Data Protection Officer

The Garda National Data Protection Office was established to assist the Data Protection Officer in all matters pertaining to Data Protection and following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Law Enforcement Directive (LED), transposed through the Data Protection Act 2018, which placed significant additional compliance obligations on An Garda Síochána.

Independence

The Data Protection Officer is required to perform their functions independently. Article 38(3) of the GDPR and Section 88(4)(c) of the Data Protection Act 2018 provide that the data controller will ensure that the Data Protection Officer:

Reports directly, in relation to his or her functions, to the highest level of management of the controller,

Does not receive any instructions regarding the exercise of such functions, and

Is involved in an appropriate and timely manner in all matters relating to the protection of personal data.

Strategic Context

Policing Security and Community Safety Act 2024

The commencement of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 has introduced a new legislative framework for the delivery of policing and security services in Ireland by An Garda Síochána. Central to these is new oversight arrangements with the establishment of the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA), Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, and the Garda Board. As An Garda Síochána moves forward in this new operating environment, it is essential for the organisation to maintain public trust and confidence, including in respect of how it manages personal and sensitive information. The role of the DPO and the Garda National Data Protection Office (GNDPO) in assisting the organisation to meet its compliance responsibilities under data protection, FOI and National Archives legislation is crucial to this objective.

Role Overview

As Principal Officer, the Data Protection Officer oversees the National Data Protection Office, which encompasses;

The Data Protection Unit, managed by an Assistant Principal Officer (Data Protection Unit Lead).

The Freedom of Information Office, managed by an Assistant Principal Officer (Freedom of Information Officer).

The Records Management Office, managed by an Assistant Principal Officer (Records Management Lead).

(The organisational structure and reporting line are subject to change)

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Cybersecurity, the Data Protection Officer will be a key senior manager.

The key responsibilities of the role are;

Informing and advising An Garda Síochána, and the employees of An Garda Síochána who carry out processing, of their obligations under the Data Protection Acts 1988 - 2018, the GDPR and any other law of the European Union or law of the State that relates to the protection of personal data.

Monitoring the compliance of An Garda Síochána with the Data Protection Acts 1988 - 2018, the GDPR and any other law of the European Union or law of the State that relates to the protection of personal data.

Monitoring the compliance of the policies of An Garda Síochána in relation to the protection of personal data, including the assignment of responsibilities of the controller in relation to the protection of personal data.

The raising of awareness and the training of staff involved in processing operations in that regard, and any audit activity related to the protection of personal data.

Providing advice, where requested to do so, in relation to the carrying out of a data protection impact assessment and monitoring any steps taken on foot of that assessment.

Acting as the contact point for data subjects with regard to all issues related to the processing of their personal data and to the exercise of their rights under data protection legislation.

Co-operating with the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) and acting as a contact point for the DPC for issues related to processing carried out by An Garda Síochána, including consultation by An Garda Síochána with the DPC on relevant issues.

This description of the role is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and may be reviewed from time to time to reflect the needs of the role and organisation.

Essential: Professional Qualifications, Experience, Requirements, Skills

Candidates, by the closing date, must have:

A. Minimum of 3 years’ experience and expertise at a senior level in National and European data protection laws and practices, including an in-depth understanding of the GDPR (and its implementation).

OR

B. A qualification at a minimum level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications (Honours Bachelor's Degree level), in a related discipline.

And

Senior-level experience and expertise in National and European data protection laws and practices, including the practical application and implementation of GDPR.

In addition, candidates must also have experience:

Interpreting and applying data protection laws and regulations to provide sound advice within a complex organisation.

Developing and implementing information and data security, and records management strategies, policies and procedures.

Balancing regulatory compliance obligations with organisational operational efficiency and effectiveness, including implementing or supporting compliance with GDPR and the EU AI Act.

Promoting a data protection culture within the organisation.

Leading a team, developing strategy and policy for the unit.

Desirable: Requirements, Skills:

It would be an advantage for candidates to possess the following:

A formal qualification in Data Protection, Records Management or Information and Data Security.

Experience in data transparency and proactive publication of information.

Experience promoting data protection awareness.

Experience conducting audits, assessments and reviews to identify any potential gaps or issues.

Key Skills/Competencies for effective performance as a Principal Officer

Leadership & Strategic Direction

Leads the team, setting high standards, tackling any performance problems & facilitating high performance

Facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters and atmosphere of open communication

Contributes to the shaping of Departmental / Government strategy and policy

Develops capability and capacity across the team through effective delegation

Develops a culture of learning & development, offering coaching and constructive / supportive feedback

Leads on preparing for and implementing significant change and reform

Anticipates and responds quickly to developments in the sector/ broader environment

Actively collaborates with other Departments, Organisations and Agencies

Judgment & Decision Making

Identifies and focuses on core issues when dealing with complex information/ situations

Assembles facts, manipulates verbal and numerical information and thinks through issues logically

Sees the relationships between issues and quickly grasp the high level and socio-political implications

Identifies coherent solutions to complex issues

Takes action, making decisions in a timely manner and having the courage to see them through

Makes sound and well informed decisions, understanding their impact and implications

Strives to effectively balances the sectoral issues, political elements and the citizen impact in all decisions

Management & Delivery of Results

Initiates and takes personal responsibility for delivering results/ services in own area

Balances strategy and operational detail to meet business needs

Manages multiple agendas and tasks and reallocates resources to manage changes in focus

Makes optimum use of resources and implements performance measures to deliver on objectives

Ensures the optimal use of ICT and new delivery models

Critically reviews projects and activities to ensure their effectiveness and that they meet Organisational requirements

Instils the importance of efficiencies, value for money and meeting corporate governance requirements

Ensures team are focused and act on Business plans priorities, even when faced with pressure

Building Relationships & Communication

Speaks and writes in a clear, articulate and impactful manner

Actively listens, seeking to understand the perspective and position of others

Manages and resolves conflicts / disagreements in a positive & constructive manner

Works effectively within the political process, recognising & managing tensions arising from different stakeholder’s perspectives

Persuades others; builds consensus, gains co-operation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals

Proactively engages with colleagues at all levels of the organisation and across other Departments// Organisations and builds strong professional networks

Makes opinions known when they feel it is right to do so

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

Develops and maintains skills and expertise across a number of areas that are relevant to their field and recognised by people internal and external to the Department/ Organisation

Keeps up to date with key departmental, sectoral, national and international policies and economic, political and social trends that affect the role

Maintains a strong focus on self-development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Consistently strives to perform at a high level

Demonstrates personal commitment to the role, maintaining determination and persistence while maintains a sense of balance and perspective in relation to work issues

Contributes positively to the corporate agenda

Is personally trustworthy, honest and respectful, delivering on promises and commitments

Ensures the citizen is at the heart of all services provided

Is resilient, maintaining composure even in adverse or challenging situations

Promotes a culture that fosters the highest standards of ethics and integrity

Eligibility to apply and certain restrictions on eligibility

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 4* or a Stamp 5 permission.

*Please note that a 50 TEU visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer. It is the candidates responsibility to maintain eligibility.

Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation letter dated 28th June 2012 to Personnel Officers introduced, with effect from 1st June 2012, a Collective Agreement which had been reached between the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Public Services Committee of the ICTU in relation to ex-gratia Redundancy Payments to Public Servants. It is a condition of the Collective Agreement that persons availing of the agreement will not be eligible for re-employment in the Public Service by any Public Service body (as defined by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 – 2011) for a period of 2 years from termination of the employment. People who availed of this scheme and who may be successful in this competition will have to prove their eligibility (expiry of period of non-eligibility).

Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are not eligible to apply for another position in the same employment or the same sector. Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.

Salary Scale

The Principal Officer salary scale will apply to this position.

The PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) salary scale (annually) for this position, with effect from 1st June 2026, is as follows:

€108,152 - €112,741 - €117,294 - €121,883 - €125,753 - €129,768¹ - €133,775²

Long Service increment (LSI 1) may be payable following 3 years’ satisfactory service at the maximum of scale.

¹ Long Service increment (LSI 2) may be payable following 6 years’ satisfactory service at the maximum of scale.