We are seeking a Governance Officer to join our client who is a local government council in Western Australia. The ideal candidate will have Freedom of Information knowledge, Local Government experience and general administration with sound technical skills with Zoom and MS Office.

Position Objectives

* Facilitate Council Chamber meeting processes.

* Provide administrative and training support to Councillors

* Coordinate Freedom of information applications and processes

* Maintain Public Interest Disclosure documentation.

Duties & Responsibilities

Councillor Support

• Facilitate Council Meeting Livestream and remote attendance meeting processes.
• Provide administrative and training support to Councillors.
• Process and update Council Members' travel, conference and training bookings, and registers.
• Process and update Council Member meeting attendance fees, allowances, travel and expense claims, and registers as per Council Policy and legislation.
• Research and maintain Council Member Service records.
• Update and monitor customer relationship management system (CRM) as Council member requests are received.
• Provide support in completing CRMs in a timely and effective manner.
• Prepare status reports and updates for the Manager Governance and Councillor Support of Councillor requests.
• Assist with the Local Government Elections process as required.

Freedom of Information (FOI)/Public Interest Disclosure (PID)

• Initial contact for all FOI applications
• Assess the validity of the requests, investigate and obtain information from relevant Manager and respond within the required timeframes.
• Provide administrative support to the Public Interest Disclosure Officers as required.
• Ensure that statutory annual reporting to other legislative bodies is monitored and reported as required (e.g. Office of the Information Commissioner, Public Interest Disclosures)
• Manage and actively participate in the monitoring, review and updating of the City's corporate documents, including the Procedures Manuals, FOI Procedure, PID Procedures and Councillor's Induction Manual

Legal Support

• Provide administrative support to Legal Services, as required.

Customer Service

• Foster, advocate and implement the City's Customer Service Charter.
• Through the delivery of outstanding service, establish a reputation of customer service excellence throughout the organisation.
• Corporate Compliance
• Maintain safe and compliant work practices in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health legislation, Risk Management, Procurement and Recordkeeping Frameworks and all other relevant Council policies and procedures.
• Follow all standard/safe operating procedures for the work area, in a manner that is consistent with the OSH Roles and Responsibilities Framework

Requirements

Essential

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• Well-developed numeracy skills
• High level interpersonal and public relations skills
• Sound time management and organisational skills
• Ability to analyse information and implement appropriate action.
• Developed computer literacy, including keyboard skills
• Understanding of the legislative framework governing Local Governments in Western Australia
• Sound research and analytical skills
• Sound report writing skills
• Significant experience as a legal secretary or in legal administration
• Experience and accuracy in the preparation of legal responses

Desirable

• Certificate IV in Legal Services or similar

If you are interested in the role and possess the required skills and qualifications, please apply now!