Adviser, Regulationand Strategy

(Ongoing and non-ongoing positions)

Applicant Information

Thank you for your inquiry about working in the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). This document has been prepared to help you apply for these positions. The OAIC expects to fill one or more positions. An order of merit may be created and may be used to fill subsequent positions. Any further job specific information required should be sought from the contact officer Mr Andrew Solomon, Director on (02) 9284 9708.

About the OAIC

The OAIC is a statutory agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio.

The establishment of the OAIC in November 2010 was a significant measure in implementing the Government’s Freedom of Information (FOI) reforms, promoting a pro-disclosure culture across the Government and building a strong foundation for more openness in Government. It brought together the functions of information policy, privacy protection and FOI into the same agency for the first time to ensure the development of a consistent workable information policy across all Australian Government agencies.

The Information Commissioner Professor John McMillan is head of the OAIC and is supported by two other statutory officers the Freedom of Information Commissioner, Dr James Popple and the Privacy Commissioner, Mr Timothy Pilgrim. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner was integrated into the OAIC upon its inception.

Adviser, Regulation and Strategy

Advisers in the Regulation and Strategy Branch deliver a broad range of strategic policy and regulatory functions under the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, Freedom Of Information Act 1982 and Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010. This is a unique environment in which the OAIC engages closely with both the public and private sectors.

The Adviser is a highly motivated team player with the following attributes:

  • ability to provide high quality policy and regulatory advice
  • high level analytical and conceptual skills
  • an interest in and understanding of new and emerging technologies
  • excellent communication skills
  • strong organisational and project management skills
  • the ability to turn ideas into action, and
  • a keen eye for detail.

The Adviser, Regulation and Strategy will support Assistant Directors, Directors and the Assistant Commissioner of the Regulation and Strategy Branch to deliver services to the three Commissioners, staff of the OAIC, government and the private sector.

Eligibility

Applicants must be Australian citizens, or be eligible for citizenship.

Relevant qualifications/experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly desirable: public policy, proactive regulation, information technology.

Position Location

The positions can be located in either Sydney or Canberra.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the OAIC’s Enterprise Agreement which can be found here:

General Information

Please read the information for job applicantson the OAIC website, which provides general information on applying for these positions. In that material you will find information about eligibility, the selection process, how to prepare a statement of claims and the Applicant Details form. Any further information required should be sought from the contact officer.

Applications should consist of the following:

  • One page covering letter
  • Resume or CV
  • A statement against the selection criteria.
  • Applicant Details Form (.doc)(.pdf).

Applications should be submitted by COB Monday 14 October 2013.

Please note that the Australian Human Rights Commission administers the recruitment function for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Please send your application to:

or

The Human Resources Officer
C/- Australian Human Rights Commission
GPO Box 5218
Sydney NSW 2000

or

by fax to: 02 9284 9611

Selection Results

You will be advised of the outcome of the process by letter or email.

Title:Adviser

Classification: APS 6

Branch: Regulation and Strategy

Location: Sydney / Canberra

Supervisor: Assistant Director, Regulation and Strategy

The Role

The Adviser, Regulation and Strategy will be responsible for helping to promote a pro-disclosure culture across the Government and building a strong foundation for more openness in Government as well as protecting personal information in both the public and private sectors.

The position is located in the Regulation and Strategy Branch. The Branch delivers the strategic policy and proactive regulatory activities of the OAIC.

Strategic policy work includes developing guidanceon information policy, freedom of information (FOI)and privacyas well asexamining legislative proposals. Significantly, recent amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) requires the Branch to produce a range of binding and non-binding guidance, rules and other instruments. The Branch also provides privacy policy advice under memorandum of understanding arrangements with government departments, currently including with the Department of Health and Ageing in relation to the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records Act 2012 and the Healthcare Identifiers Act 2010, and works with the private sector to ensure compliance particularly in the area of new technologies and legislative reform.

Proactive regulatory work includes conducting audits of government agencies and the private sector, conducting own motion investigations, providing advice on data breach notifications and preparing legislative instruments including Public Interest Determinations.

Duties

(The specific duties will be dependent on the allocated team)

(1)Deliver high quality strategic policy and regulatory services to the Australian Information Commissioner, the Privacy Commissioner, Freedom of Information Commissioner, staff of the OAIC, government agencies and private sector organisations on information policy, freedom of information and privacy issues.

(2)Prepare guidance on information policy, FOI and privacy, and legislative instruments for issue by the relevant Commissioner.

(3)Analyse proposed regulatory initiatives and enactments to maximise disclosure of information while minimising any adverse effects on the privacy of individuals.

(4)Conduct audits, own motion investigations and provide advice to government agencies and the private sector.

(5)Undertake complex policy and regulatory analysis and research, external and internal consultation and employ sound project management.

(6)Promote awareness and understanding of privacy and FOI legislative requirements and assist agencies and organisations with their legislative obligations

(7)Build sustainable and productive professional relationships with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

(8)Other duties, consistent with above, as directed.

Notes

These duties are to be performed in accordance with the OAIC’s policies including the APS Code of Conduct and Values, Workplace Diversity and Work Health and Safety.

Note that the successful candidate may be required to undergo a security assessment.

Under section 25 of the Public Service Act 1999 the OAIC may re-assign the duties of an employee from time to time.

Selection Criteria

There are five core criteria for employment at APS 6 level, as listed below. With each criterion, there is a list of related capabilities set out for your reference. These capabilities are indicative of the criteria and it is not intended that applications and assessments should address each and every capability. For more information regarding the core selection criteria, please see the Australian Public Service Commission website at

You should frame your application against the selection criteria outlined below, taking into consideration the duties of the position as well as the capabilities.

Coreselectioncriteria

1.Supports strategic direction

Relevant capabilities:

  • Supports shared purpose and direction
  • Thinks strategically
  • Harnesses information and opportunities
  • Shows judgement, intelligence and commonsense

2.Achieves Results

Relevant capabilities:

  • Identifies and uses resource wisely
  • Applies and builds professional expertise
  • Responds positively to change
  • Takes responsibility for managing work projects to achieve results

3.Supports Productive Working Relationships

Relevant capabilities:

  • Nurtures internal and external relationships
  • Listens to, understands and recognises the needs of others
  • Values individual differences and diversity
  • Shares learning and supports others

4.Displays Personal Drive and Integrity

Relevant capabilities:

  • Demonstrates public service professionalism and probity
  • Engages with risk and shows personal courage
  • Commits to action
  • Promotes and adopts a positive and balanced approach to work
  • Demonstrates self awareness and a commitment to personal development

5.Communicates with Influence

Relevant capabilities:

  • Communicates clearly
  • Listens, understands and adapts to audience
  • Negotiates confidently

Jobspecificcriterion

6.Knowledge, experience or understanding of information policy, FOI and privacy legislation, and new and emerging technologies or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.

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