Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
This is a key senior role leading strategic thinking, supporting the development of our strategy and performance frameworks, and guiding how we navigate emerging opportunities and risks.
You will support the executive leadership team, the board, and key government stakeholders providing expert advice, provision of high-quality briefings on performance and strategy documentation. You'll play a lead role in managing relationships with our Monitoring department.
The base salary range for this six-month fixed term position starts at $149,530-$166,1400 (100%), reflecting the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
He aha tāu e mahi ana | What you'll be doing
- Provide trusted, pragmatic advice to the executive leadership team, board, Ministry of Justice, and Ministers on strategy, performance, funding, and planning matters.
- Prepare high-quality briefings, reports, and Ministerial correspondence that clearly convey complex issues and strategic direction.
- Drive an ongoing programme of environmental scanning, identifying relevant trends and risks, and insights to the Commission's priorities.
- Lead the implementation and alignment of the Commission's strategy, ensuring alignment with annual business plans, performance expectations, and public service priorities.
- Lead the development of roadmaps that align strategic priorities with financial planning and budget bids.
- Evaluate performance frameworks and supporting continuous improvement through strategic prioritisation and decision-making.
- Support key relationships with external stakeholders—particularly the Ministry of Justice—and representing the Manager Strategy, Risk and Assurance at meetings and forums.
- Provide guidance to teams across the Commission to ensure strategic coherence, alignment, and impact of initiatives.
Ko ngā mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitū | What you'll need to succeed
- Demonstrate experience leading initiatives in the public sector or a similar complex environment.
- Proven ability to develop and present high-quality strategic advice, including briefings, performance reporting, and Ministerial communications.
- Strong capability in environmental scanning, systems thinking, and translating emerging risks and opportunities into practical action.
- Experience supporting or leading budget bids and investment planning.
- Strong understanding of public sector planning and performance reporting processes (e.g., SOIs, SPEs, and business plans).
- Confidence in working closely with senior leaders, Ministers, and key agencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
- A collaborative, future-focused mindset with a commitment to public value.
- A relevant tertiary qualification in public policy, strategy, economics, or a related discipline is desirable.
Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri | About the Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission wants every New Zealander to trust, value, and take part in parliamentary elections. Here is your chance to contribute to New Zealand's democracy as part of a small team of electoral experts who design, build, and implement processes and systems for Parliamentary elections and referendums. It is an exciting and varied role within a team which is committed, supportive, and hands-on.
Mā te tūhono mai ki Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri ka aha? | Why join the Electoral Commission?
The Commission is building an inclusive strength focussed culture where diversity is encouraged and valued, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, orientations and identities. We want to provide a flexible working environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We are happy to discuss what works for you. You will join a team who are here for the right reasons, and we are passionate about what we do.
He aha e whai ake nei | What's next?
Apply now and help shape the future of democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
To apply or find out more, click 'Apply Now'. For more information, please email recruitment@elections.govt.nz
All applications must be submitted online.
Applications close: Sunday 6 July at 5pm.