Specialist, FOI

Greater Western Water; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible on-site / WFH

Free onsite parking

16-week parental leave

Work Life Balance Days (eligibility)

Income protection insurance

Health insurance deals

Wellbeing, prayer, and sensory rooms

Job summary

Greater Western Water seeks a Specialist, FOI to lead end-to-end FOI responses with autonomy and expertise. You will provide advice, ensure compliance, and support privacy matters while contributing to community trust. You’ll work across teams to improve processes and templates.

This role focuses on statutory timeframes, exemptions, and complex requests, with opportunities to engage in FOI forums and training. A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable, and pre-employment checks apply.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and apply Freedom of Information legislation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within statutory timeframes.
• Strong written and verbal communication for complex matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end FOI requests including assessment and searches.
• Coordinate third-party and external stakeholder consultations for FOI matters.
• Oversee FOI administration, including FOI register maintenance.
• Provide expert advice on FOI exemptions and compliance requirements.
• Deliver FOI training and guidance to internal stakeholders.

Skills

Autonomous work

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Analytical thinking

FOI legislation interpretation

Education

Law or related discipline

Job description

GWW is a Victorian government owned water corporation that provides an essential service to some of the fastest-growing communities in Australia, stretching from Melbourne’s CBD to Lancefield in the north and Bacchus Marsh in the west. Click here to learn more

• We embrace flexibility and connection with a balance of on-site and WFH
• Free onsite parking (subject to availability)
• Gender neutral, 16-week parental leave available from commencement
• Eligible full-time employees may access additional Work Life Balance Days, subject to eligibility criteria, helping you prioritise wellbeing and flexibility.
• Free income protection and salary continuance insurance
• Access to corporate health insurance deals with major providers
• Wellbeing, prayer, and sensory rooms in the Footscray and Sunbury office

The opportunity

As Specialist, FOI, you will lead the end-to-end management of Freedom of Information requests, supporting Greater Western Water’s (GWW) commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will provide expert advice, exercise sound judgement in complex and sensitive matters, and ensure timely, high-quality and compliant outcomes. This is an opportunity to drive best practice, strengthen organisational capability, and make a meaningful contribution to community trust and confidence in GWW.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end FOI requests, including assessment, document searches and statutory compliance.
• Coordinate third-party and external stakeholder consultations for FOI matters.
• Oversee FOI administration, including maintenance of the FOI register.
• Provide expert advice on FOI legislation, exemptions and compliance requirements.
• Deliver FOI training and guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Support privacy-related matters and application of privacy legislation.
• Assist with FOI reviews and VCAT appeals, including external counsel engagement.
• Develop and maintain FOI templates, guidance and resources.
• Coordinate FOI reporting and manage OVIC complaints and inquiries.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and represent the organisation at government FOI forums.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment through regular on-site engagement.

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying Freedom of Information legislation, including managing FOI requests and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and exercise sound judgement in delivering outcomes within statutory timeframes.
• Strong analytical, stakeholder engagement and written communication skills, with the ability to manage sensitive and complex matters.
• Experience in legal research, compliance, governance or a related regulatory environment.
• Desirable - Relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, governance or a related discipline.

See yourself thrive

Our vision for GWW is Thriving People and Country. We aim to be as diverse as the communities we serve and are deeply committed to building a workplace where everybody thrives. We’re supportive, inclusive, and friendly, and value everyone for who they are and what they can bring.

We’re seeking applicants across all cultural backgrounds, genders, and abilities, and will make reasonable adjustments as required, so please talk to us about what you need.

The successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including reference checks, medical assessments, a national police check, and verification of working rights in Australia.

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