Principal Advisor, Freedom Of Information

Description:

About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
About the Division
The Assurance, Knowledge and Executive Services division provides expert advice and support to the department through a range of portfolio, advisory and assurance services. The division also provides support to the department's executives and ministers and the Office of the Secretary (OOS) and manages all Cabinet and Parliament processes.
About the Role
The Principal Advisor - Freedom Information reports to the Manager of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit. The role will support the FOI Manager and Team Leader Topical, with the delivery of timely FOI services to applicants; in conjunction with supporting management and the team to process complex requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
The incumbent will provide specialist advice, support and guidance to the other FOI Officers in the team, when required, including advice to internal stakeholders and may oversee FOI appeals to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Will be required to prepare documentation and submissions for reviews and complaints to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner when requested by the FOI Manager.
The Principal Advisor - FOI will build relationships with a range of stakeholders, support and promote the release of documents and making decisions under the FOI Act. They will apply their skills in other related contexts such as reviews and complaints before the Victorian Information Commissioner.
Job share will be considered for this role.
Attributes
To be successful in this role you will have:
* extensive hands on experience and working knowledge of the FOI Act in processing complex FOI requests in within Government Department environments;
* to process requests and make FOI decisions in accordance with the legislative requirements of the FOI Act and Professional Standards;
* the ability to operate with an increased level of autonomy and accountability and within a team environment;
* to be able to provide professional and timely advice on a wide range of FOI related matters;
* excellent time management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively;
* the ability to manage stakeholders through effective negotiation and influence;
* exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
This role requires a minimum of two years FOI experience at the senior level with extensive experience in processing complex FOI requests, developing Briefing Notes for Ministers and preparing submissions to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).
Having a customer focused attitude within a dynamic environment with competing and changing priorities.
Experience in a government department or agency and working in a team environment is mandatory.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience relevant to this role (no more than two pages).
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Monica Barnes via monica.barnes@education.vic.gov.au.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 3 April 2025.