Work at the cutting edge of privacy and data protection at Australia’s federal privacy regulator and contribute to the promotion, protection and development of privacy frameworks.

• Type of vacancy: Ongoing and Non-ongoing, Full-time or Part-time
• Classification: APS5 and APS6
• Location: The OAIC operates a hybrid work model with a combination of remote working and office attendance.  While some team members work from other locations within Australia, as this is a leadership role, with the majority of the team based in Sydney and some positions reporting to the role requiring onsite work attendance, the preferred position location is Sydney. Other locations will also be considered.

About the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Working with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) will put you at the forefront of data protection and access to information regulation. As an independent statutory agency, the OAIC’s work is of national significance and plays an important role in shaping Australia’s information handling landscape across the economy - from government, digital platforms and the online environment, to health, finance and telecommunications. We are an agency within the Attorney-General Department’s portfolio with responsibility for:

• privacy functions under the Privacy Act 1988 and other legislation
• freedom of information, in particular review of decisions made by agencies and ministers under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

About the Opportunity 

The Regulation and Strategy (R&S) Branch have a number of roles available for APS 5 & APS 6 Policy Advisers who are looking to make a real impact. We are looking for individuals who can apply their technical legal and strategic policy skills to promote and protect the privacy rights of Australians.

The work of our Policy Advisers is fundamental to delivery of strategic advice and guidance by the OAIC. Policy Advisers play an integral role supporting Assistant Directors, Directors and the Assistant Commissioners to deliver services to the Executive, staff of the OAIC, government, private sector and the community.

The work of the R&S Branch is unique and dynamic, influencing the privacy landscape across the economy, from government, digital platforms, digital identity, and cyber security, to health, banking, telecommunications and the Consumer Data Right.

Staff in the R&S Branch are responsible for providing strategic policy and legislative advice on privacy and information management initiatives including developing the OAIC’s positions on key policy and reform issues, undertaking research and analysis of emerging privacy issues, managing projects, liaising with stakeholders across government and the private sector and undertaking proactive regulatory activities in the form of assessments (previously known as audits).

The R&S Branch’s priorities for 2023/2024 include:

• leading the OAIC’s engagement in the Government’s review of the Privacy Act
• developing and implementing the privacy aspects of the Consumer Data Right system
• providing strategic policy and legislative advice, including developing guidance on privacy issues, examining and providing feedback on legislative and policy proposals, and providing advice to government agencies and organisations
• responsibility for the OAIC’s international engagement
• developing and delivering the OAIC privacy assessment’s program.

The OAIC is committed to diversity and inclusion. 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.

About The Role

The R&S Branch is led by two Assistant Commissioners and is divided into teams across a range of subject matters and specialist areas including Law Reform and Government, Systems and Security, Health and Technology and the Consumer Data Right. Each team is led by a Director.

Working closely with the Assistant Director and Director of the team and other senior staff, the APS 5 or APS 6 Policy Adviser works on a variety of matters and is responsible for:

• Policy analysis, research and advice – undertaking research, policy analysis and applying complex legislative frameworks to issues. The role involves providing policy advice (oral and written) and preparing submissions on a wide range legislative proposals that impact privacy (such as identity management, digital health, biometrics, credit reporting, cyber security initiatives and the Consumer Data Right).
• Secretariat and Governance support – providing secretariat support for key internal and external stakeholder forums and committees. This includes management of shared inboxes, preparing meeting agendas and documentation, coordinating briefing packs, writing minutes and supporting coordination of meetings. Strong project management, organisation, and time management skills to prioritise and meet deadlines are essential.
• Stakeholder engagement – liaising effectively with internal stakeholders and with external stakeholders, including government agencies, international counterparts, businesses and the community. Policy Advisers are required to have excellent stakeholder skills to maintain and build productive professional relationships.
• Communicating with influence – excellent written communication skills to develop and update advisory guidelines, resources for government, business and the community, code approvals and public interest determinations as required.

Successful candidates will be placed in teams having regard to particular skills and experience.

Job Specific Capabilities, Skills & Experience 

We are seeking applications from candidates with the following:

• experience in delivering policy and/or legal advice and / or strong regulatory experience
• a keen interest in privacy law
• excellent communication, research and analysis skills, and an ability to apply complex legislation and policy frameworks to issues
• high motivation and enthusiasm, and an ability to make a positive contribution to the culture of our team and support senior staff.

Applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds will be considered, with demonstrated skills and experience in legislative and policy development or legal practice being highly regarded.

Highly desirable:

• APS 5 Policy Adviser – 1-2 years professional experience whether gained in government, in-house or in a law firm
• APS 6 Policy Adviser – 2-3 years professional experience whether gained in government, in-house or in a law firm. 

Detailed Vacancy Information 

• For detailed information about these roles please refer to the downloadable job pack, available on the OAIC website, which can be accessed by clicking the apply button.
• The OAIC is committed to diversity and inclusion. 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.
• Selections for vacancies at the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner are based on merit.

How to Apply

• Visit the OAIC website by clicking the Apply Now link to review the download the candidate information pack.
• Please complete the application sheet (located within the candidate information pack) as part of your application.