AddressGroup Manager Legal | Group Manager Legal | Privacy, FOI & Records Management | Business Improvement
The mission of the Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch (PFaRM) is to promote and champion Open-by-Design, Privacy-by-Design and effective information management practices, including record keeping. The Branch works across all areas of the Department to ensure information is handled as a key strategic and operational business asset and managed in accordance with legislative and business requirements to support accountable, effective evidence-based decisions. We deliver advice, frameworks and services that promote the legal, ethical, accountable and transparent use and disclosure of information and by doing so, support the broader mission of Home Affairs.
FOI Section - is responsible for processing FOI access and amendment requests on behalf of the Department. The Section processes all FOI requests in collaboration with business areas within the Department and Australian Border Force. The Section develops policies, procedures and makes business improvements to the FOI program to ensure that the Department complies with its obligations for accessing and publishing information. The Section is a central coordination point for the Department's engagement with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in relation to reviews of decisions and complaints under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
The Business Improvement Section - supports and develops whole-of-branch enterprise communications and information governance activities. The section manages projects to improve branch processes, systems and client engagement including the provision of client Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) file requests. For this role, candidates will be part of the newly appointed Tribunal File Release team managing direct access to file requests by clients seeking a merit review with the ART.
Our ideal candidate
The Department is looking for high-performing candidates who are committed to achieving results in a rapidly evolving environment. Our ideal candidates are flexible, resilient and highly motivated, have strong decision-making skills and are committed to providing high quality results.
To be successful in the Team Leader roles, our ideal candidates will be self-driven and demonstrate an ability to undertake the duties/responsibilities as outlined below. You must be able to positively contribute in a team environment, display integrity, high ethical standards, have good judgement, well developed written communication skills and careful attention to detail to make lawful decisions confidently and decisively, undertaking analysis and drawing accurate conclusions based on evidence. You will thrive working in a rapidly evolving and forward thinking environment, have highly developed organisational and communication skills, and be competent in use of computers and learning new systems.
Duties and responsibilities
As part of the FOI and Business Improvement teams, the Team Leaders will report to an Assistant Manager, and will contribute by leading a team of Processing Officers by providing training, coaching and day-to-day support with relevant HR, legislation and procedures. Our ideal candidates will be responsible for supervising and monitoring staff performances, manage workflows, undertake quality assurance checking and assist the Assistant Managers with complex, sensitive and urgent cases.
Frequent liaison with internal and external business areas to identify relevant documents and consult on proposed exemptions will be required, as well as engagement with individuals, other agencies and third parties in formal consultation processes.
The work is high volume and in a fast paced environment, and Team Leaders need to be flexible to respond to changing demands in workload.
Candidates applying for these roles would benefit from a sound knowledge of the FOI and Privacy Acts or the ability to quickly develop knowledge of the same, as they often provide advice to internal stakeholders on FOI matters.
Specific duties/responsibilities include the ability to:
Supervise a team of APS level 4 officers, building team capacity through training, coaching and performance feedback, and encouraging career development
Plan and achieve section work goals in accordance with established priorities, manage workflows, and undertake quality assurance to achieve agreed outputs
Take carriage of and follow policies and stand operating procedures to make decisions on requests that are complex, sensitive, or urgent nature
Interpret and apply legislation, guidelines and policy instructions to process requests and make high quality FOI access or amendment decisions
Communicate with applicants and liaise and consult with internal and external stakeholders including the ART
Assist with and undertake testing activities and reporting projects as required
Plan and action work allocations in accordance with established priorities and manage individual workflows
Communicate with applicants, liaise and consult with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the management of the FOI caseload
Achieve high-quality results within statutory timeframes, with excellent attention to detail
Be self-motivated, committed and possess strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
Organise work to meet deadlines, service standards and changing priorities
Practical and demonstrated experience in the use of systems (Adobe, MS Outlook, MS Teams etc) to support administrative tasks that are considered essential for success in this role
Strong commitment to the principles of Government transparency and accountability.
Additional information
Role requirements/qualifications:
• Good communications skills and the ability to clearly convey technical information to a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting legislation or the ability to quickly acquire the same
• The ability to work in a fast-paced service delivery environment and manage competing priorities
• Strong commitment to the principles of government transparency and accountability.
How to apply
Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 09/07/2024 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST – Late applications will not be accepted.
As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:
How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
You will be assessed on the three core capabilities Achieves results, Supports productive working relationships and Display personal drive and integrity.
Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 132553 in the document footer.
Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.
The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance and an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
Diversity and inclusion
The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Technical assistance
For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:
Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.
Notes
The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position.
The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.
Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.
