Information Access and Privacy Officer

About Us

Information Access & Privacy (IAP) Services is an integrated unit that provides access and privacy services to government departments. In addition to providing client departments with operational advice and guidance on access and privacy issues, the Unit also promotes a culture that supports openness and transparency.

About Our Opportunity

As the IAP Administrator, you are responsible for the administration of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act process, as well as other information access and privacy (IAP) processes, for the assigned client department(s).

Primary Accountabilities

Specifically, you’ll manage the processes as outlined in the Act, will make recommendations on FOIPOP applications and will represent the client department(s) on requests for reviews of departmental decisions by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Nova Scotia. You are also responsible for managing requests under departmental Routine Access policies, as well as facilitating pro-active disclosure where appropriate.

You will provide operational advice and guidance, including training and education, to client departments in matters regarding access and privacy and also promote a culture that supports openness and transparency. As a member of a corporate team, you contribute to the overall operations of the Unit and will keep abreast of current trends in other jurisdictions. You are committed to a work culture that supports other IAP team members to ensure cross training, skills development, and excellence in client service.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (i.e. Business, the Social Sciences, the Arts and Humanities, or studies related to Information Management) and at least two years of experience in a policy environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

You will have a sound knowledge of access and privacy legislation and a thorough working knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Privacy Review Officer Act (PROA),and the Personal Information International Disclosure Protection Act. Awareness of privacy processes, for example management of privacy breaches or complaints, is also needed in this position.  You will require an ability to research, analyze and synthesize the NS Information and Privacy Commissioner’s recommendations, those of Commissioners in other jurisdictions, as well as orders and decisions of the Courts on matters related to access and privacy.

You must be able to build relationships with applicants and staff in client departments, as well as negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts. A high level of diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality is required for this position, in addition to excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills.

Experience developing and delivering training will be considered an asset.

The following competencies are required: Conceptual Thinking, Strategic Orientation, Outcome Focus, Initiative, Effective Interactive Communication, Partnering & Relationship Building and Intercultural & Diversity Proficiency.

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

Equivalency

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

Benefits

The Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined BenDefined Benefit Pension Planefit 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: BeneBenefits for government employeesfits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Considerable amount of reading and concentration are required for this work along with a considerable requirement for accuracy and attention to detail in a high-volume environment.

Additional Information

We have one term opportunity available in Halifax with a projected end date of October 5, 2028. 

 This competition may be used to fill future IAP position should any become available in the next few months.

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.