Senior Policy Officer

Description

The UK Government consults the Commissioner at various stages in its process. Working under the direction of the Group Manager, the successful candidate will undertake timely and thorough reviews of information provided in support of a new data adequacy assessment, providing advice and guidance, both verbally and in writing, to internal and external stakeholders throughout the process. While the ICO does not make its own assessment of another country, territory or international organisation, it provides independent assurance on the process followed and the factors UK Government officials have taken into consideration.

The post holder will be required to draft responses to consultations by DSIT and the Home Office in accordance with internal and external timelines, as well as an Opinion issued by the Commissioner to Parliament to consider alongside any new regulations.

The post holder will contribute to the development and maintenance of the ICO’s internal procedures and record management. The role also demands development of good working relationships across the International Regulatory Cooperation Directorate, other ICO departments and with UK Government departments to ensure both visibility of the Government’s plans for UK adequacy assessments and to enable the ICO to fulfil its role.

There may also be opportunity to contribute to the ICO’s wider work on international transfers policy and guidance.

• Reviewing and producing written reports on adequacy assessments in line with developed processes and procedures.
• Contributing to, or leading where appropriate, the refinement and implementation of procedures to enable the ICO to review UK Government adequacy assessments in an efficient manner.
• Reviewing and providing comments or advice in relation to questions or issues concerning UK Government adequacy assessments and processes.
• Collaborating with team colleagues to progress and deliver key outputs.
• Corresponding and liaising with internal and external stakeholders, providing advice and guidance on established adequacy processes as appropriate.
• Attending meetings with a range of stakeholders.
• Assisting with updating ICO templates, procedures and knowledge base relating to adequacy processes.
• Liaising and working with cross-departmental colleagues in relation to adequacy processes and procedures.
• Providing advice to decision-makers regarding possible solutions, options and issues necessary to ensure compliance with processes and procedures when complex or novel issues arise.
• Assisting with preparation of input for briefs for ICO attendees at external meetings and conferences.
• Contributing to the ICO’s work programme in relation to international transfers.
• Contributing to the development of the ICO’s strategy and departmental business plan.

Please note we’re also recruiting for a 12-month fixed term Senior Policy Officer role in our Bilateral Engagement team within the International Directorate. The work of this team is central to our ability to create and develop bilateral partnerships in support of our international objectives for our regulatory priorities. This includes working with key priority international partners to organise information sharing and capacity building activity, and leading underpinning work such as the development of international MoUs.

We will consider your application for both roles unless you advise us otherwise

• Experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Around five years’ work experience at a graduate level in a policy related role.
• At least two years’ experience of working in data protection or a regulatory environment.
• Experience of working with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of, or experience of working within, the global data protection landscape and/or protection law in different countries.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively.