Following Irish Data Protection Commissioner Billy Hawkes’ announcement that he won’t seek reappointment when his current term comes to an end, the Irish government has posted its advertisement for a new commissioner to oversee all personal data processing in Ireland. Now accessible online, there is a short window to apply, with applications only being accepted for the next two weeks.

“The new commissioner will be appointed at a time of major challenges for the regulator in the data protection sphere,” the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner’s John O'Dwyer told The Privacy Advisor.

Indeed, the job description specifies the commissioner’s tasks in overseeing personal data processing will include “awareness raising and advisory activities, carrying out audits of the

data protection practices of companies and public bodies, investigating complaints of data misuse or security breaches, launching prosecutions where appropriate and the implementation of EU directives in the area of data protection”—to name a few of the commissioner’s duties.

“He/she will require many key skills, knowledge and expertise in areas such as data protection and human rights law, law enforcement procedures and administration of justice, familiarity with information and communication technologies and data processing methods, international developments, analytical, interpersonal, communication and negotiating skills and a knowledge and understanding of new business models,” O’Dwyer said.

To read the full job description and access information on applying, visit publicjobs.ie here. The closing date for applications is 3 July.