APS6, Senior Privacy & FOI Officer
About AFSA
The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) supports confidence in Australia's personal insolvency and personal property securities systems through regulation, service delivery and stewardship. AFSA is a modern national regulator committed to delivering trusted outcomes for government, business and the Australian community.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join AFSA Legal as a Senior Privacy & FOI Officer, where you will play a key role in supporting the agency's commitment to transparency, accountability and the responsible management of information. Working under the general direction of the Assistant Director, Information Management Unit, you will manage complex and sensitive privacy and FOI matters that contribute directly to AFSA's legislative compliance, reputation and service delivery outcomes.
You will work closely with stakeholders across the agency to provide specialist advice, resolve complex issues and support compliance with privacy and information access obligations. In doing so, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of AFSA's privacy and information management practices and help maintain public confidence in the agency's regulatory and service delivery functions.
Key accountabilities
As the Senior Privacy & FOI Officer, you will:
- Manage a complex caseload of Freedom of Information requests, privacy complaints, privacy incidents and data breaches, ensuring matters are assessed and resolved in accordance with legislative and policy requirements.
- Interpret and apply the Privacy Act 1988, Freedom of Information Act 1982 and associated legislation to support lawful, timely and consistent decision-making.
- Provide strategic, risk-based and practical advice on privacy, FOI and information management matters to decision-makers and stakeholders across the agency.
- Build productive relationships and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the resolution of sensitive and complex matters.
- Prepare high-quality briefs, investigation reports, decisions, submissions and correspondence on complex privacy and FOI matters.
- Identify and manage privacy, FOI and information management risks, and contribute to strategies that strengthen compliance and governance outcomes.
- Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of privacy, FOI and information governance frameworks, policies, procedures and guidance materials.
- Support organisational capability by providing advice, guidance and education to stakeholders on privacy, FOI and information management obligations.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory and policy developments and advise on their implications for AFSA's operations and practices.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reporting, compliance monitoring and continuous improvement activities.
All duties will be performed in accordance with:
- the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles
- WHS obligations, taking responsibility for own health and safety and that of others
- AFSA’s risk management framework and relevant legislation, including guiding others to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks.
Our ideal candidate
Engages people to build productive working relationships
- Acts with honesty, integrity and respect in dealings with others.
- Is willing and able to understand others' perspectives.
- Sets and manages expectations to achieve positive outcomes.
Uses information to make evidence-based decisions
- Researches, identifies and integrates relevant evidence towards finding solutions to the problem.
- Provides unbiased, comprehensive and accurate advice to others.
- Uses past experience and organisational/environmental awareness to analyse what information is important and how it should be used in the decision-making process.
Sustains a user-focused approach to deliver better services
- Gains an authentic understanding of a person's experience and needs through collaboration and curiosity.
- Uses and shares this understanding to inform collaborative service offering.
- Embraces ambiguity and is curious, works with users to identify a solution which provides value.
Communicates simply and clearly
- Communicates clearly in plain English, without using jargon.
- Demonstrates an ability to convey a message succinctly and with empathy, regardless of medium (written, verbal, digital).
- Understands the target audience, and tailors' message in a way that appeals to them.
Engages proactively with risk
- Ensures compliance with all legislative and policy requirements to mitigate risk.
- Challenges assumptions and explores possibilities to take calculated risks.
- Consistently demonstrates a proactive and responsible attitude towards the identification and management of risk.
Qualifications and experience
Desirable
- Demonstrated understanding of the Privacy Act 1988 and Freedom of Information Act 1982.
- Understanding of Commonwealth Legislative framework, including Legal Services Directions 2025 and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
- Degree in law from an Australia tertiary institution or comparable qualification, including candidates currently undertaking such studies.
Working arrangements
AFSA supports flexible ways of working and is committed to helping employees balance their work and personal commitments. Flexible, hybrid, part-time and job-share arrangements may be available, subject to operational requirements.
Why join AFSA?
At AFSA, you'll contribute to meaningful work that supports Australians while developing your skills in a collaborative and inclusive environment. AFSA values its people and offers:
- 15.4% employer superannuation contribution
- Flexible working arrangements
- Hybrid and remote work options where operationally appropriate
- Competitive salary and conditions under the Enterprise Agreement
- Paid Christmas and New Year shutdown
- Generous leave provisions
- Learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- A supportive, inclusive and respectful workplace culture
AFSA is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment with AFSA, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen
- Successfully complete police record and identity checks
- Obtain and maintain the required security clearance
- Meet any probationary requirements applicable to the role
Security clearance: Baseline
How to Apply
Applications close: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 11:59 PM AEDT.
To apply, select Apply and follow the instructions in the AFSA recruitment portal.
You are required to submit:
- a current resume; and
- a cover letter (maximum 750 words words)
Your application should demonstrate how your skills, experience and achievements align with the requirements of the role.
For information about working at AFSA and preparing your application, visit:
Applications exceeding these limits will only be assessed up to the page and word limits specified.
Reasonable adjustments
AFSA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process to support equitable participation.
For assistance, contact PeopleConnect@afsa.gov.au.