Foi Officer

About us
The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.
DTF Legal
The role is situated within DTF Legal. DTF Legal provides internal legal and advisory services to the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the DTF Secretary and board, and other DTF business units. The team advises on the full spectrum of issues faced by our stakeholders.
Our work includes providing advice on the delivery of State significant social and economic infrastructure and commercial projects (for example, the West Gate Tunnel project, the $2bn commercialisation of Land Use Victoria; Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage, the $9bn lease of the Port of Melbourne); Victoria's financial management framework (including the delivery of the annual State Budget); as well as public policy and administrative law matters and managing litigation and disputes (including in relation to employment, freedom of information and contractual issues).
About the role
Reporting to the Manager, FOI in this ongoing role, you will be responsible for handling FOI requests from receipt to the decision-making process, policy and processes issues and review and appeals processes. Key accountabilities include:

- Under the supervision of the Manager, FOI, coordinating and managing the receipt and processing of requests for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
- Drafting correspondence, recommendations and high-quality decisions under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
- Providing strategic and expert advice on all FOI requests to the Department and portfolio agencies.
- Monitoring and reporting on FOI activities across the Department and its agencies.
- Developing, enhancing and maintaining systems, policies and procedures for the effective delivery of FOI services.
- Initiating and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships with departmental staff, Ministerial offices, portfolio agencies, regulatory bodies and other government departments.
- Consulting and negotiating with key stakeholders to gain cooperation and resolve complex issues to meet statutory timeframes for delivery of services.
- Performing other related duties as required.

About you
- Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (and/or experience in governance, compliance or administrative law, including practical knowledge of government decision-making processes).
- Producing high-quality work under pressure and manage competing deadlines in a sensitive and dynamic environment.
- Advanced interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to liaise and negotiate effectively on complex and sensitive issues.
- Well-developed analytical skills, a proven ability to make sound decisions and provide strategic advice within the context of relevant legislation, policy or administrative practice.
- Establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with team members and internal and external stakeholders, and to work independently and with initiative.

About our culture
We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.
The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.
How to apply
Covid-19 Vaccination DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated.