EMPLOYMENT

The key duties of the position include The Role The Freedom of Information (FOI) Team advises and manages requests for access to documents, and correction of information, made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act).The FOI team is looking for team members in the FOI Governance, Decision Support and Review teams. As a valued member of the FOI team, you will: Governance Assist with coordinating and implementing business improvement opportunities within the Department relating to the coordination and management of FOI. Support the FOI team with FOI requests, consultations, governance and assurance activities, and preparation of business intelligence reports of FOI requests being managed. Communicate with FOI applicants, internal and external stakeholders including the network of Accredited Decision Makers to assist the Department in preparing timely, high quality decisions, and provide comprehensive FOI advice. Develop and support delivery of FOI training within Defence, including to Senior Executives, on the FOI Act, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) FOI Guidelines, and responding to requests received by Defence. Decision Support Coordinate and manage the Department's response to requests received under the FOI Act. Provide expert guidance on the application of the FOI Act, and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) FOI Guidelines to stakeholders, including to Senior Executives, in the context of the Defence operating environment. Communicate autonomously with FOI applicants, internal and external stakeholders including the network of decision makers to assist the Department to support the preparation of well-consulted, timely, accurate decisions. Reviews Manage and respond to requests for internal reviews received under the FOI Act. Manage and respond to external reviews and complaint applications made to the OAIC, providing technical, expert advice on the interpretation of the FOI Act and OAIC FOI Guidelines. Communicate with review applicants, relevant business areas, external stakeholders and the OAIC to prepare timely and accurate review decisions and submissions. Support litigated matters including in the Administrative Review Tribunal. The successful candidate will have: An ability to interpret and apply legislation, with demonstrated experience providing advice on the application of the FOI Act. Demonstrated coordination, organisation, and time management skills. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to build productive relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. A high standard of attention to detail. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate with influence with a broad range of audiences. An ability to work independently and as part of a small, high performing team. An ability to handle highly sensitive information in accordance with government security requirements. Sound judgement and critical thinking skills with an ability to identify and explain risk. About our Team Defence's three FOI Directorates sit within the Ministerial & Executive Coordination & Communication division and operates in a fast paced, exciting environment. Our three FOI Directorates work collaboratively to administer the FOI Act in Defence, including primary FOI application processing, reviews and providing practical and solution-focused advice on all aspects of FOI in a collaborative and supportive manner. Our FOI teams has a high performance culture. The successful candidate can expect to be challenged in their role and supported by an inclusive and considerate team and leadership group. The team assists FOI applicants on their rights and obligations in accordance with the FOI Act and provides specialised assistance and guidance to decision makers, coordination staff on FOI matters and manage all aspects of FOI reviews. Due to the nature of the work, there are opportunities to work closely with the Defence leadership, including members of the Senior Executive and members of the Australian Defence Force on a range of topics relevant to the FOI requests Defence receives. Our Ideal Candidate Our ideal candidate will be agile and adaptive, possess highly-developed written and verbal communication skills, comfortable communicating with Senior Executives and thrive in a complex environment. You will have well-developed analytical skills and acumen, coupled with a strong level of strategic awareness to recognise links between interconnected issues. You will work collaboratively and under limited direction to balance competing priorities, interpret legislation and policy; and provide high quality evidence-based advice to stakeholders and applicants within legislated timeframes. An understanding of Defence and its operations and interpreting and applying the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and guidelines or similar experience in an Information Access role will be considered favourable. If you are interested in knowing more about the role we encourage you to contact the Contact Officer for more information.