Data Protection & Risk Specialist

Aviva; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Annual bonus

Health & dental insurance

Flexible benefits

Volunteer days

Job summary

Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland is seeking a Data Protection & Risk Specialist on a permanent basis. Reporting to the DPO, you will help Aviva meet data protection obligations, provide oversight, guidance and challenge across the business.

You'll work with stakeholders to embed accountability, support the DPO in day-to-day operations, manage data subject requests and data breaches, and monitor regulatory changes to embed privacy across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Experience in Data Protection, Risk, Compliance or a similar second‑line regulatory role.
• Experience within Financial Services or another regulated environment is beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of GDPR and data governance principles.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders while providing independent oversight and constructive challenge.
• Experience identifying, assessing and managing risk with a hands‑on approach to deliver outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to embed data protection accountability and provide guidance on data risks and regulatory requirements.
• Assist the DPO and support day‑to‑day operation of the data protection framework.
• Oversee data subject rights, privacy complaints and personal data breaches and identify improvement opportunities.
• Monitor changes in data protection regulation and provide practical privacy guidance for business initiatives.
• Provide independent oversight, challenge and reporting on data risks, controls and remediation activities.

Skills

Data protection

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

GDPR knowledge

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Data Protection & Risk Specialist to join our team on a permanent basis.

Reporting to the Data Protection Officer (DPO), you'll be part of the Second Line Risk Function, playing a key role in helping Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland meet its data protection and regulatory obligations. You'll provide independent oversight, guidance and constructive challenge across the business, helping to ensure data risks are effectively identified, assessed and managed.

This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your experience across data protection and data risk management while working closely with stakeholders across the organisation. You'll play a key role in supporting the business as it navigates an evolving regulatory landscape and continues to strengthen its data landscape.

Role and Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders across the business to embed data protection accountability and provide guidance on the effective management of data risks and regulatory requirements.
• Support the Data Protection Officer (DPO), acting as delegate when required, and assist with the day‑to‑day operation of the data protection framework, including data protection queries and impact assessments.
• Oversee the management of data subject rights requests, privacy complaints and personal data breaches, ensuring regulatory obligations are met and opportunities for improvement are identified.
• Monitor changes in data protection regulation and support business initiatives by providing practical advice to ensure privacy considerations are appropriately embedded.
• Provide independent oversight, challenge and reporting on data risks, controls and remediation activities, helping the business identify, assess and manage data‑related risks effectively.

Skills and Experience

• Experience in Data Protection, Risk, Compliance or a similar second‑line regulatory role, with a good understanding of data protection requirements and their practical application.
• Experience working within Financial Services, Insurance or another regulated environment would be highly beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of GDPR and data governance principles, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into clear, pragmatic advice.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders while providing independent oversight and constructive challenge.
• Experience identifying, assessing and managing risk, with a practical and hands‑on approach to problem solving and delivering outcomes.

Fitness and Probity

This is a Regulated Role and will be subject to enhanced pre‑employment screening procedures. There will be an on‑going requirement for the role holder to maintain fit and proper status.

What will you get for this role?

The work you do at Aviva will make a real difference to our customers. We will recognise your contributions and reward you. From competitive salaries to generous pension contributions and paid paternity leave; take a look through some of our employee benefits!

The expected pay range for this role will fall between €50,000 and €70,000 and salary offered will be commensurate with candidate's level of skills and experience.

• A competitive market leading salary depending on skills, experience, and qualifications.
• Generous pension (employee contribution matching of up to 14% if you contribute 8%).
• Annual performance related bonus and pay review.
• Holiday allowance of 29 days plus bank holidays, and the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days.
• Generous Health & dental insurance contributions.
• Aviva Matching Share Plan and Save As You Earn scheme and Approved Profit Share Scheme.
• TaxSaver Travel Scheme.
• Up to 40% discount for some Aviva products plus discounts for Friends and Family.
• Professional qualification support and transparent career progression plans.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.
• We’re deeply invested in our people, our total reward package has so much to offer.

Aviva is for Everyone

Our diversity and inclusion policies and initiatives are shaping an environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of age, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, culture, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, maternity or those with other caring responsibilities. Our approach helps to ensure that Aviva is a place which values difference and provides equal opportunities for all.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

We prefer all applications to be submitted online, however if you require an alternative method of applying, please contact [e-mail]