About WAEC

Western Australia is a great place to live, work and deliver elections. And it is getting better as we transform the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) into a contemporary leader in electoral service, modernising systems, strengthening capability and lifting the experience for voters and stakeholders.

Behind every polling place, ballot count and result sits a foundation of governance, risk and integrity that Western Australians trust without ever having to think about it. That foundation does not happen by accident. It is built, tested and defended by people who take accountability, transparency and sound decision-making seriously.

At WAEC, we are guided by four values: Make it Count, Check Every Box, Focus on Fairness and Achieve Together. We are committed to recruiting people whose behaviours, leadership style and approach to public service align with these values, recognising that cultural contribution is as important as technical capability.

Join us in a role with genuine purpose, helping turn reform into practical, defensible advice and playing your part in something bigger: safeguarding trust in democracy.

If you want to lead the frameworks and the culture that keep an entire Commission accountable and well governed, and help safeguard trust in democracy in the process, this is your moment.

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The Opportunity

As Director Integrity, Risk & Governance, you hold enterprise-wide responsibility for governance, risk, audit and integrity across WAEC. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the frameworks, culture and assurance practices that support accountable, transparent and well-informed decision-making across the Commission, while overseeing internal audit functions, public interest disclosure, privacy and responsible information sharing, freedom of information and records management.

You will lead the Commission's enterprise risk management framework from appetite through to assessment, treatment, monitoring and reporting, oversee internal audit planning and assurance follow-up, and monitor controls and risk treatments, reporting clearly to decision-making forums. You will also lead agency wide responses to emerging integrity, compliance and information governance issues, and lead and develop a specialist team, including oversight of the Chief Audit Executive.

This is a genuine strategic leadership role. You will provide strategic advice to the Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Executive and senior leaders, build trusted relationships with committee members and external oversight bodies including the Office of the Auditor General, and lead reform initiatives that strengthen governance, assurance and organisational capability across the Commission.

About You

You are a strategic, collaborative and values-driven leader who understands the critical role good governance, risk management and assurance play in supporting public trust. You bring the experience and judgement to translate legislative, regulatory and organisational requirements into practical frameworks that help WAEC deliver its objectives with confidence, integrity and accountability.

With strong knowledge of the governance and compliance obligations of Western Australian government agencies, you combine analytical thinking with highly developed communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills. Your trusted advice, sound judgement and practical, risk-informed solutions will support WAEC to remain well governed, responsive and future-focused, enabling the agency to build on its strong foundations and deliver contemporary election events for the Western Australian community.

Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional accreditation in governance, risk, audit, law, business, records management or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A covering letter of no more than two pages, outlining your motivation for applying and how your skills, values and experience align with the role, particularly in governance, risk management and integrity.
• A current resume outlining the skills, experience and capabilities you will bring to the role.

Select “Apply for Job” at the top or bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Applications must be submitted online via jobs.wa.gov.au. Late applications will not be accepted.

Want to Know More?

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact Shai Harris, Principal Consultant, Shelby Consulting on 0409 914 207 or shai@shelbyconsulting.com.au 

Applications close 4.00pm (AWST) Monday 31 August 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Other Conditions and Eligibility

To be eligible for a permanent appointment with the WAEC, it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia. Non permanent residents of Australia are only eligible for fixed term appointments if they hold a valid visa with appropriate working rights for the duration of the fixed term appointment.

The successful applicant will be required to sign a Declaration of Neutrality and a Declaration of Confidentiality, indicating that they have no active or official connection with any political party and will maintain the confidentiality necessary to ensure the integrity of the Commission.

Given the Commission's role in safeguarding trust in democracy, the successful applicant will be required to complete pre employment checks appropriate to the role, which may include identity, work eligibility, and integrity or security clearance checks.

The work related requirements for the role will be assessed throughout the selection process. A variety of assessment methodologies may be used, including but not limited to a written statement, structured interviews and referee checks.