Position overview

The Senior FOI & Privacy Officer is a new role within the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), established to manage complex FOI requests and privacy matters under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) and relevant privacy legislation in a changing and evolving environment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and lawful access to government-held information while safeguarding sensitive data.

As the VBA transitions into the Building & Plumbing Commission, the Senior FOI & Privacy Officer will also navigate new and emerging documents that may become available for FOI-related searches, supporting the evolving regulatory framework.

Reporting to the Manager, Corporate Governance, this role requires specialist expertise in FOI and privacy principles, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to design and implement proactive and informal information release strategies. Additionally, the position will guide internal stakeholders through evolving processes, ensuring compliance in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

As a newly created role, this position presents a unique opportunity to shape FOI and privacy practices within the VBA. Through effective governance, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement, it will foster a culture of integrity, trust, and public confidence in regulatory processes.

What we are looking for:

• Extensive knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) and privacy legislation, including statutory obligations, professional standards and processes for proactive/informal release of information.
• Demonstrated experience as an FOI decision-maker within statutory timeframes on complex matters.
• Proven ability to navigate new territory and support team transitions while ensuring compliance.
• Previous experience in a similar role requiring interpretation of legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume tasks and complex data in deadline-driven environments, leveraging strong organizational and time management skills to ensure accurate reporting, maintain attention to detail, and support efficient decision-making.

About the organisation

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is the primary regulator of Victoria's building and plumbing industries, ensuring compliance with relevant laws that protect the Victorian community and promote confidence in the built environment. The VBA manages practitioner registration, monitors industry standards, and enforces compliance through inspections, investigations, and audits. It also supports industry professionals by providing guidance, education, and resources to uphold safety, durability, and sustainability in building and plumbing work. The VBA is committed to promoting accountability and continuous improvement, and plays a critical role in safeguarding Victoria's construction standards and ensuring quality outcomes for all Victorians.

VBA Commitment

We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We're hoping to find a broad range of experiences, and people from all backgrounds and communities to join us at the VBA.

We invite you to talk to us about any preferences or adjustments you may need to either our recruitment process or the role itself. If you identify as a person with disability, please let us know how we can provide additional support to your application. If this is you, please don't hesitate to get in touch via [email protected].

We value and encourage flexibility for all, and so we support all our roles to be worked flexibly in some way, including part-time, to support a diverse, adaptive, and high-performing workforce. We encourage you to discuss flexible work options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process.

How to apply

We require you to upload:

• a detailed copy of your resume
• A cover letter outlining your relevant experience and how you feel it aligns to the role.
• Include your licence as applicable

Important information

Only electronic applications submitted via careers.vic.gov.au will be accepted