Data Protection Officer

RTÉ is Ireland’s national public-service media organisation. A leader in Irish media, RTÉ provides comprehensive, cost-effective, free-to-air multi-media services to the public in Ireland and interested audiences internationally.

RTÉ’s Data Protection Office (‘DPO’ – an arm of RTÉ’s Solicitors’ Office) invites applications for the position of Data Protection Officer. The work of RTÉ’s Data Protection Office is rich and varied, involving engagement with all staff, members of the public, the Data Protection Commission, and other third parties.

The Data Protection Officer will lead RTÉ’s Data Protection Office and perform the duties assigned to data protection officers under the GDPR. They will manage and develop RTÉ’s GDPR compliance programme, ensuring that RTÉ is well-advised on its obligations, with effective processes and systems to aid and monitor ongoing compliance.

The position requires a broad and applied understanding of data protection law, a passion for data protection by design, and the ability to manage and interact with a variety of RTÉ stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Informing and advising RTÉ and its subsidiaries of their obligations under data protection law;
• Initiating and overseeing significant compliance projects;
• Monitoring compliance with data protection law and with data protection policies;
• Supporting the development and review of policies, procedures and guidance;
• Overseeing the development and maintenance of records of processing activity (ROPAs);
• Acting as the contact point for individuals with regard to all issues relating to the processing of their personal data;
• Facilitating, managing and advising on data subject rights requests;
• Managing and mediating any complaints received from data subjects;
• Managing and advising on data breaches;
• Advising on data protection impact assessments (DPIAs);
• Co-operating with the DPC and acting as the contact point for the DPC;
• Developing and delivering training to staff;
• Promoting a data protection culture within RTÉ and its subsidiaries, including by way of regular meetings with key stakeholders and RTÉ’s Data Steering Group;
• Regularly reporting to senior management; and
• Managing the staff and general affairs of the Data Protection Office.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with at least 5 years’ experience in a data protection role (preferably in-house), and at least 2 years’ managerial experience. They will have a third level qualification in a relevant field, and demonstrated expert knowledge of data protection law and the practicalities of its implementation.

Preferably, they will have a formal data protection certification/qualification, and prior experience as a DPO in a complex data privacy environment. They will be recognised as a self-motivated and energetic leader with strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to deliver effectively under pressure while handling competing priorities.

They will have a demonstrable track record of achievement in implementing strategic programmes of transformation, and an aptitude for new technology. They will have vision and the competence to effect that vision. They will have high levels of personal integrity and a willingness to challenge others when appropriate. They will be capable of inspiring others to change and improve current practices.

The post will be offered on the basis of an ongoing employment contract at Manager Grade 1 level.

Applicants are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae together with a cover letter outlining their interest and suitability for the position attached as one document here. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Wednesday, 1 May 2024.

RTÉ is committed to diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds. Cuirfear fáilte roimh iarratais ó dhaoine go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach acu i leith na Gaeilge. Applications are welcome from people who have a positive outlook to Irish.

RTÉ is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applications without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, social experience, race and ethnicity, disability, civil and family status, religious belief and membership of the Traveller Community.