Post 2335 - Data Protection Officer Dublin(NBC) Post 2335 Data Protection Officer Chief Executive Office Full-Time Permanent National Blood Centre The IBTS is currently recruiting a full-time, permanent Data Protection Officer based in the Chief Executive Office, National Blood Centre. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse public body responsible for collecting, processing, testing and distributing blood and blood products in Ireland. It relies completely on the generosity of voluntary non-remunerated donors to provide sufficient donations to ensure a consistent supply of blood and blood components to patients in Ireland. The IBTS is an aegis body of the Department of Health, is governed by a 12 member Board, and managed by an eight member Executive Management Team including: the Chief Executive, Director of Donor Experience and Collections (Blood In Operations), Director of Production and Hospital Services (Blood Out Operations), Medical and Scientific Director, Director of Quality and Compliance, HR Director, Finance Director, and Chief Information Officer. The IBTS strives for the highest standards for corporate governance in line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and operates in full compliance with governance, legal, and ethical standards. Working directly to Chief Executive (CE) and Corporate Team, the post holder will support the organisations corporate reporting and governance obligations. The role is integral to protecting and enhancing the IBTSs reputation, maintaining compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations. The role of the DPO is designated under GDPR on the basis of professional qualities and, in particular, expert knowledge of data protection law and practices and the ability to fulfil the tasks referred to in Article 39 GDPR. In line with statutory requirements, the successful candidate will be the registered DPO with the Data Protection Commission (DPC) for the IBTS. Specifically, the IBTS DPO is responsible for advising how the IBTS processes the personal data of staff, donors, patients and others in accordance with its obligations under the GDPR. In addition to advising and assisting in relation to ongoing compliance, the DPO has a crucial role as the IBTS implements its corporate strategy. The DPO will be involved in new initiatives and projects, providing advice and input that influence how we ensure the highest levels of data privacy as we evolve and transform the organisation. The DPO will also have opportunities to engage with peers in similar organisations nationally and internationally, including the European Blood Alliance DPO Group and will advise on the impact of evolving data legislation in Ireland and across the EU,. The successful candidate will work as part of the Corporate team, which includes the Head of Corporate Affairs, Head of Strategy Planning and Performance, Executive Assistant to the CE and any future roles that may be established. As part of knowledge sharing and development, the post holder will be expected to work closely with the Corporate Team and assist and support as appropriate so the function is appropriately covered at all times. The role holder is required to act at all times in accordance with IBTS Core values, with integrity and maintain the strictest confidence in accordance with the Code of Conduct for employees of the IBTS. Essential Criteria: Education and Continuous Professional Development Bachelors Degree in subject relevant to the role ( IT/Information Security/Legal) Hold a relevant data privacy certification such as CIPP/E, CIPM or equivalent Committed to on-going professional development and training to ensure appropriate best practice guidance can be provided in line with developments in technology in particular Knowledge and Experience Expert knowledge of national and European data protection laws and practices including the Data Protection Act 2018, Health Research Regulations, Data Governance and Sharing Act, the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) and EU AI Act Minimum of 5 years strong prior experience as a DPO/ Data Protection Manager Successful track record of developing, embedding and maturing a data protection/privacy programme Significant experience with risk management and performing risk based assessments Communicating and Influencing Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to speak with a diverse audience spanning the Board and Senior Management, data subjects, managers, scientific and medical experts, IT and legal advisors Ability to influence decision making and work collaboratively on data protection issues with multiple stakeholders at all levels of the organisation along with key third party stakeholders Analysis and Reporting Sound business judgement and confidence navigating complicated data issues Excellent attention to detail, analysis and report writing skills Desirable Criteria: Healthcare, medical and or public sector specific knowledge particularly as it relates to the sensitivity of the personal data being processed Experience advising on data protection risks with Health Research Knowledge of Freedom of Information legislation an advantage Experience working with a regulator or in a regulated environment The salary scale attached to the post is the Clerical Officer Grade VIII scale €82,258 to €99,213 (incl. LSI) pro rata per annum. Entry point onto the salary scale is dependent upon relevant experience. The closing date for receipt of applications is 23:45 hrs (Irish Time) on Thursday 1st January 2026. Intending applicant should note that reviewing/short listing of applicants will be in accordance with the recruitment and selection criteria stated above. Satisfactory evidence of being able to fulfil the essential criteria of the job as stated above is essential and must be clearly demonstrated in the application. If the essential criterion has not been clearly demonstrated in the application the applicant will not be called for interview. Applications from existing (permanent and temporary) IBTS staff working temporary contracts will be considered in the context of overall workforce requirements of the Organisation. We thank you for your interest in a career with the IBTS, however, if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, unfortunately you have not been successful at this time. We do hope, however, that this will not discourage you from applying for future opportunities with the IBTS. IBTS reserve the right to close the application process early if there has been a sufficient level of qualified applications received before the closing date. Citizen Requirements Eligible candidates must be: a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway b) A citizen of United Kingdom (UK) c) A citizen of Switzerland in regards to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the movement of people d) A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 4 visa e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependant child who is a citizen of and resident in an EEA member state if the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa. To qualify candidates must meet one of the citizenship criteria above and produce formal supporting evidence of same, by the date of any job offer. The IBTS is an equal opportunities employer. We have a great range of benefits that go beyond salary and offer flexibility to suit you: Competitive holiday allowance Public Sector pension scheme We support and encourage a very strong work/life balance ethic and provide a generous annual leave allowance in addition to a range of attractive policies. Ourpublic service salary scalesare competitive, transparent and incremental Access to a range of learning and development resources and programmes, investing and encouraging lifelong learning for all our staff.. We strongly support a culture of continuous learning and provide staff with a range of formal and informal learning opportunities. Employee Assistance Programme offering free, independent and confidential counselling and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service includes confidential telephone and face-to-face counselling, parent and career coaching and an online wellbeing portal.