Freedom of Information Support Officer

About the opportunity

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Support Officer will contribute to the operational objectives of the Legal Services Branch by ensuring CASA fulfills its legislative responsibilities under the FOI Act.

The officer will assist in making decisions under the FOI Act and in responding to information access requests under other legal frameworks, such as the Archives Act 1995 and subpoenas.

The role requires strong communication, organisational, and client liaison skills, with the ability to manage conflicting deadlines and work effectively under pressure. The successful candidate will work independently or under limited supervision to deliver high-quality outcomes and may act as a back up to CASA’s FOI Officer when necessary.

The FOI Support Officer is responsible for the following deliverables:

• Day to day processing of requests under the FOI Act, ensuring compliance with prescribed timeframes (e.g. acknowledging new requests). Liaise with the FOI Officer and Advisory and Drafting Branch Manager on complex or sensitive issues.
• Engage with internal staff, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), and other stakeholders regarding FOI Act matters. Refer clients and stakeholders to the appropriate business area and contribute to resolving information release issues.
• Draft routine moderately complex decisions under the FOI Act and assist the FOI officer with complex decisions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date files and records, including using the Lex FOI software platform.
• Assist in ensuring CASA’s compliance with its information publication scheme and disclosure log obligations.
• With guidance, assist the FOI Officer in producing documents for courts and tribunals in response to subpoenas and notices to produce, including for Coroner’s representatives.
• Provide general support to the FOI Officer and the LIRA Division contributing to functions such as OAIC reporting and CASA’s Comcover insurance administration.
• Promote workplace safety, equity and diversity, including reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations peoples, and act in accordance with CASA values and behaviors.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate must demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the FOI Act, including the ability to manage compliance processes withing prescribed timeframes.
• Ability to make informed decisions under the FOI Act.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on routine matters, with limited direction, ensuring high-level attention to detail and adherence to established priorities and practices.
• Enthusiasm and ability to engage with complex tasks for continuous improvement and career development.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with CASA is subject to conditions prescribed within the Civil Aviation Act 1988.  The following eligibility requirements apply to this position:

• Must be an Australia citizen
• Undergo pre-employment screening including a Police Check
• Currently holds a Commonwealth security clearance to Baseline or have the ability to obtain and hold a clearance at this level.

Affirmative Measures

This vacancy is being advertised concurrently under a general and an affirmative measure recruitment process.

Affirmative measures is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people or people living with a disability, evidence will be requested if your application progresses under an affirmative measures process.

About us

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) primary function is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation civil air operations in Australia, Australian civil airspace and the operation of Australian aircraft overseas.

CASA is committed to having a flexible and inclusive workplace and recognises and values the diversity of the wider Australian community.

We encourage and welcome applications from people with Disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.

Culture and benefits

We value our people. CASA values social and cultural diversity and is committed to a safe workplace. We are committed to the attraction, recruitment and retention of Indigenous Australians and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

CASA is committed to attaining and retaining the highest quality of skilled professionals and providing a desirable work environment in which they can maximise their talent and potential. We provide rewarding careers, promote work-life balance and support professional and personal development.

Contact Officer for enquiries: Amy George, amy.george@casa.gov.au ,(02) 6217 1662

Closing Date for Applications: 11:30pm, AEDT Tuesday, 03 Decemebr 2024

For full details and information on the role please visit the Careers | Civil Aviation Safety Authority (casa.gov.au). Applications for all CASA vacancies must be submitted through the CASA e-Recruitment portal.

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