Risk and Governance Advisor

Department of Education; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education in Victoria is seeking a Risk and Governance Advisor to apply FOI expertise, critical thinking and stakeholder skills to deliver fair, timely and transparent outcomes.

You will support the FOI Unit to process requests under the FOI Act, coordinate document searches, liaise with applicants and draft decisions in a timely and compliant manner.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FOI theory and practice.
• Experience in processing FOI requests in government contexts.
• Tertiary qualification in Legal or similar discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate document searches and manage FOI processes.
• Liaise with FOI applicants and respond to inquiries.
• Draft decisions under the FOI Act and assess documents for release.

Skills

FOI expertise

Stakeholder liaison

Critical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Legal discipline degree

Job description

Make a meaningful impact in government! Join our team as a Risk and Governance Advisor, applying your Freedom of Information (FOI) expertise, critical thinking and stakeholder skills to deliver fair, timely and transparent outcomes.

About the Role

This role will support the Department's FOI Unit to process requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).

The Freedom of Information Officer is responsible for:

• coordinating document searches
• liaising with FOI applicants
• making relevant enquiries, assessing documents for release and drafting decisions under the FOI Act

Employment type: Ongoing - Full time

Attributes

We are seeking a highly capable and adaptable professional to contribute to the delivery of high-quality outcomes in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong collaboration skills, sound critical thinking, and the ability to identify practical solutions to complex issues. They will bring an understanding of political and organisational context, well-developed interpersonal skills, and the capacity to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. This role requires confidence, sound judgement, and the ability to manage competing priorities while working both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of Freedom of Information theory and practice
• Experience in a government department or agency or similar context, with practical understanding and experience processing requests under the FOI Act
• Tertiary qualification in Legal or similar discipline will be highly regarded

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

About the Division

Freedom of Information (FOI) is located within the Assurance, Knowledge and Executive Services Division (the division). The division provides expert advice and support to the department through a range of portfolio, advisory and assurance services.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Kathy Maikousis, FOI Manager via email - ***************@education.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday, 25 October 2026