Assessment and Awareness Officer

About Us

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) (formerly known as the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Review Office) provides impartial oversight of compliance with the governing access and privacy legislation.  The OIPC delivers administrative justice to applicants by conducting investigations and mediations of complaints and reviews, issuing formal public reports, developing of educational materials and providing independent advice on access and privacy matters at the request of public bodies, municipalities and health information custodians.

About Our Opportunity

In handling all incoming contacts on behalf of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (Review Officer) (IPC), the Assessment & Awareness Officer conducts preliminary assessments when communicating with callers to determine if the complaint/inquiry/request is within the jurisdictional scope of the mandate of the IPC.

This position also promotes awareness, access and understanding of the role of the OIPC through the dissemination to information of stakeholders who contact the OIPC; by assisting in the logistics of presentations and training sessions and in some cases representing the OIPC at events; by preparing, proofing and disseminating Review Reports, Annual Reports, tools, press releases, correspondence, and notes drafted by the Commissioner and senior staff; by maintaining and monitoring website and social media accounts; and by developing and maintaining a network of collaborative working relationships with government organizations.

Working under the IPC, the Assessment & Awareness Officer provides senior level assistance and is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the OIPC; works independently, providing confidential secretarial and office administrative support to the IPC, and other OIPC staff; acts as back-up to the Intake Manager; and acts as the Records Analyst.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Assessment & Awareness Officer your key responsibilities are:

• Complaint resolution and research;
• Promoting awareness of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s role, function and responsibilities;
• Information and Privacy Commissioner support; and
• Office management and office administration.

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have the following skills and experience:

• Related university or college degree or diploma (e.g. law, public administration, business administration, law enforcement, information management)
• More than three years of experience in a legal, policy or research environment, or an acceptable equivalent combination of experience and training. 
• A working knowledge of legislation and regulations (federal, provincial and/or municipal) related to privacy and access and be able to use that knowledge to make competent, defensible decisions and plans. 
• The ability to present complex information in an accessible manner.
• Dealing with sometimes frustrated and upset individuals, employing strong conflict resolution skills to de-escalate situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a high degree of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy. 
• A proven ability to employ discretion and deal appropriately with confidential and secret documents. 
• Using critical thinking and problem solving to take initiative and identify opportunities to improve the way things are done.

The following would be considered an asset:

• Previous experience working in an independent oversight office.
• Experience working with the STAR/STOR or similar filing system.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

This is a TERM employment opportunity with anticipated end date of November 28, 2027.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A Dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus.