The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is a statutory agency within the Attorney-General Department’s portfolio with responsibility for:
privacy functions under the Privacy Act 1988 and other legislation
freedom of information functions under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
government information policy functions, conferred on the Australian Information Commissioner under the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010
Directors in the Freedom of Information (FOI) Regulatory Group lead a team focused on assisting the Australian Information Commissioner in the conduct of the OAIC’s FOI regulatory functions, including the external review of agencies and ministers’ FOI decisions, investigating FOI complaints and making extensions of time decisions in relation to FOI requests, issuing guidance and monitoring, investigating and reporting on agencies’ compliance with the FOI Act.
As a Director FOI you will be responsible for providing support and mentoring to a team of review and/or investigation officers. This may also include developing and maintaining subject matter expertise in relation to freedom of information, providing strategic advice on the IC review and FOI complaint processes, and contributing to the leadership and management of the FOI team.
The role
Based in Sydney CBD, we are looking for highly motivated individuals at the Executive Level 2, full‑time or part time to fill multiple Director, FOI Regulatory Group roles.
The work will include:
Effectively managing a team undertaking IC reviews, FOI complaints, other FOI regulatory activity and FOI related projects in a high volume environment
Managing the assessment of IC reviews/FOI complaints and exercise statutory delegations on behalf of the Commissioner
Participating in the development and review of policy, practice and procedure related to the management of IC reviews, FOI complaints and other regulatory activities
Providing strategic advice to, and liaise with, the Executive and other sections about the work of the FOI section as required
Contributing to OAIC wide processes such as submissions, publications, policy documents, web material as required
Delivering internal and external training, representing the OAIC at external forums and responding to media enquiries/issues as required
Selection criteria
General criteria
Shapes strategic thinking
Achieves results
Cultivates productive working relationships
Exemplifies personal drive and integrity
Communicates with influence
Job-specific criteria:
High level knowledge, experience or understanding of current information policy and issues, particularly related to FOI, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge
Demonstrated experience in effectively managing and supporting teams in a high volume case management environment and appropriately prioritise competing interests
Demonstrated experience in administrative law decision making processes, including demonstrated experience in alternative dispute resolution and decision making and the ability to effectively manage and support teams in a high volume case management environment and appropriately prioritise competing interests
Total remuneration package will include up to $161,677 (ranging from $122,763 to $140,102 plus 15.4% superannuation) dependent on your experience, skills and abilities.
The OAIC is committed to enabling its people to perform at their best and offers the following benefits:
Access to ongoing professional development, with a capability framework to guide skill enhancement.
Genuine flexibility to help achieve a balance between work and home life.
Additional paid leave over the Christmas to New Year period as well as access to other leave (e.g. for study or moving).
Contribution to your wellbeing through subsidies for eye health, flu vaccinations and a wellbeing allowance.
Section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999 requires that APS employees must be Australian citizens
There are restrictions on employment of people who have, within the previous 12 months, accepted a redundancy benefit from an APS agency or a non-APS Commonwealth employer.
For the duration of your employment with the OAIC you will be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance at a Negative Vetting 1 Level.
How to apply
Please complete the attached application sheet as part of your application. You are asked to provide a covering letter of up to two pages explaining your interest, motivation and fit for the role, including the skills and experience you will bring to the organisation and the position.
All items should be sent as one document, including your full resume, to: jobs@oaic.gov.au
