Job Opportunities in Australia

• $115,899 - $130,733 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies) + up to 15.4% Superannuation
• Russell - ACT

The Role
As EL 1 Assistant Director within the Freedom of Information (FOI) case management, or FOI Review teams, you will work with considerable independence, and be accountable to perform and achieve complex management and coordination of FOI requests, or Review matters as part of a high-profile team, working directly with senior stakeholders across Defence and the Commonwealth.

The FOI Case Management teams are the central point of coordination and advice to senior Defence FOI decision makers on the application of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). The FOI Review team is the central point of coordination and advice across Defence, in response to FOI merit review processes; including external review matters initiated by applicants with the FOI regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commission, and litigated matters. Across these roles, you will lead on a variety of complex, topical FOI requests working closely with senior subject-matter experts, and deepening your knowledge of Defence and government priorities.

As an Assistant Director within the FOI teams, you will possess, or be able to quickly develop extensive knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks, government decision-making and Defence’s mission and policy requirements.

Assistant Directors within the FOI teams perform an important leadership role. You will be responsible for supporting senior decision-makers to develop case-management strategies, based on high level decision making and judgement, for both your own matters, and those of your direct reports. You will provide strategic FOI advice to senior management and stakeholders across all Groups and Services. Depending on which team you work to, you will also lead on the development of administrative decisions, submissions, or litigation strategy and development of evidence.

Your daily tasks can be expected to incorporate:

• Autonomy to lead on a broad, complex portfolio including public-facing FOI matters;
• Mentorship and strategic guidance to junior staff members;
• Direct engagement with FOI applicants (including members of the public, media and parliamentarians);
• Direct engagement with senior decision-makers across Defence, and the Commonwealth, on issues of public importance;
• Leading on FOI consultations as the public face of the Department, including with private sector, and key stakeholders across the Commonwealth;
• Providing trusted, knowledgeable advice on the interpretation and application of the FOI Act and other relevant legislation;
• Drafting of complex administrative decisions, submissions or evidence;
• Assessment and preparation of sensitive material for potential disclosure under the FOI Act;
• Develop a strong understanding of Defence and government priorities; and
• Train and support colleagues across Defence to develop their knowledge of the FOI Act.

The Assistant Director FOI will ideally have, or be able to quickly develop extensive knowledge relating to the application of the FOI Act, and the methodology, systems and procedures within Defence and have the ability to translate this into efficient, well-coordinated and quality outcomes. They will initiate, establish and maintain strong relationships with a network of stakeholders internally and externally, for the benefit of delivering well-developed decisions.

About our Team
The FOI Directorate is within the Ministerial & Executive Coordination & Communication division and operates in a fast paced, exciting environment. The FOI team is a small and collaborative group who are responsible for administrating the FOI Act in Defence, this includes processing, reviews and providing practical and solution-focused advice on all aspects of FOI in a collaborative and supportive manner.

The FOI team has a demonstrated high performing 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
You will demonstrate some, or all of the following characteristics:

• Have strong analytical, research skills and an ability to interpret and apply legislation, specifically the Freedom of Information Act 1982, in a logical manner.
• Experienced with stakeholder management, comfortable engaging and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders while building and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships.
• Have a positive and inclusive approach to working as part of a team in a large and complex organisation.
• A leader with experience developing individuals, you are comfortable providing coaching and mentoring your team.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment, and maintain an ability to consistently deliver outcomes under pressure and statutory timeframes.
• Experience working with significant autonomy, ideally within coordination or case management roles, to prioritise and deliver multiple complex tasks within difficult timeframes.
• You enjoy making things happen and learning as part of what you do.
• Strong leadership skills, the ability to plan, lead, and manage resources and achieve strategic outcomes. Effective people management skills are essential.