Opportunity starts here Come to SDCC to do your greatest work. Were forward-thinking and focused on diversity, inclusion and community. As an equal opportunities employer, were opening the doors to new careers, creating flexible ways of working and putting people at the heart of everything we do. Were the people responsible for local government in South Dublin County. Aside from the exciting range of opportunities to make a real difference in your community, SDCC is a great place to work. Working with us will give you the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of local government and to develop your career in a diverse work environment. At SDCC we provide plenty of opportunity for career progression with structured training, personal development, coaching and mentoring. We offer flexible working including blended working arrangements and a positive work environment. Read our accompanying Employee Value Proposition to find out more. Welcome to a team thats making a difference powered by people like you. Applications Applications will only be accepted through SDCCs e-Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 05th March 2026. The Role SDCC invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the role of Data Protection and Information Governance Officer. This is a leadership role in the organisation offering the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and as a multiple service provider. SDCC processes a large volume of personal data daily to deliver the range of local authority services to citizens across the county. In doing this, the Council must ensure that it has adequate organisational and technical measures in place to develop a fit for purpose operating model for data protection and information compliance within the organisation, to ensure the rights of service users are respected and any privacy risks are minimised. The person holding this role has primary responsibility for overseeing the Councils Data Protection and Information governance framework to ensure the Council is compliant with legal and regulatory requirements and adopts principles of good corporate governance in relation to data protection and information management. Working as a member of the Councils Digital Services team, the person appointed will effectively oversee and manage all aspects of information management and data protection governance and will have specific responsibility for the role of Data Protection Officer for the Council. The successful candidate will work with all sections in the Council to establish and maintain effective corporate and departmental processes and systems to ensure all information handled and processed by SDCC is managed in line with the Councils policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulation. The post holder will take the Strategic and operational lead for compliance with corporate governance standards within the organisation in the areas of: Information Governance Data Protection Records Management and Retention Freedom of Information Access to Information on the Environment The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A panel will be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies. Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area. Salary / Wages €60,611 - €62,095 - €63,826 - €65,563 - €67,300 - €68,852 - €70,442 - €71,982 - €73,518 - €76,149 (1st LSI) - €78,795 (2nd LSI) Hours of Work The successful candidates normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. SDCC reserves the right to alter your hours of work from time to time. Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days. Qualifications Character Candidates will be of good character. Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Essential Education, Training and Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: 1. Hold a relevant third level qualification in Data Protection, Information Compliance or Records Management, and have 2. A minimum of two years experience in the area of data protection, freedom of information, data management, risk management, or compliance. Desirable Education, Training and Experience 1. Professional Qualifications & Technical Mastery Hold a professional qualification in Data Protection, such as CIPP/E (Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe), CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager), or other relevant Diploma/Certification. Possess in-depth knowledge of national and European data protection laws, with a proven ability to interpret and apply the GDPR, Data Protection Acts 1988-2018, and ePrivacy Regulations (PECR). Demonstrate a strong understanding of Information Security frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001) and the technical ability to audit data security controls, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans. Have experience in Freedom of Information (FOI) and AIE management, with a clear understanding of the statutory requirements and the role of the Information Commissioner. 2. Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Management Demonstrate strong strategic leadership skills, specifically the ability to provide expert counsel to the Chief Executive and Senior Management on emerging privacy risks and ethical AI governance. Show a proven ability to build partnerships with key stakeholders, including Digital Services/ICT leads, legal agents, and external regulators such as the Data Protection Commission (DPC). Possess high-level influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal or technical requirements clearly to audiences at all organisational levels. 3. Innovation & Project Delivery Have a track record of implementing innovative Information Governance solutions, such as automating Records of Processing Activities (ROPA), developing data discovery tools, or modernising record retention systems. Demonstrate experience in managing complex projects from initiation to implementation, particularly those involving digital transformation or organisational cultural change. Understand the local government sector, specifically the legislative background and the unique processing operations (such as CCTV and public registries) carried out in a local authority environment. 4. Professional Attributes Possess the professional integrity and independence required to perform the statutory DPO role, with the ability to manage complex cases and investigations with objectivity. Demonstrate excellent ICT proficiency, including experience with modern document management systems, redaction software, and data tracking technologies. Key Competencies / Skills Strategic Management and change Delivering results Performance through People Personal effectiveness Local government knowledge and understanding