The organisation
Coillte is a special organisation with a proud heritage and an exciting future. Forestry in Ireland has a history which stretches back almost 100 years, but its development has accelerated since Coillte was established in 1989, when the company left the Civil Service and became a commercial semi state. Today the forestry sector employs 12,000 people and contributes €2.3 billion to the Irish economy each year. Coillte is privileged to be the custodian of 7% of Ireland’s land. These forests and land now extend to over 440,000 hectares. Over the last 30 years, Coillte has cared for and developed its estate and businesses while being firmly focused on maximising the financial and social potential of these natural resources in a sustainable way.
The role
The Information and Data Protection Officer will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of Coillte’s compliance obligations under GDPR, Data Protection legislation, and Access to Information on the Environment Regulations (AIE), within deadlines and to appropriate standards. The successful candidate will lead the delivery of process improvements across the business, advise on legal developments and data governance requirements, and promote a data protection culture within the organisation.
The role will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
Key Responsibilities
•Responsible for the relevant compliance obligations under Data Protection and AIE for Coillte group;
•Act as Group Data Protection Officer and designated point of contact under AIE legislation;
•Provide leadership in developing Coillte’s approach to implementing the necessary processes (compliance, monitoring, records management, training, and support) to ensure Coillte adopts and complies with the GDPR, AIE, and related legislation;
•Engagement with key data owners across the business to ensure compliance with Coillte’s Non-Personal Hard Copy Data management policy;
•Manage our exposure to legal risk and promote compliance in respect of data governance;
•Advise on strategic implications of legal developments (data), providing up to date authoritative advice and support in relation to regulatory issues and data governance requirements;
•Procure external advice where required and liaise and manage relationships both internally and externally;
•Delivery of appropriate data protection/AIE training and regular updates to staff to ensure that Coillte maintains full compliance with statutory responsibilities;
•Execution and delivery of a key 12-month project to improve Coillte’s management of Data Protection and AIE across our business and processes.
Application and further information
All enquiries relating to this role should be directed to the Executive Recruitment Team by email to execrecruit@mazars.ie or by telephone on +353 (1) 449 4400.
Applications are to be submitted via the online portal available here on wwww.mazars.ie and must include:
1.A cover letter (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the role and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role;
2.A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.
Mazars will be managing all aspects of this recruitment project on behalf of Coillte.
No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to Coillte
Deadline for applications: Monday 25th October at 12pm noon.
Coillte is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality at all levels of the organisation.
REF: COL0121
The person
The role requires a person who operates with exceptional attention to detail, is results driven, has strong commercial awareness, and the ability to prioritise between competing demands whilst working to deadlines. He or she should also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, provide innovative solutions, and possess the drive and leadership skills needed to push themselves and others to exceed goals.
Essential Requirements
•An experienced professional with a proven track record in information management, ideally with 2-3 years relevant experience with either Data Protection or AIE regulations. Understanding of Data Protection (Irish and EU) regulations or knowledge of AIE Regulations would be an advantage. The successful candidate may have to undertake appropriate training in Data Protection/AIE requirements;
•Understanding of best practice in managing and responding to access requests under AIE and GDPR, including engagement with regulatory bodies;
•Degree in a relevant third level qualification (e.g. law, business, data governance, DPO certification) to HETAC Level 8 desirable;
Desirable Attributes
•Knowledge of process improvement with project management experience/skills
•Experience in developing and leading specialist forums across multi-discipline business areas
•Strong IT skills
•Excellent verbal and written skills