Freedom of Information Administrator

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us? 

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.  

Who we are 

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

 

The Opportunity

As a Freedom of Information Administrator, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the public has a right of access to records and information held by the IESO, which promotes accountability, transparency, public participation and protect the privacy rights of individuals. You will assist the Freedom of Information (FOI) Coordinator in processing and responding to FOI requests in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). You will be able to showcase your strong analytical and communication skills and collaborate with multiple internal and external parties regarding FOI requests. You will also be involved with the development, implementation, and maintenance of FOI systems and repositories as required.

What you’ll do

• Process complex and sensitive requests made under FIPPA. This includes providing a broad range of analytical services in the review of responsive records to FOI requests.
• Review confidential/sensitive documents with a high level of accuracy for relevancy. 
• Analyze and apply applicable FIPPA exemptions to the relevant records. 
• Assist with drafting the recommendations regarding the interpretation and application of the FIPPA, and Procedural Orders of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) to internal staff and various third parties. 
• Facilitate and analyze the exchange of information between IESO departments. This includes identifying relevant business units and personnel for developing the FOI request responses and interviewing appropriate staff to determine record custodians, record locations, applicable search terms and time frames.
• Communicate as required with requesters to clarify or scope the requests.
• Conduct electronic discovery searches using the eDiscovery software. 
• Track time spent on requests for accurate charging purposes for preparing fee estimates.
• Prepare and organize documents for disclosure.
• Assist with briefing memorandums for meetings with the CEO and/or CEO’s delegate and make recommendations regarding document disclosure. 
• Liaise with the staff at the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) during the appeal stage (mediation/adjudication).
• Liaise with the Ministry of Energy staff regarding FOI requests.
• Support the ongoing development, implementation and improvement of FOI policies and procedures and ensure these are kept current. 
• Train program areas on FOI procedures and compliance.
• Assist in-house and external counsel with e-discovery, case management, document review and production in the context of civil litigation, administrative law, alternative dispute resolution and legislative committee requests.
• Liaise with in-house and external counsel on file progress.
• Assist in-house counsel by preparing spreadsheets to track and report on litigation matters. 

What you need to succeed

Required

• University degree is preferred; the minimum education required to complete the duties and responsibilities of the position is typically acquired through high school and additional intermediate courses (1 - 2 years in duration) such as a 2 year paralegal or law program.
• Thorough understanding of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 
• Knowledge of best practices, principles and procedures applicable to the Freedom of Information and Privacy.
• Proficiency using eDiscovery platforms (e.g. RelativityOne, Exterro Legal GRC Software, Veritas Enterprise Vault, or Microsoft Purview). 
• Document review experience (review experience, quality control experience).
• Demonstrated ability to handle matters requiring high levels of diplomacy, sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Experience in organizing large volumes of work and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet frequent deadlines.
• Strong planning and coordinating skills to organize own priorities and workflow.
• Ability to multi-task and meet demanding deadlines. 
• Strong administrative skills.
• A high level of attention to detail and proof-reading skills.
• Ability to proactively identify needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint). 
• Litigation experience, including familiarity with litigation documents (motions, pleadings, discovery plans).

Assets

• University degree in a related field (e.g. Public Administration or Law) is a valuable asset.
• Knowledge of IESO operations is a considerable asset (particularly knowledge of FIT and microFIT programs and processes).

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What’s in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace 
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter 
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching 
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry 
   

Deadline: January 20, 2025
 

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview. 

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario. When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

Join our talent community

Sign up for our talent community: stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

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