Data Protection Specialist

Electric Ireland; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Irish energy utility in Dublin is seeking an experienced Data Protection Specialist to ensure compliance with Data Protection laws. Responsibilities include leading the Data Protection Office and engaging with stakeholders. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in data protection with strong analytical and communication skills. This role offers a salary range of €57,900 - €68,100 per annum and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities

Staff well-being programmes

Generous parental leave entitlements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience, ideally 2-3 years in Data Protection.
• Aptitude towards IT and Business Process design.
• Experience with compliance or regulatory projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group Data Protection Office responsibilities.
• Engage with external regulators and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor external developments related to data privacy laws.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Data Protection certifications

Job description

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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced in May 2018. It standardises and strengthens the right of European citizens to data privacy by emphasising transparency, security and accountability by Data Controllers. The GDPR imposes new obligations and stricter requirements on organisations in their capture and management of personal data. As a key public utility, ESB collects and processes large volumes of data about its customers, employees and a range of other business partners. This role aligns with our strategic objective of Empowering Customers through growing customer trust (a core ESB value).

ESB have appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) in line with our obligations. As the result of an internal promotion we are now looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Data Protection Specialist to work within the Data Protection Office to ensure ESB’s ongoing compliance with Data Protection Laws. As a Data Protection Specialist you will be responsible for supporting the DPO and Data Protection Governance Manager in maintaining our Data Protection compliance with the GDPR, through the application of specialist knowledge as well as management capabilities.

You will be working closely with staff throughout the Group and to ensure that a “Privacy by Design” approach is taken in the design and execution of processes involving personal data. You will also play a key role in responding to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and breaches. Furthermore, you will assist the Data Protection Officer, and ESB, in managing and responding to Data Protection queries, complaints and incidents.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the Group Data Protection Office in their responsibilities for both SARs (as a first line function) and breaches (second line).
• Stakeholder engagement by supporting the DPO in interactions with external regulators, external peers, Business Unit Data Owners and key internal projects.
• Work collaboratively with the ESB data protection first line teams in the Business Units and with colleagues in key group functions including Group Legal, Procurement, Cyber Security, Data Management and Governance, Data Science, AI and ITD to drive awareness and best practice across the Group.
• Implementation of the assurance framework that includes appropriately reviewing first line processes, challenging the effectiveness of controls in place and highlighting areas of concern.
• Supporting the DPO in preparing assurance reports to August and Risk Committee (A&RC), ExCo and Business Unit Data Owners through the quarterly Governance meetings, including KPI performance and areas of concern to the highlighted.
• Monitor external developments relating to data privacy laws. Ensuring new and emerging risks are highlighted, supporting in the risk assessment of these risks, updating ESB's Data Protection framework and communicating same to key stakeholders.
• Participate in investigations and audits related to data protection as requested.

Experience and Qualifications

• You should have at least 5+ years’ experience, with ideally 2-3 years’ of specialist Data Protection or other related experience
• Aptitude towards IT and Business Process design
• Experience with execution of compliance or regulatory projects
• Ability to work with highly confidential documents and information
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills and outstanding reporting, analytical and documentation skills are also required
• Demonstration of your Continued Professional Development is essential
• Data Protection certifications would be an advantage
• Legal or Internal Audit experience would be an advantage

Location

This position will be based in 27 Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Dublin 2.

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on the team’s two anchor days per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.

Reporting To

This role will report to the Data Protection Officer.

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition tonet zero carbon future
• Career developmentthrough mentoring andtraining
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• Access to staff well-being programmes
• Generous parental leave entitlements
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

€57,900 - €68,100 per annum (depending on experience)

Closing Date

19th September 2025

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law.

Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.