Electoral Services Officer

Venesky-Browns client, a public sector organisation in Rochford, is currently looking to recruit an Electoral Services Officer for an initial 2 month contract with potential to extend on a rate of £14.95/hour PAYE. This role will be based onsite.

Responsibilities:

- To keep up to date with all relevant electoral legislation, including that relating to Individual Electoral Registration (IER).
- To publish and maintain the annual Register of Electors and monthly updates
- To assess applications for inclusion on the Electoral Register, including those of special category electors such as service and overseas electors, to ensure eligibility to register both in paper and through the ERO portal.
- To assist with all administrative aspects of the organisation of elections and the associated counts (Local, County, Parliamentary, European and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner) and local and national referendums
- To organise the booking, allocation and delivery of equipment and supplies, and payments to polling stations
- To deal with enquiries from candidates, agents and elected members on the electoral registration and election processes
- To provide advice to the public on absent voting applications (including the application of waivers for those with disabilities), registration applications (including the anonymous registration and opt-out provisions) and purchase of the Register, through the ERO portal and paper applications.
- To supervise public access to the register to ensure confidentiality of personal data
- To maintain the election staff database and assist in the recruitment and selection of approximately 150 temporary staff to various election duties, ensuring compliance with recruitment procedures
- To operate the electoral registration and electoral management computer system, applying any upgrades when required
- To assist with the delivery of training courses to staff and Members
- To be responsible for maintaining the electoral services area of the Councils website
- To be proactive in the development and implementation of projects to improve participation in the democratic process, including involvement in promotional activities with voters particularly in groups that are under-represented
- Other projects outside the area of electoral services as required and directed by the Assistant Director

Essential Skills:

- Good standard of numeracy or literacy (GCSE Level 4 or above - or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Word and Excel
- Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of working in a team
- Able to evidence excellent communication skills and ability to work in challenging situations
- Able to prioritise work appropriately
- Able to work to deadlines and work under pressure
- Flexible, pro-active and adaptable
- Effective team working. Sharing ownership, team goals and workload
- Commitment to maximising potential and continuous improvement of self and of service
- Able to contribute positive suggestions and willing to take forward
- Able to establish and maintain effective relationships with people at all levels
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to customer service

Desirable Skills:

- Knowledge of electoral legislation
- Knowledge of the rolling registration and absent voting processes
- Working knowledge of the Express computer software package
- Experience of working in an Elections Office involving the annual canvass and organising elections

If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.
TPBN1_UKTJ