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Principal Policy Advisors

Information Commissioner's Office -

Full-time (Permanent)
£49,549.00 - £63,200.00 Per Annum
Published on
22 December 2021
Deadline
15 January 2022

Technology is driving fundamental changes to our society, driven by the critical role personal data is playing in our digital lives. What role could you play in influencing the way we support innovation and technological change while also protecting privacy and information rights?

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.

About the role

As a Principal Policy Advisor, you will provide insight and advice regarding emerging information rights issues with a technical dimension, developing a depth of experience on a small number of key topics while working across projects and programmes of work to support the group objectives.

Working with colleagues, including technical specialists across the group, you will engage with influential stakeholders within the digital economy, Government, civil society and the academic world to develop policy and practical initiatives that help protect the public.

At the heart of what we do is a curiosity and desire to shape the world in ways that empower citizens, recognising that engineering a better outcome in a data driven world will require specialists willing to approach issues related to personal data, technology and the impact on society in novel ways.

About you

Principal Policy Advisor
roles are extremely varied requiring post holders to understand complex issues quickly and work at pace. You will be able to provide expert insight regarding information rights policy issues with a technical dimension. You will have an excellent understanding of the technology sector and internet economy, including associated data protection and internet safety issues. 

You will be passionate in separating the hype from the reality and focused on helping shape future technological developments to better respect and uphold the rights of citizens.

How to apply

To apply for this post please submit your CV and covering letter.   Please ensure that your covering letter is no more than 2 pages. We also ask that you do not include any personal information (eg. name, address) within your CV or cover letter, as these will be entered via a separate form.

In addition to considering your past experience, we will be shortlisting against three core competencies. They are:

  • significant relevant experience in a policy, operational or a corporate environment (at least 5 years’ relevant experience will be an advantage),
  • excellent understanding of the technology sector and internet economy, including associated data protection and internet safety issues; and
  • excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain technical matters to a non-technical audience.

Closing date: 12pm (midday) Wednesday 1 December 2021

 

Why work for the Information Commissioner's Office? 

We are proud to provide our people with a premium benefits package. We are continually improving the rewards we offer. Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy: 

  • Flexible working hours, including flexi leave. 
  • Civil Service Pension arrangements.
  • 25 days' paid holiday a year with options to buy, sell, and bank days.
  • Extra "privilege" days in addition to normal public holidays.
  • Compressed working hours options.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.
  • Health cash plan.
  • Colleague assistance scheme.
  • Access to many discounted products and services.
  • Welfare and family-friendly policies.
  • Staff medical scheme and eyesight testing.

 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference.

We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. 

If you are disabled and have difficulty using our online application system please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk who can arrange for you to submit an application via an alternative method.

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