms, to improve the AEC's capability to protect against and respond to threats to the integrity of federal electoral systems and/or processes. To succeed in this role, you will be required to identify opportunities, facilitate cooperation and achieve outcomes to further Australia's reputation as a leader in upholding electoral integrity. This may include representing and explaining agency views in various forums. The DDU is required to formulate strategic and enduring artefacts for the AEC and the EIAT. You will complete election preparation, delivery and evaluation activities to enable comprehensive and lasting maturity which remains imperative to Australian government priorities and trust in democracy. You will supervise an evolving team, including building capacity and encouraging career development. The DDU also works closely with colleagues across the Branch to provide training, advice and information to other areas of the AEC. To excel you'll have: Proven ability to build strong working relationships and trust with clients, stakeholders and senior executives. Ability to communicate with influence, negotiate outcomes and manage complex stakeholder relationships. Proven analytical abilities, maintaining a logical and rational approach under pressure and in the face of competing priorities. Ability to lead and manage staff while developing capabilities and embedding professionalism. Highly developed knowledge of risk management principles and practices. Demonstrated personal drive and integrity and a proven ability to make sensitive and complex decisions whilst achieving results within legislative and budget parameters. Desirable Knowledge of or ability to gain knowledge of Australian electoral law and practice. Knowledge of or ability to gain knowledge of the Australian Government Security Frameworks. Relevant qualification in the field of security or proven history and a working understanding of security in a government environment. Relevant experience and/or qualifications in workshop facilitation and staff training, including the ability to plan and develop appropriate content.
