Senior Freedom of Information Officer

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time; Temporary Full time for a period of 24 months

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 07 ($113,563.00 - $121,628.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 13689

This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and create a merit pool for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down 
• 4 extra mandatory leave rest days per year 
• 18 days of paid personal leave per year
• Generous superannuation of 15.4%
• 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (after 12 months of service) + an additional 36 weeks of maternity leave without pay
• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangement that provides work/life balance
• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention
• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified, professional, enthusiastic and committed Freedom of Information (FOI) practitioners wishing to be considered for the role of Senior FOI Officer (Band 7) in the FOI Team, as part of the Commercial, Governance and Information Law Team (CG&I).

Freedom of Information Team

The FOI Team advises and manages requests for access to documents, and correction of information, as applicable, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) and the Archives Act 1983 (Archives Act). 

As a valued member of the Team, this includes:

• Assessing, processing and being the FOI case officer, quality assurance officer and decision maker on requests made in accordance with the provisions of the FOI Act, Privacy Act and Archives Act.
• Providing assistance and being a decision-maker in relation to internal review decisions.
• Responding to external merits review by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
• Mentoring and providing guidance to members of the FOI Team.
• Supporting the FOI Team Leader with FOI requests, audits, governance and reporting.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to assist with the processing of requests.
• Ensuring the AFP’s compliance with the Information Publication Scheme (IPS).
• Internal and external reporting, including responsibility for the AFP’s compliance with statutory reporting requirements to the OAIC.
• Developing and delivering training to the AFP on the provisions of and obligations under the FOI Act, Privacy Act and Archives Act.

You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. 

What will you do?

The Senior FOI Officer in the FOI Team provides timely and accurate processing of complex and significant requests made in accordance with the FOI Act, Privacy Act and Archives Act. This work includes:

• Processing all FOI requests including complex, significant and/or sensitive requests, Privacy and Archives Act requests
• Reviewing and providing quality assurance on routine and significant requests on behalf of other FOI team members
• Overseeing mechanisms for agency-wide compliance with the AFP’s IPS and managing the AFP’s IPS content on the AFP website
• Making decisions under the FOI Act and Privacy Act as an authorised decision-maker
• Assisting, processing and making decisions in relation to internal review decisions, and, as necessary, assisting with submissions to the OAIC for review including engaging with applicants to participate in conciliation outcomes of IC reviews
• Assisting the FOI Team Leader and Deputy General Counsel CG&I to brief and advise the AFP Executive on complex or significant matters 
• Assisting with the development and delivery of training to the AFP 
• Contributing to the improvement of FOI practices which includes engaging with internal stakeholders, value-add to existing precedents and contribute towards ongoing FIO improvements
• Drafting and preparing internal and external reporting

This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant legal practice that has a diverse and exciting range of work and internal clients. The AFP is committed to the development of its employees, and the maintenance of a supportive and flexible working environment. The AFP also provides a generous remuneration package, including six weeks of annual leave per year, four mandatory rest days per year, Christmas/New Year stand-down leave, access to flex-time arrangements, and 15.4% superannuation payments.

Required Capabilities

The Senior FOI Officer is expected to demonstrate:

• Advanced technical knowledge and experience in the application of the FOI Act, Privacy Act and Archives Act provisions (including exemptions) in processing of significant and complex requests.
• The ability to mentor, guide and train less senior and less experienced FOI officers and AFP team members.
• The ability to deal with more complex matters with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and meet statutory deadlines.
• The ability to focus and work in a busy team environment, demonstrating initiative and resilience.
• Strong communication skills.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• A professional approach and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a high performing team. 

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian citizen at the time of application
• A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Recent and relevant technical knowledge in the application of the Commonwealth freedom of information and privacy legislation, and experience in processing requests made under those schemes
• Experience working in an enforcement or national security environment.

Additional Information

• This role is located in Canberra and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra 

Selection Criteria

• Achieve results
• Communicates with influence
• Contributes to strategic thinking
• Cultivates productive working relationships
• Shows personal drive and integrity
• Technical knowledge and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.
• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.
• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.
• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.
• Proof of a minimum of two COVID-19 vaccinations (or one dose if the Janssen vaccine was used) will be required if an offer of employment is made. 
• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.  

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be invited to a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for you interview.  

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer - Casey Auld,

Contact Officer Phone: (02) 5126 7664, ​

Contact Officer Email: Casey.Auld@afp.gov.au

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEDT) 22/10/2024

To view other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au