Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Working Life

Also known as Data Compliance Officer or Data Privacy Officer, the primary job of the DPO is to ensure an organisation’s use of data is compliant with Data Protection Legislation.

Work activities will typically include:

• Developing, implementing and enforcing suitable and relevant Data Protection Policies

• Reviewing policies annually

• Providing information and guidance on the processing of personal data

• Processing and responding to requests for information

• Carrying out Data Protection compliance audits

• Assisting with investigations into complaints about breaches of data protection

• Reporting and undertaking remedial action as required

• Keeping up to date with changes in data protection requiremtns and legislation

• Expertise in national and European data protection laws and practices including an in-depth understanding of the GDPR

• Understanding of the processing operations carried out

• Understanding of information technologies and data security

• Knowledge of the business sector and the organisation

• Ability to promote a data protection culture within the organisation. For example, a DPO may need an expert level of knowledge in certain specific IT functions, international data transfers, or familiarity with sector-specific data protection practices such as public sector data processing and data sharing, to adequately perform their duties.

• Considering the scale, complexity and sensitivity of their data processing operations, organisations should proactively decide on the qualifications and level of training required for their DPO (Sata protection Office).

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Warn violators of infractions or penalties.
• Evaluate applications, records, or documents to gather information about eligibility or liability issues.
• Advise licensees or other individuals or groups concerning licensing, permit, or passport regulations.
• Prepare reports of activities, evaluations, recommendations, or decisions.
• Report law or regulation violations to appropriate boards or agencies.
• Confer with or interview officials, technical or professional specialists, or applicants to obtain information or to clarify facts relevant to licensing decisions.
• Issue licenses to individuals meeting standards.
• Collect fees for licenses.
• Administer oral, written, road, or flight tests to license applicants.
• Visit establishments to verify that valid licenses or permits are displayed and that licensing standards are being upheld.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Many organisations are putting greater emphasis on data compliance and are developing specialist job roles to ensure they meet their information security obligations.

The EU is also pushing through a new directive to strengthen privacy for Europe’s 500 million citizens. The latest proposal is for the Data Protection Officer role to be made mandatory for any legal entities that process data on more than 5,000 individuals per year.

Entrants with banking, audit, legal backgrounds, and compliance, data protection, risk analysis experience, are in demand for this job role.

• Expertise in national and European data protection laws and practices including an in-depth understanding of the GDPR
• Understanding of the processing operations carried out
• Understanding of information technologies and data security
• Knowledge of the business sector and the organisation
• Ability to promote a data protection culture within the organisation. For example, a DPO may need an expert level of knowledge in certain specific IT functions, international data transfers, or familiarity with sector-specific data protection practices such as public sector data processing and data sharing, to adequately perform their duties.
• Considering the scale, complexity and sensitivity of their data processing operations, organisations should proactively decide on the qualifications and level of training required for their DPO (Data protection Office).

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business, office admin, supervisory, project management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business management, compliance, data management, journalism, digital communications, administration.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Accounting, Financial Services, Insurance, Lean Sigma Management.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, data centre management, computing, data analytics, big data, data science.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: big data management, analytics, management, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, computing.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Data Protection Commission Ireland

Association of Data Protection Officers The professional body of Data Protection Officers in Ireland.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €55k - €150k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Azon / CPL / Morgan McKinley / Prosperity/ Lincoln/ Sigmar

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Estimators; valuers and assessors; Importers and exporters; Financial and accounting technicians; Business and related associate professionals; n.e.c. Legal associate professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average growth rate for this occupation was significantly above average, with strong growth observed between 2020 and 2021; employment grew by approximately 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Employment was spread across all sectors of the economy, with the largest share, at just over a fifth, for professional activities. Employment permits, primarily in the ICT sector, spanned a number of roles, including data analysts, account strategists and logistics specialists.

While the number of online job adverts (OVATE) remained almost unchanged in 2022 for this occupational group, there was a 6% increase in adverts for financial and accounting technicians (although the numbers involved are small).

Employers (Skills for Growth & Spotlight on Skills) have signalled difficulties in recruiting data analysts. Furthermore, data analysis skills were required in other difficult-to-fill job roles such as engineers, software developers, and lab analysts. Demand for data analytics skills is evident; however, rather than existing only as standalone roles, these skills are increasingly embedded in other occupations.

• The Association of Data Protection Officers

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 23 777 88
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Technology Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 237 7788
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here