Freedom of Information Officer

Our client, an Energy Regulator in Perth CBD is currently seeking a Freedom of Information Officer join them for a 12-month contract.
The Legal and Governance Division undertakes a range of activities for the regulator and provides legal services to the Executive and business areas in relation to matters affecting the operations to ensure it meets its statutory and legal obligations.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer position will manage the preparation and delivery of responses to FOI applications.

• Assessing and processing complex and/or sensitive Freedom of Information requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act).
• Drafting FOI decisions for release utilising appropriate legislation and relevant policies and acting as the authorised officer for decisions made under the FOI Act.
• assisting decision-makers regarding internal review FOI applications.
• engaging with internal and external stakeholders on complex and/or sensitive FOI issues demonstrating tact and professional judgement.
• preparing and reviewing FOI requests and acting as the point of contact for all FOI enquiries including co-ordination of information and negotiating over the release of documents.
• providing internal and external reporting in relation to FOI, including responsibility for compliance with statutory and other reporting requirements to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
• Assisting with the development of training material and delivering training to staff on the provisions of and obligations under the FOI Act.
• managing external legal service providers for reviews made to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
• providing input into the review, drafting and implementation of amending legislation and updating policies and procedures and any other relevant guidance material as necessary.
• Providing assistance and support within the Legal and Governance Directorate as directed.
• Complying with business policies and processes including financial, communication, information and human resources practices, and the Australian Public Service Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles.

Key Skills and Experience Required:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the processing of FOI requests, including making FOI decisions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of administrative law and legislative and compliance requirements with the ability to interpret Acts, legislation and regulations to support the provision of preparation and release of information.
• Highly developed research, conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to prioritise and effectively manage workflow and meet deadlines and problem solve.
• Strong written, oral communication, negotiation and influencing skills together with good organisation skills and ability to communicate and collaborate and cultivate productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders whilst maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Hold appropriate relevant qualification and / or demonstrated experience in a similar role in government or relevant environment. 
• This position is open to Australian citizens only.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.