Project Lead Contracts And Partnerships

Mo tenei turanga mahi| About this role

Mo tenei turanga mahi | About the role

The Electoral Commission is seeking an experienced and community-focused Project Lead – Partnerships and Contracts to lead the design and delivery of the Community Education Fund.

In this role, you'll strengthen partnerships across Aotearoa, support contracted community groups, and help ensure key electoral information reaches communities in meaningful, accessible ways. You will work closely with providers, community organisations, and internal teams to deliver a funding approach that maximises reach, quality, and impact—particularly for communities with lower participation rates.

If you're passionate about relationship-building, equitable outcomes, and delivering projects that make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

He aha tau e mahi ana | What you'll be doing

Lead the procurement process and contracting, manage expressions of interest, shortlist and interview providers, negotiate contracts, and ensure streamlined, high-quality contract management.

Build and manage strong relationships, work closely with contractors, community groups and internal stakeholders to ensure trusted partnerships and positive outcomes for diverse communities.

Manage the end-to-end delivery of the Community Education Fund, including defining scope and criteria, monitoring progress and budgets, reporting on risks and performance, and coordinating activity across key teams.

Drive continuous improvement, develop practical solutions and supporting materials, review and refine processes, and ensure services are delivered to agreed quality standards.

Ko nga mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitu | What you'll need to succeed

Experience in procurement, contract management, or partnership-focused project roles.

Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage confidently with diverse communities, providers, and internal stakeholders.

Excellent project management capability, with experience coordinating multiple workstreams, budgets, risks, and timelines.

A continuous improvement mindset and the ability to design practical solutions, tools, or processes that support community outcomes.

Clear communication skills, cultural awareness, and a collaborative, service-focused approach.

Te Kaitiaki Take Kowhiri | About the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission wants every New Zealander to trust, value, and take part in parliamentary elections. Here's 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 referenda. It's an exciting and varied role within a team that is committed, supportive, and hands-on.

The Commission is building an inclusive strength-focused 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.

It's an exciting and varied role within a committed, supportive, and hands-on team that is passionate about making a positive impact.

He aha e whai ake nei | What's next?

For more information or to apply for this role, click 'Apply Now' to visit our Careers Site. You will also find the Position Description here. Questions? - e-mail

All applications must be submitted online through our Careers Site.

Applications close Sunday 30 November