Data Protection Officer

Role overview

St John of God University Hospital is recruiting a permanent, full-time Data Protection Officer at Grade VII Clerical level. The role is focused on making sure the hospital meets all relevant privacy and data protection obligations, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Acts 1988–2018, and healthcare-specific standards.

The position supports the protection of the rights and privacy of patients, employees, and other stakeholders. It also serves as a key advisory and liaison role for the hospital, Mental Health Frist Aid Ireland, and St Joseph’s, acting as the main contact point for the Data Protection Commission and for individuals whose data is handled by the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Guide leadership on privacy obligations and data protection compliance requirements.
• Track and review organisational adherence to GDPR, Irish data protection law, and sector-specific rules.
• Support and manage responses to data subjects and external stakeholders, including the Data Protection Commission.
• Oversee data protection impact assessments, access requests, and investigation of data breaches.
• Handle communications and requests from Gardaí, solicitors, and regulators.
• Work with teams and suppliers on data processing agreements and vendor-related privacy controls.

Required background

• A Level 8 degree or higher in law, information governance, information technology, health administration, or a closely related discipline.
• Three to five or more years of experience in data protection, information governance, or compliance, ideally in healthcare or the public sector.
• Practical experience with DPIAs, subject access requests, and data breach investigations.
• Knowledge of data processing contracts and supplier oversight.
• A professional privacy credential such as CIPM, CIPP/E, or an Advanced Diploma in Data Protection Law is preferred.

Additional information

This is a permanent, full-time appointment at Grade VII Clerical level.

The role is based onsite in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland.