This high-profile department works across a varied remit aiming to deliver the Government’s climate change and energy agenda and protect Australia’s environment and resources. This is a great department to gain experience in and is looked upon positively by other APS employers. The Opportunity A short-term (6-month contract) opportunity is currently available with the Information Law Team of this large Commonwealth Government Department. Working in a small, but collaborative and high performing team, you will help clear a backlog of FOI requests and support surge workload, largely due to staff leave, as well as the fuel crisis. Work from either the Canberra, or Adelaide office – 3 days in office minimum Initial 6-month contract with potential extension options Immediate start The Role Working in a small team of 9 staff, you will report to the Director, covering a surge in workload, as well as some staff leave. With this contract covering a staff leave and surge work, it’s unknown whether an extension would be offered beyond the initial 6-month engagement. Therefore, it’s key you have demonstrated experience in FOI, case management or legislative compliance in the commonwealth or state government, to be considered for this role. Your duties will include: Responding to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests (including redacting documents, drafting decisions and providing timely and high-quality advice), ensuring strict statutory timeframes are met in line with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) Manage a case load of routine and moderately complex FOI requests and coordinate the department’s response to each request within strict timeframes Provide guidance to decision-makers and action officers on FOI process and legislation, including actively participating in meetings Prepare draft FOI documents, including correspondence and decisions Mentor junior staff in the team, including FOI Officers Prepare guidance and other training materials Contribute to the delivery of departmental training on FOI Communicating with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, providing prompt, efficient and personalised service, and Drafting briefs and reports for the Executive, ministerial briefings, committee papers and correspondence The Ideal Person Due to the short-term nature of this role, you must have demonstrated experience working in FOI, preferably with federal or state government. In addition, you will be well-versed in the relevant applicable legislation, specifically the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth). Reporting to the Director in a team of 9, you will need to be able to work effectively within a small team. You will need to apply sound judgement and know when to escalate issues, as well as work to progress requests. Whilst support will be provided by the team, you will need to work with minimal supervision in what is often a very fast-paced environment. We are seeking someone with: A high standard of attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines and manage their workload efficiently and effectively Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships and networks with both internal and external stakeholders An ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders to resolve matters in accordance with legislation and established procedures and guidelines Salary / Rate $70/hr - $90/hr 12% Super Canberra or Adelaide based role Flexible WFH arrangements (3 days in office, 2 days WFH) Baseline clearance required How to Apply To apply online, please click on the appropriate link. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Sarah Tamasi on 02 6108 4 quoting ref no. 21554 HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.
