Data Protection Officer

Morgan McKinley; Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is seeking an experienced data protection professional for a public sector organisation in Dublin. The role is full-time for 12 months, with a requirement to attend the office at least two days per week.

You will report to the Head of Corporate Affairs and guide data protection and regulatory governance across the portfolio, acting as a delegate for the DPO and delivering practical advice on DPIAs, data breach responses, ROPA, and data subject rights.

Qualifications

• A third-level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or above) in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of five years' experience in a data protection role.
• Relevant data protection qualification.
• Excellent understanding of GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical and clear advice.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to provide guidance and constructive challenge on projects and new initiatives to manage data risks and regulatory requirements within the HEA.
• Act as a delegate for the Data Protection Officer (DPO) as required.
• Provide advice on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Support incident and data breach management activities.
• Manage data subject rights requests.
• Support file management and administration activities.
• Maintain and update the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA).
• Manage the Data Protection mailbox, including business-as-usual queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the development and maintenance of data protection policies and procedures.

Skills

Data protection

GDPR knowledge

Regulatory governance

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

DPIA guidance

Education

NFQ Level 8 qualification

Job description

A public sector organisation is seeking to recruit an experienced data protection professional with strong expertise in risk, public sector administration and governance.

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract role. The position requires attendance in the office a minimum of two days per week in Dublin City.

The role is a middle management position, broadly equivalent to an Assistant Principal Officer grade. The postholder will report to the Head of Corporate Affairs and will be responsible for a wide-ranging portfolio across data protection and regulatory governance matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to provide guidance and constructive challenge on projects and new initiatives to manage data risks and regulatory requirements within the HEA.
• Act as a delegate for the Data Protection Officer (DPO) as required.
• Provide advice on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Support incident and data breach management activities.
• Manage data subject rights requests.
• Support file management and administration activities.
• Maintain and update the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA).
• Manage the Data Protection mailbox, including business-as-usual queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the development and maintenance of data protection policies and procedures.

Essential Requirements

• A third-level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or above) in a relevant discipline
• Minimum of five years' experience in a data protection role.
• Relevant data protection qualification.
• Excellent understanding of GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical and clear advice.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Experience identifying, assessing, and advising on data protection and information governance risks.
• Practical and pragmatic approach to problem-solving and delivering outcomes.