Manager, Freedom of Information

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 Assistant General Counsel in this ongoing role, you will be responsible for:

- Managing the receipt and processing of requests for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) within strict timelines.
- Working collaboratively with lawyers in DTF legal in relation to FOI requests to address issues arising under the FOI Act.
- Managing the reporting of FOI activities across the Department and its agencies, including preparing weekly and ad hoc reports for DTF Senior Executives.
- Identify FOI issues and provide strategic and expert advice including analysing any necessary policy and procedural changes.
- Developing and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships both internally and externally relating to FOI and issues at peer and more senior levels.
- Researching, analysing and preparing content for inclusion in communication strategies and assist with other public affairs tasks as required.
- Managing FOI support officers, including providing leadership and mentoring on career development, performance planning and management, and general health and wellbeing support.
- Preparing and conducting FOI training across the Department.

About you
- Taking initiative in undertaking diverse and complex tasks in a sensitive and confidential area within tight timelines.
- Effectively communicating with the ability to draft, manage and produce high-quality materials while dealing with competing priorities under pressure of time.
- Working independently and as part of a team with the commitment and motivation to deliver high quality results and outcomes.
- The FOI areas of advising and influencing stakeholders and the ability to cultivate and leverage networks.

Experience and qualifications
- Background and experience in a public sector FOI environment is desirable.
- Experience providing advice and training.

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.