Assistant Director/Senior Review Advisor, Information Rights Division

The Information Rights Division (IRD) manages and resolves all externally generated FOI and privacy cases, from pre-intake enquiries to resolution. It is also responsible for the OAIC’s interactions with members of the community and for providing guidance, for example the OAIC’s public enquiries function.

The division is led by an Executive General Manager and has three branches which are overseen by an SES 1 General Manager:

• Intake, Eligibility and Guidance Branch, responsible for intake and triage function for all incoming regulatory case management matters, making decisions on extension of time applications under the FOI Act, providing guidance across all jurisdictions and complainant services
• FOI Case Management Branch, responsible for undertaking regulatory functions under the FOI Act, consideration of IC reviews, FOI complaints and vexatious applicant declarations
• Privacy Case Management Branch, responsible for managing privacy complaints through early resolution, consideration for conciliation, and investigation to resolution, including making determinations dismissing or substantiating a complaint.



Key expectations of an EL1 Assistant Director / Senior Review Advisers in the Information Rights Division:

• providing leadership, direction and support to staff working in a fast-paced, high workload environment
• overseeing the preparation of data reports, monitoring performance against KPIs and ensuring accuracy in decisions whilst meeting deadlines
• developing and implementing tools to guide effective, timely and lawful decision-making in a high-volume case management environment
• leading teams to prepare and finalise comprehensive, evidence-based and documented reasons for decisions in accordance with the statutory framework, the principles of administrative law, internal procedures and Commissioner priorities
• exercising delegations and judgement in accordance with the applicable statutory framework and the principles of administrative law
• leading teams to communicate with influence and effectively manage interactions with empathy, impartiality and respect
• working collaboratively with colleagues across the OAIC to deliver on the organisation’s priorities, support an integrated end-to-end regulatory model, and position the OAIC as a trusted regulator
• providing expert advice and developing and maintaining effective and productive relationships with APS agencies, industry and the private sector, and representing the OAIC in external forums  

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who enjoy leading a team, working independently, and who possess the following skills:

• Knowledge of the FOI Act and the Privacy Act, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge
• Experience in administrative law, decision-making and merits review
• Experience in complaint handling or broad experience managing an externally facing high performing team responsible for managing complaints to resolution
• Ability to provide impartial and forthright advice
• Leadership skills including a demonstrated ability to build capability and empower, guide and mentor a group of professionals
• Experience fostering a positive and collaborative culture
• Demonstrated management skills and experience, including the ability to manage shifting priorities
• Strong ability to interpret and apply legislation
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly with influence and to a range of audiences
• Demonstrated experience in effectively engaging with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of integrity and act in accordance with the APS Values and Code of Conduct at all times.

The Panel would look favourably on candidates who also have the following:

• Tertiary qualification in law or other relevant fields
• Experience managing a team delivering high volume and/or complex casework in a contested environment
• Experience in developing guidance
• Experience engaging with the community and diverse stakeholders
• Experience operating in a regulatory or casework environment with a legislative basis

For roles which involve investigations, you will need to hold a Certificate IV in Government Investigations (or higher) or be willing to obtain this qualification within 6 months of commencement.

• You must be able to obtain and maintain a minimum Baseline security clearance. For roles within the FOI Case Management Branch, you may need to obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 Security Clearance.

• Section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999 requires that APS employees must be Australian citizens.
• There are restrictions on employment of people who have, within the previous 12 months, accepted a redundancy benefit from an APS agency or a non-APS Commonwealth employer.
• For the duration of your employment with the OAIC you will be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance as outlined above and meet required background, identification and character checks.
• All duties are to be performed in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values and OAIC policies, including Workplace Diversity and Work Health and Safety. Under section 25 of the Public Service Act 1999 the OAIC may re-assign the duties of an employee from time to time.

How to Apply

1.      Please go to Join our team | OAIC and complete the application form found in the job pack as part of your submission.

2.      Please provide a maximum 1 A4 page statement of claim (one page pitch) addressing your interest, motivation and fit for the role. Your pitch should include the use of practical and professional examples as relevant to the role and the job specific capabilities, skills and experience outlined above.

3.      Please send your application form, CV (maximum 3 pages) and one page pitch as 3 separate documents attached to one email to: ****@oaic.gov.au

Please format your email subject line and name your application document(s) as follows:

First name Last Name - OAIC-2026-016 – EL1 Assistant Director/Senior Review Advisor IRD

The OAIC is seeking to fill actual and future vacancies across the Information Rights Division. A merit pool may be established from this process.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is an independent agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio. Our primary functions are privacy, freedom of information and government information policy. Our responsibilities include conducting investigations, reviewing decisions, handling complaints, and providing guidance and advice.