Communication and Information Governance Officer

Background The Veterinary Council of Ireland (“the VCI”) is a statutory body established under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  The principal function of the VCI is to regulate and manage the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the State in the public interest and in the interest of animal welfare.  Reporting to:  Registrar and Manager of Legal Affairs The key responsibilities of the VCI include: Registration of veterinary practitioners, veterinary nurses and veterinary premises. Ensuring high standards of veterinary education and training. Setting standards for the maintenance of professional competence. Investigating complaints against veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses. Promoting the practice of veterinary medicine ***Please note we are only accepting applications received online here through Jobs.ie**** Duties & Responsibilities - this person will: Manage the VCI's communication activities Manage the VCI's obligations in line with the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts, ensuring that the organisation is compliant with the legislation This includes being responsible for: Managing the administration of the VCI's communication activities including:    Ø  Preparing content and uploading to website. Ø  Writing and coordinating accurate information for publications and newsletters. Ø  Drafting Parliamentary Question responses. Ø  Organising and providing assistance with public, internal communication events. Ø  Managing the VCI's obligations in respect of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies Managing the VCI's Data Protection requirements and obligations, including: Ø  Processing of all data protection requests within the VCI, working with relevant sections. Ø  Conducting regular Person Identifying information reviews and conducting same on new projects and systems during planning stages. Ø  Investigating and implementing necessary changes to ensure compliance with GDPR legislation. Ø  Identifying and aiding in the implementation of changes to internal processing as required Ø  Advising on any data protection issues with regard to the exchange of information with other bodies and for any contracts or services. Ø  Overseeing the management and logging of the VCI's data protection non-compliances and breaches. Ø  Managing any investigations and complaints which may be commenced by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. Ø  Monitoring the decisions and advices of the Data Protection Commissioner, especially those directly relevant to the VCI Managing the VCI's Freedom of Information requirements and obligations. Ø Processing of all FOI requests within the VCI. Ø Maintenance of statistical data in this regard and issue of returns to the Central FOI Policy Unit. Ø Publishing quarterly statistics and details of non-personal FOI request responses. Ø Managing investigations and appeals which are commenced by the Office of the Information Commissioner Managing the VCI's obligations under the Re-use of Public Sector Information legislation and the Access to Environmental Information (AIE) Directive. Management of the VCI's records. Oversee the confidential destruction of records at the end of their agreed period of retention and in accordance with VCI's Records Retention policy Any other duties as may be assigned in connection with the role. Qualifications: Relevant third level qualification Substantial and relevant experience in a similar/ comparable/relevant role within a professional body or similar organisation is desirable Applicants must be able to demonstrate well developed interpersonal, communication and IT skills and be prepared to undertake additional duties from time to time. Role Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills and good work ethic. Ability to work independently, to demonstrate initiative and to work as part of a team. Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing demands, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Highly organised approach and strong attention to detail in executing complex tasks and procedures. Ability to be clear, comprehensive and concise in communications, including reports (both qualitative and quantitative), website content and publications. Highly organised approach and strong attention to detail in managing information, including file management. Ability to deal with a wide range of people who use and are relevant to procedures and activities of the VCI. Work with confidential information and maintain confidentiality. Good knowledge and understanding of procedures and activities within a statutory framework Have a good knowledge and understanding of the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended Have knowledge of the Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation Terms and Conditions of Employment at the Veterinary Council of Ireland 20 days annual leave 37 hour week net of rest breaks (Monday - Friday. 9am - 5.15pm) Voluntary defined contribution pension scheme Please note that the closing date for applications is 31st August