Lead Technology Officer
Information Commissioner's Office - Stockport
Stockport
Location
Wilmslow, Cheshire. We may be able to offer some flexibility on location
About us
As an independent body serving the public, the work of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is interesting and immensely rewarding. We uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.
In the last year we have been involved with prominent issues ranging from addressing the use of intrusive technology in our personal lives, to the privacy implications of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our work has never been so important or high profile.
The ICO’s Technology and Innovation directorate deals with some of the most complex privacy, data rights, data protection and emerging technology issues that society faces. The aim of the group is to make sure the ICO can assess and respond to these developments, and most importantly, to shape the future privacy, data and technology landscape.
We have vacancies for several positions across the directorate – roles that will help us shape how emerging technologies and information practices impact the lives of the UK public. For more information, please look at our recruitment website: hays.co.uk/jobs/ico
About the Role
You will make a significant contribution to the development and promotion of ICO’s responses to emerging technologies, with the goal of ensuring that information rights regulation keeps pace with technological advancements. In particular you will provide technical input to help research, monitor and investigate emerging technologies and information security risks, assessing their potential impact on information rights.
You will provide technology policy advice, guidance and support to ICO investigations, audits and other supervisory activities, collaborating with colleagues from other business units in a joined-up approach to ensure a common understanding of technology issues.
More generally, you will also help address the real world needs of colleagues in relation to a broad spectrum of emerging technology related issues they are grappling with. You will contribute to the development of ICO’s responses to these technologies, with the goal of ensuring that information rights regulation keeps pace with technological advancements.
About you
For this exciting new role, you will need around two years’ experience in an information and communications technology or computing role at a graduate level (such as Artificial Intelligence, research, development, testing, network security, network architecture, software or system administration or IT security).
You will have up to date knowledge of current trends and practices relating to the use of information, communications and information security technologies. You will be naturally inquisitive, able to research emerging technologies and information security risks to assess their potential impact on information rights. Distilling this analysis, you will need effective communication skills to explain these issues to non-technical audiences.
You will have a demonstrable passion for emerging technologies and the impact they have on society. This focus will ensure that the benefits from innovative technologies can be realised in ways that empower citizens’ rights, whilst addressing any harms.
To learn more about us and find out how to apply, please view our dedicated microsite: hays.co.uk/jobs/ico The ICO is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and we welcome applications from all members of the community. We would particularly like to encourage applications from women and from people who are from an ethnic minority background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation.
