Review Adviser, Freedom of Information - External Review and Investigations

Join the Australian Information Commissioner's Office as a Review Adviser, Freedom of Information

Work with purpose and make a difference in the lives of Australians by upholding and promoting Australia's privacy and freedom of information laws. The Australian Information Commissioner's Office (OAIC) is seeking highly motivated individuals to join our team as Review Advisers, Freedom of Information. As a Review Adviser, you will play a critical role in administering the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and contributing to the development of policy and office procedures.

About the Role

The Freedom of Information Branch works as a team to administer the Freedom of Information Act 1982 in a way that best assists members of the public to realise their rights under the Act to access information and best assists Commonwealth agencies and ministers to meet their obligations under the Act to provide access to information. As a Review Adviser, you will be responsible for:

• Working with parties to attempt to resolve Information Commissioner reviews or FOI complaints, including through early triage, intervention or through issuing of preliminary views to parties
• Preparing correspondence, briefs, notices and recommendations and making or drafting administrative decisions in relation to IC review applications or complaints under the FOI Act
• Providing written and oral advice on the application of the FOI Act and associated legislation, including preparing detailed correspondence, reports and other relevant documentation, and responding to FOI enquiries from agencies, Ministers and members of the public
• Contributing to the development of policy and office procedures
• Assisting with the development of FOI guidance
• Representing the OAIC at external meetings, conferences and forums

Key Responsibilities

The key duties of the position include:

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively by telephone, write clearly and deal with a diverse range of people
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and experience with drafting administrative review decisions and/or drafting legal advice
• Experience in managing a high-volume case load under limited direction
• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of, the FOI Act and experience in merits review/administrative law processes

Essential and Preferred Qualifications

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who enjoy working both independently and, in a team, are driven and outcomes focussed. The following qualifications and experience are essential:

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively by telephone, write clearly and deal with a diverse range of people
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and experience with drafting administrative review decisions and/or drafting legal advice
• Experience in managing a high-volume case load under limited direction
• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of, the FOI Act and experience in merits review/administrative law processes

Preferred qualifications and experience include:

• Experience in a similar role or industry
• Knowledge of Australian government policies and procedures
• Experience with case management and drafting of administrative decisions

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role, you will need to possess the following skills and competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to manage a high-volume case load under limited direction

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

The OAIC is committed to the professional development of its employees. As a Review Adviser, you will have access to:

• Professional development opportunities, including training and mentoring
• Career growth opportunities within the OAIC
• A supportive and collaborative work environment

Work Environment and Company Culture

The OAIC operates a hybrid work model with a combination of remote working and office attendance. We value face-to-face interaction and fostering connection between our people and with our stakeholders. Our office is located in the Sydney CBD, but we will consider candidate applications from all other locations within Australia.

The OAIC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and mature age people.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

The OAIC offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including:

• A competitive salary
• Superannuation and other benefits
• Annual leave and flexible work arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

How to Apply

If you are a motivated individual ready to contribute to a thriving team, we encourage you to apply now! Please visit the OAIC website to review the downloadable candidate information pack and complete the application sheet. Your application should include:

• A one-page pitch addressing your interest, motivation and fit for the role
• Your CV
• Contact details for two professional referees

Please send your application in a single email to [email protected] with your full name in the email subject field, along with the job reference number OAIC-2023-024.

Eligibility

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 the Negative Vetting Level 1 and meet required background, identification and character checks.

Conclusion

We are excited to review your application and invite you to join our team as a Review Adviser, Freedom of Information. If you are a motivated individual with excellent communication and analytical skills, and a passion for upholding and promoting Australia's privacy and freedom of information laws, we encourage you to apply now!