Senior Advisor, Program Governance

Join the VEC as a Senior Advisor, Program Governance and play a key role in supporting the Operational Command Centre during the delivery of the 2026 State Election. Leading the OCC secretariat function, you will coordinate governance, operational reporting and stakeholder engagement activities, providing critical decision support and ensuring senior leaders have the information they need to support election readiness and delivery.

• Fixed-term opportunity – 21st September 2026 to 19th December 2026
• VPS Grade 5.1 $116,413 - $128,631plus superannuation  
• Location: Port Melbourne  
• Hybrid working arrangements available
• Free staff shuttle service from Southern Cross Station to Port Melbourne  

Why join us 
 
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.  
 
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 through internal working groups and committees across VEC branches.  
 
Apply now to make a meaningful contribution to the democratic process.  
 
About this opportunity 
 
Reporting to the Manager, Operational Command Centre (OCC) Delivery, the Senior Advisor acts as the Deputy OCC Administrator and leads the OCC secretariat function.  
 
The role is responsible for coordinating governance, operational reporting, situational awareness and stakeholder engagement activities that support election readiness and delivery.   
 
About the team 
 
Leading a small team, the successful candidate will provide decision-support to senior leaders, oversee governance processes and records, coordinate operational information and escalations, and drive continuous improvement in OCC reporting and information management practices.  
 
A day in the life of a Senior Advisor, Program Governance 
 
On a typical day, the role gathers updates from election programs, monitors key risks and issues, maintains OCC logs and action registers, and prepares reports and briefings for leaders.  
 
The role supports operational meetings and escalations, tracks actions and decisions, and leads the OCC Secretariat team to provide governance, reporting and coordination support for election readiness and delivery. 

About you 

• Experience in governance, operational coordination, emergency management, command centre environments, program delivery, or a similar field.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesise information from multiple sources into clear recommendations. 
• Exceptional written communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefings and governance documentation for senior stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to build productive stakeholder relationships and influence outcomes across diverse groups. 
• Sound judgement, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in time-critical situations 

How to apply 
 
All applicants must complete the online application form and submit a current CV and a separate document with responses to Key Selection Criteria (KSC) 6.1, 6.2 and 6.5 as listed in the position description.  

Note that VEC can only accept applications lodged via the apply button which leads to the Victorian Government Careers log in and application process via Careers Vic.  
 
Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 9 September 2026
 
Diversity and inclusion 
 
We highly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people to apply.  
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] 
 
Pre-employment checks 
 
Successful applicants will be required to satisfy character clearance requirements including, but not limited to, Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and working with children check. 
In accordance with Section 17A of the Electoral Act 2002, the VEC may ask applicants to disclose specific political activities that could compromise the perceived independence of the organisation. Learn more about disclosing political activities. 
 
VEC contact details 
For further information please contact Sophie Zalkauskas, [email protected]