A. Details

Position: Freedom of Information Officer

Reports to: Data Protection & FOI Manager

Grade: Executive Officer

Whole Time Equivalent: Part-time - 17.5 hours per week

Duration: Permanent

Role Closing Date: 12 noon, Tuesday 10th November, 2026.

B. Department & Role Overview:

The Arts Council is the national government agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. Its role is to advocate, advise, invest and work in partnership with others, to cultivate a vibrant arts environment at the heart of Irish society.

A Freedom of Information Officer is required to assist in the Arts Council’s statutory function of the processing of Freedom of Information requests. This involves liaising with relevant colleagues, government departments/agencies and third-party organisations as appropriate, communicating with requestors, and ensuring co-ordinated responses in a timely, specific and confidential manner.

C. Key Responsibilities

Liaise with The Arts Council’s FOI decision-makers and key stakeholders to ensure all FOI legislative and regulatory procedures are adhered to as well as consistency in discharging The Arts Council’s FOI functions;
Conduct internal searches to locate all paper and electronic records held that relate to FOIrequests;
Work with colleagues to review and assess information to ensure accurate and legally compliant decisions are made regarding the disclosure or nondisclosure of information;
Work with colleagues to come to appropriate decisions and the use of exemptions to withhold information, where that is the appropriate course of action;
Regular review and updating of the FOI Publication Scheme and Disclosures Log;
Logging and tracking all matters relevant to FOI, including managing documentation;
Active assistance and co-ordination of FOI internal reviews, by preparing case files, supporting internal reviewers and providing guidance on preparing correspondence when required;
Regular reporting and further development of KPIs around FOIs;
Assist with FOI training for staff;
Provide administrative support to the team manager as required.

Note: Arts Council roles and responsibilities are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments.

D. Skills Knowledge and Experiences

Prior training and experience in FOI is preferable, however appropriate training will be provided for right candidate;
Ability to understand the Freedom of Information Act and its application including exemptions;
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, including the ability to gather and analyse reports and plans;
ICT Skills including ability to work with spreadsheets, data tracking and file collaboration;
Strong record keeping skills and ability to work to deadlines;
Express self in a clear, polite and articulate manner when speaking and in writing;
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the capacity to deal with situations requiring diplomacy and tact;
Exceptional self-starter with the ability to work on their own initiative;
A commitment to high standards of public service;
Experience in data protection a plus.

Freedom of Information Officer (part-time)

Job Description