About the Branch The Legal Services and Governance Branch supports the operations of the Clean Energy Regulator through the provision of in-house services: legal advice secretariat support for governance committees (including the Board) Freedom of Information, privacy and disclosure risk, and internal fraud. We provide independent and objective risk and audit assurance and advisory services that seek to provide confidence in the ability of the agency's people, processes, and systems to deliver on its objectives. This includes the development and maintenance of operational risk and governance frameworks, advice and assurance activities (including the annual internal audit work program), that support the agency's approach to good governance and, risk management. We assist the Regulator Board and key agency governance committees to effectively function and contribute to the agency's reputation as a trusted, relevant and expert institution through the management of a suite of conformance obligations. Our overarching purpose is to ensure that the agency has the information it requires, when it requires it, to make robust decisions. Key functions of the Branch include: drafting and/or clearing legal documents managing compliance with FOI, privacy and Ombudsman obligations coordinating the conduct of administrative, civil and criminal litigation coordinating the internal review and complaints management processes overseeing the agency governance framework, including managing all strategic and key accountable business committees delivering co-ordinated input into amendments to existing legislation, and ensuring effective regulatory reform. About the Section The Secretariat and Disclosure Section supports our decision makers by ensuring that they have the information they need to make good, transparent decisions and achieve the right outcomes as efficiently and effectively as they can. We support the Regulator and the agency including through: assisting the Regulator Board and key governance committees to effectively function publishing information on the structure and operation of the agency's governance framework managing processes for complaints handling, reviewing internal statutory decisions, and ensuring compliance with obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 , Privacy Act 1988 , and Commonwealth Ombudsman schemes advising business areas, including data stewards and data custodians, on appropriate mechanisms for the lawful disclosure of the Regulator's protected information, and liaising with the Office of Best Practice Regulation in relation to Regulatory Impact Statement requirements. The section's role is evolving to meet the needs and resourcing requirements of the agency and its officers will be expected to exercise good judgement in everything they do - understanding that process, lateral vision ('joining the dots'), and good judgement (including the active management of issues and support of decision makers) are all essential to ensuring the CER makes the best possible decisions. The key duties of the position include Under limited direction, the APS Level 6 Senior Regulatory Officer will be expected to: Manage delivery of the Freedom of information (FOI) and/or privacy functions, including high-quality administrative support, tracking and reporting on legislative deadlines for matters. Build and nurture positive, client-focused, relationships with FOI decision makers and other areas of the agency, ensuring they are supported to meet legislative, policy and process requirements. Provide accurate and timely correspondence and advice on FOI and/or privacy matters, anticipate problems and contribute to issues management. Propose and facilitate innovation and continuous improvement to develop and review processes and procedures with a view to streamline and enhance the FOI and/or privacy functions. Support the section manager and senior executive to monitor and report on section functions. Maintain all records in accordance with legislation, agency policy, section practice and procedures. Support delivery of other section functions, in particular disclosure support, complaints handling and internal decision review, including supervision in a small team, if workload or capacity constraints require. Qualifications/Experience Experience working in FOI and/or privacy. Highly developed written communication skills with a focus on accuracy, attention to detail and meeting audience needs. Strong verbal communication, stakeholder engagement and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and apply problem-solving skills. Ability to work under limited supervision in a fast-paced environment. Experience working with and interpreting legislation. Relevant tertiary qualifications are desirable.
