Assistant Director, Freedom of Information and Information Access The Governance and Risk Section is responsible for leading and co-ordinating the Commission's approach to corporate governance, risk, audit and performance activities.
The Freedom of Information (FOI) officer communicates with FOI applicants, internal and external stakeholders including decision makers to assist the Commission in preparing timely, accurate decisions and provide comprehensive FOI advice. The FOI officer prepares draft FOI decisions including schedules of documents and correctly applies relevant legislation in draft decisions for review by the authorised delegate of the Commissioner.
About the Role
The EL1 Freedom of Information (FOI) and Information Access is a senior position responsible for managing freedom of information requests, providing expert advice on FOI and related legislation and promoting compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982. This role involves leading a team of FOI Officers, managing complex requests, and contributing to the Commission's broader information access strategies.
The position requires advanced analytical, organisational, and communication skills to ensure timely and accurate processing of FOI requests while balancing transparency, privacy, and confidentiality considerations. The FOI specialist will also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders to enhance the Commission's information access framework.
Position Duties
Leadership and Management
Lead and manage the FOI team, ensuring high-quality responses to FOI requests in compliance with statutory requirements. Oversee the end-to-end process of FOI request management, including decision-making on complex and sensitive cases and the management of Information Commissioner Review matters and complaints. Provide mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities for team members. FOI Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure the agency meets its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Identify and mitigate risks associated with information disclosure, ensuring adherence to confidentiality and security protocols. Develop and implement policies, procedures and systems to support effective FOI request management. Effectively risk manage complex FOI complaints and other complainants. Policy Development and Advice
Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders on FOI Administration, guidelines and processes. Draft high-quality correspondence, reports, and ministerial briefings related to FOI matters. Support the development of Commission policies that promote a culture of openness and transparency. Stakeholder Engagement
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, to resolve FOI related issues. Represent the Commission in FOI forums and working groups to share best practices and contribute to policy development. Engage with external stakeholders in the implementation of Commission administrative release procedures. Training and Awareness
Develop and deliver FOI training and awareness programs to build internal capability. Promote a culture of compliance and accountability in handling information access requests. Position Eligibility Requirements (Selection Criteria)
To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and Expertise
Comprehensive understanding of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the Privacy Act 1988, and related regulations and guidelines. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply Freedom of Information Act and apply the provisions in complex scenarios. Demonstrated ability to manage administrative information release processes. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
High-level analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex and sensitive FOI requests, including high levels of personal information. Experience in assessing and mitigating risks related to information disclosure. Leadership and Management
Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a team to achieve operational objectives. Experience in managing workloads, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines in a complex and dynamic environment. Experience successfully transitioning teams through substantive organisational change. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in preparing clear and concise decision documents, reports and correspondence. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Organisational Skills
Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail. Stakeholder Engagement
Experience in consulting and negotiating with diverse stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes Experience utilising trauma informed practices when working with complex applicants on sensitive personal information requests. Eligibility and Other Requirements
Relevant qualification in law, information management or data protection Highly Regarded
Baseline Security Clearance or higher Experience in privacy and information security, highly regarded. Position Notes
Salary offered will be between $114,247 - $130,300 per annum depending on skills and experience. In addition, 15.4% superannuation will be paid. Only candidates who hold Australian citizenship can apply. Appointment is conditional on successfully completing a national police check. Non-ongoing opportunity will be offered for an irregular/intermittent term. Opportunities will be offered for varying periods up to 12 months with the option to extend to a total of 24 months. Merit Pool established through this selection process may be used to fill this or future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies. In your application, please provide a statement of claims against the position eligibility requirements (selection criteria) in no more than 600-words, including what strengths you would bring to the role, and a copy of your CV.
Please complete the application and submit by 11:30 pm (AEDT) Sunday 22 December 2024.
Specific questions about the roles can be directed to Cassandra McCreadie by emailing with Position title in the subject line.
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