The mission of the Data Protection Commission (“the DPC”) is “Safeguarding data protection rights by driving compliance through guidance, supervision and enforcement”. The DPC is the national independent authority in Ireland responsible for upholding the fundamental right of individuals in the European Economic Area (EEA) to have their personal data protected. Accordingly, the DPC is the Irish supervisory authority responsible for monitoring the application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has applied from the 25th of May 2018. The GDPR provides for higher standards of data protection for individuals and imposes more detailed obligations on bodies in the public and private sectors that process personal data.

There are currently two Commissioners for Data Protection, who were appointed by Government with effect from 20 February 2024. It is intended to appoint one further Commissioner, on the conclusion of this competition. The successful candidate will be appointed as Commissioner for Data Protection for a 5-year term in accordance with the governing legislation.

The ideal candidate will have / demonstrate:

• A Third Level degree and/or a relevant professional qualification;

• A comprehensive understanding of relevant legal systems and frameworks with an ability to demonstrate, or quickly acquire, knowledge and understanding of national and EU Law on data protection, human rights law, law enforcement procedures, and administrative law;

• A proven track record of experience in developing a strategic vision for an organisation, and demonstrating leadership in delivering results; 

• Experience of leading, motivating and managing multi-disciplinary teams in an expanding organisation to deliver on a wide range of strategic goals and objectives;

• A demonstrated ability to lead, manage and deliver change;

Desirable:

It is desirable for the successful candidate to have:

• Demonstrated ability to successfully engage at a senior level with a diverse range of international stakeholders;

• Experience of working at a senior level in a cross-border regulatory environment; 

• Direct experience at an appropriate level in an organisation of comparable scope, complexity, and scale;

• Experience of working within a complex and dynamic regulated sector.

This recruitment process will be complimented by an Executive Search.

 For more information and to apply, visit:  https://bit.ly/JE_Ad_CDP

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Ms. Sinéad Coleman at sinead.coleman@publicjobs.ie

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

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