Data Protection Officer and Senior Compliance Manager

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

This is a full-time, 12-month temporary maternity cover role. The position requires attendance in the Dublin City Centre office a minimum of two days per week.

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, compliance, risk management, and corporate governance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Protection

• Lead the organisation's ongoing compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Fulfil all statutory functions of the Data Protection Officer under Article 39 GDPR, including:
  • Advising the organisation and staff on data protection obligations
  • Drafting, maintaining, and reviewing data protection policies and procedures
  • Supporting the design and implementation of new or revised processes involving personal data
  • Monitoring compliance with data protection legislation and internal policies
  • Delivering data protection training and awareness initiatives
  • Advising on and monitoring Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
  • Managing and supporting responses to personal data breaches
  • Reporting regularly to senior management on data protection compliance and emerging risks
  • Monitoring regulatory developments and advising senior management and governance committees as appropriate
  • Acting as the primary point of contact with the Data Protection Commission
  • Acting as the point of contact for data subjects and managing the exercise of data subject rights
  • Drafting and advising on contractual arrangements, including data processing agreements
• As a member of the organisation's AI Governance Team, support the compliant and safe implementation of artificial intelligence tools, including risk assessment and provision of data protection advice.

2. Compliance, Risk & Corporate Governance

• Lead organisation-wide training and awareness programmes across data protection, Freedom of Information (FOI), and Health & Safety.
• Oversee records management, including adherence to retention schedules and the phased deletion of legacy records and emails.
• Manage a range of statutory and regulatory compliance obligations, including reporting to oversight and regulatory bodies.
• Act as Chief Risk Officer, coordinating the maintenance of corporate and sectional risk registers and convening quarterly risk management meetings.
• Support Health & Safety governance through training initiatives and participation in relevant committees and working groups.
• Lead compliance with FOI legislation and provide advice and support to decision-makers.
• Monitor compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
• Act as Deputy Board Secretary, including attendance at board meetings, minute-taking, and provision of governance and compliance advice.
• Coordinate committee secretariat functions and report regularly to the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.
• Coordinate scheduled reporting to parent departments and external oversight bodies as required.
• Maintain and manage the organisation's compliance calendar.
• Manage and lead a team of staff, including delegation, supervision, and performance oversight.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.

Requirements

• A third-level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or above) in a relevant discipline, with a minimum of five years' relevant, demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas: data protection, corporate governance, or risk management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a professional and courteous approach to stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to manage multiple, complex workstreams simultaneously.
• Demonstrated people management experience, including motivating, developing, and mentoring staff.
• Strong change management, research, project management, IT, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to make sound judgements in time-sensitive and high-pressure situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and capacity to work on own initiative while contributing effectively within a team.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and attention-to-detail skills.