Data Protection Officer

The incumbent is required to support the Authority's strategic objectives by monitoring in an independent manner the Authority’s compliance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.

Data Protection Officer, Level 7; salary range: $4,826,892.00 – $6,491,634.00 per annum.

Data Protection Officer (Level 7) – Vacant

JOB PURPOSE

The incumbent is required to support the Authority's strategic objectives by monitoring in an independent manner the Authority’s compliance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.

Key Responsibilities

The effective management of personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act and Regulations in supporting the execution of (Organizations) core business processes: 

• Develops and maintains data protection policies, procedures, and good practices in accordance with the Data Protection Act and approval of the Information Commissioner.
• Develop appropriate technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized or unlawful processing of personal data.
• Develop and propose the best internal and external best practices to the Director General to provide the highest quality of data protection guidance available.
• Reports any breach of personal data to the Office of the Information Commissioner.
• Reports any breach of personal data to the Director General and/or any authorized person so designated.
• Consults with the Information Commissioner to resolve any doubt about the provisions of the Data Protection Act and Regulations.
• Prepares and submits annually the Data Protection Impact Assessment to the Information Commissioner.
• Implements any directions and/or policies and/or procedures issued by the Information Commissioner and ensures compliance with the Authority, in accordance with the Data Protection Act and/or such guidance.  Ensures that the rights of the data subject are maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act and Regulations.
  • Develop and implement standard operational procedures

• Prepares and renders advice on matters relating to interpreting the Data Protection Act, directives, rights and liabilities that may affect the Authority.
• Acts as the main point of contact with the Information Commissioner and the officers of the Information Commission.
• Serves as the Authority representative when collaborating with international agencies, GOJ officials, MDA’s local or international stakeholders.
• Consults with the Authority’s Legal Affairs Directorate on matters related to the Data Protection Act.
• Attend meetings, overseas missions, conferences, seminars, committees, public awareness activities in relation to the functions of the Data Protection Officer.
• Prepares correspondence to the data subjects in relation to their personal data
• Co-ordinates resources to ensure that the Authority’s staff have sufficient resources and appreciate physical tools to enable them to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.
• Oversee and manage the general functions of the Data Protection Officer and ensure future needs are met within the Authority.
• Contributes, as and when required, advice to members on data protection and provides guidance and training on the Data Protection Act to all stakeholders.

Develop a Strong and Capable Data Protection Infrastructure:

• Conducts security audits to test and measure the infrastructure of the Authority.
• Sign-off on the Performance Commitments of the different Technical Units in relation to complying with the Data Protection Act.
• Designs, develops and implements a professional development programme for MAJ’s staff.
• Supports the Authority’s internal Training and Staff Development programme.
• Determines the Authority’s training needs and designs/sources the appropriate modules.
• Conducts own performance self-assessment and signs off on same.
• Conducts security checks with the Data Protection Committee.

Demonstrate Leadership and Commitment to the Quality Management Systems Policy:

• Commit to continual improvement and updating of the Quality Management Systems Policy.
• Communicates the Quality Management Systems Policy and ensures it is maintained as documented information, understood and applied to the Authority, whilst enabling its availability to relevant interested parties, as deemed appropriate.
• Ensures that the integrity of the quality management system is maintained when changes to the quality management system are planned and implemented.
• While the people-management and budget responsibilities are not significant outputs of this highly skilled professional team, it is noted that it will have a major impact on the success of the Authority in achieving its strategic goals.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of the Data Protection Act, and all other applicable Legislation.
• Thoroughly computer literate and skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Skilled in the use of Document Management and workflow applications and the associated reporting tools.
• Demonstrates a high level of confidentiality in the execution of duties with the ability to act in an independent manner, free of any real or perceived conflicts.
• Sufficient knowledge of information technology, data management and compliance.
• Has due regard to the risk associated with processing operations, considering the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing.
• Detail-oriented approach needed to recommend and implement strategic improvements on a range of data privacy and data protection issues.
• Shares the Authority’s values, mission and vision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Manage continuity, change and transition and know how to influence and enable others.
• Knowledge of Governance and Risk Management.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 2015 Quality Management System.

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Undergraduate Degree in Law, Compliance, IT, Audit or similar background.
• One (1) Data Protection and/or Privacy certification such as, CIPP, CIPT, ISEB, etc., (preferred).
• Three (3) years’ experience in IT, Law, Audit and/or Risk Management, compliance, or equivalent experience.

Application accompanied by resume should be submitted no later than Friday,

May 15, 2026 to the:

Human Resource Manager

Maritime Authority of Jamaica

2^nd Floor, The Office Centre Building

12 Ocean Boulevard

Kingston

For full details on the position please visit our website at www.maritimejamaica.com

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.