Political Finance Online (PFO) Project Lead

Directorate: Electoral Administration and Regulation
Starting salary: £73,605 (London) / £70,585 (remote)
Full time; fixed term contract for 18 months 
Location: London or remote 
Closing date: Friday 01 November 2024 at 17:00

The purpose of the role is to deliver one of the most important projects in the Commission: Political Finance Online. The successful applicant will lead the project from discovery to delivery. The role is expected to last for 18 months, reviewable as the project progresses.

A key responsibility of the Commission is to maintain a register of political parties, and to ensure that all donations to parties, campaigners and non-political campaigners are recorded and published. The Political Finance Online system is the means by which this is achieved. Our current system is nearing end of life, and the job of the postholder will be to scope and deliver a new system. We are looking for a senior ICT project manager with a proven track record of delivery who is able to take on one of the highest profile and highest risk projects in the Commission. The PFO system is unique in terms both of its function and of its importance not just to the Commission but to the functioning of our democracy. Delivering it is a complex project which will require not just excellent technical and delivery skills but an ability to manage a wide range of stakeholders and a sensitivity to the reputational risks attached.

As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, the jobholder will be expected to make a corporate contribution to the leadership and strategic direction of the Commission, reflecting the importance of this new system to our stakeholders.

The role will be 100% dedicated to the delivery of the project. The postholder will work directly to the SRO, the Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation. They will be accountable to the Executive Team of the Commission and ultimately the Commission Board for successful delivery.

Find out more on how to apply and view the job application 

Applications should include a supporting statement. This should include examples of how you have demonstrated the role’s person specification, including:

•    essential skills
•    behaviours
•    knowledge

To be fair to all candidates, we can’t accept job applications submitted after the closing date.
 

We will let you know whether or not you have been invited for an interview shortly after the closing date.


We hold some of our interviews online using video conferencing. We’ll let you know when and where your interview will be.


Sometimes, we’ll ask you to complete a task for your interview. For example, preparing a presentation on a specific topic. We’ll give you instructions about the task when we invite you to interview.


Our interviews are competency based. We will ask you questions to understand more about your experience, and how it relates to the essential criteria in the person specification. Questions will also cover the values, behaviours, and skills required for the role. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the role or working with us at the end of your 
interview.


We will let you know the outcome of the interview as soon as possible. Usually, within two days after the final interview has been completed. We’re always happy to give feedback if requested. We will always let you know when we’d like to contact your references.

If you have taken part in certain political activities, such as holding office in a political party or holding a relevant elected office, it may mean that you can’t work for us. To discuss this before applying, contact our HR team at [email protected]  


If you’re successful, you’ll need to complete some pre-appointment checks. This includes a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In Scotland, this is a Disclosure Scotland check. In Northern Ireland, it’s an Access NI check.


Higher security clearance may be required for some roles. We will only ask you about convictions and cautions that are not protected. Having a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from working here. It depends on the nature of the position and the circumstances of your offences. Read our employing ex-offenders policy for more information.

We welcome applications from everyone. We will ask for your personal details including your nationality, ethnicity and any disabilities. These details will not be shared with the interviewers. 

If you have a disability, let us know at the application stage so we can make adjustments for you. This may include accepting your application by post. 

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