Data Protection Executive
The Data Protection Executive assists in executing data governance policies and procedures. He/She is responsible for handling queries, complaints and disputes on the organisation’s management of personal data. He collaborates with business and project teams to support business objectives and strategies and align them with the organisations’s data protection guidelines and policies. He manages risks and data breach incidents. He is also responsible for driving awareness of the Personal Data Protection Act requirements in the organisation. He works in a team setting and is knowledgeable of data governance, compliance and data protection policies and frameworks. He is also well versed in data breach mitigation techniques and procedures. He should be familiar with the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act 2012. As one who is responsible for handling queries, complaints and disputes on the organisation’s management of personal data, the Data Protection Executive is confident in making critical decisions and providing quick and impactful resolutions.
What Does a Data Protection Executive Do?
Key Responsibilities & Tasks
Ensure organisation’s compliance to Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
- Monitor and ensure the organisation’s compliance with the PDPA
- Ensure data requests are logged in accordance with organisational procedures
- Update and maintain a register of data owners for the organisation’s data sets
- Carry out data flow reviews and create data flow maps for the organisation’s data life cycle and data processing activities
- Maintain data flow maps for processes across the organisation’s data lifecycle and data processing activities
- Maintain data protection policies and procedures
Manage risks associated with collection, use, disclosure and storage of personal data
- Identify risks and review the proposed standard operating procedures (SOPs) with business process owners to mitigate risks
- Establish monitoring mechanisms to monitor activities and performance of vendors against contract terms
- Identify performance problems or contractual issues relating to personal data processing, and measure the performance of data intermediaries in the fulfilment of service level agreements
- Propose enhancements to risk countermeasures and contingency plans
- Manage contracts with third parties and data intermediaries for products and services
- Assist users on the various techniques that an organisation can use to anonymise personal data
Manage data breaches
- Report all suspected and/or confirmed data breaches in accordance with the data breach management plans
- Prepare notifications to affected individuals, senior management and regulatory authorities in the event of data breaches
- Document data breach incidents and post-breach responses in accordance with the data breach response plans
- Support the data incident response and data breach notification procedures
- Assist in the conduct of investigations relating to data protection breaches
Drive awareness of PDPA requirements in the organisation
- Promote continuous training to maintain the organisation’s awareness of PDPA requirements
- Keep abreast of PDPA requirements and amendments to regulations and guidelines
- Provide advice to staff on the organisation’s data protection procedures and policies
- Participate in simulation exercises to test the data breach response plans
- Manage programmes to raise awareness of and training to deliver compliance to foster a data protection culture
- Promote and create awareness of due diligence policies and frameworks across teams in the organisations
Handle queries, complaints and disputes on the organisation’s management of personal data
- Respond to queries that may arise in the organisation’s collection, use and/or disclosure of personal data
- Maintain logs of queries, complaints and disputes relating to the organisation’s collection, use and/or disclosure of personal data
- Escalate complaints and disputes relating to the organisation’s collection, use and/or disclosure of personal data
Advise on data innovation projects in the organisation
- Maintain oversight of the organisation’s data assets and taxonomy
- Provide guidance on data protection requirements for data innovation projects
- Assist in the stock-take of the organisation’s data assets
- Adhere to PDPA and other data protection regulations in the conduct of data innovation-related projects
- Assist with external providers and internal stakeholders in data valuation exercises
Do You Have the Skills for This Role?
A Data Protection Executive needs 5 core competencies. Here's what's required and at what level.
Supporting Skills
Developing People
IntermediateInteracting with Others
Transdisciplinary Thinking
IntermediateThinking Critically
Digital Fluency
IntermediateStaying Relevant
Creative Thinking
IntermediateThinking Critically
Collaboration
BasicInteracting with Others
SkillsFuture Skill Levels
3 levelsBasic
Recognise and understand fundamental concepts. Apply skills in routine situations with guidance.
Intermediate
Apply skills in varied situations independently. Analyse problems and adapt approaches as needed.
Advanced
Lead and innovate in complex situations. Evaluate strategies, guide teams, and drive improvements.
Technical Skills & Competencies (TSC) Levels
6 levelsFollow
Carry out routine tasks under close supervision. Follow established procedures and guidelines.
Assist
Perform tasks with some independence. Assist in non-routine situations and apply established techniques.
Apply
Apply skills and knowledge independently in varied situations. Analyse problems and adapt approaches.
Analyse
Analyse complex situations and develop solutions. Guide and mentor junior colleagues.
Strategise
Set strategic direction and drive innovation. Evaluate trade-offs and make high-impact decisions.
Transform
Lead industry transformation. Establish standards, shape policy, and provide expert advisory.
Technical Skills & Competencies
A Data Protection Executive requires 12 technical skills at specific proficiency levels.
IT Standards
Level 4Governance and Compliance
Review current practices of performing IT-related activities, and propose revisions to service standards and protocols
Audit and Compliance
Level 3Governance and Compliance
Conduct audits, analyse results and implement changes to address identified gaps
Business Negotiation
Level 3Business Development
Apply negotiation skills and techniques and documenting negotiations.
Business Risk Management
Level 3Business and Project Management
Identify risks and their business impact and propose measures to manage risks
Crisis Management
Level 3Business and Project Management
Execute crisis management plans
Data Ethics
Level 3Governance and Compliance
Apply and uphold principles of professional, legal and ethical conduct, policies and procedures in the handling of data
Data Protection Management
Level 3Governance and Compliance
Collect, use or disclose personal data in accordance with the organisation’s Data Protection Management Programme (DPMP)
Data Sharing
Level 3Governance and Compliance
Conduct stock-take of the organisation’s data assets
Design Thinking Practice
Level 3Design and Architecture
Apply design thinking methodologies and execute design thinking processes to challenge norms and conventions in the organisation
Project Management
Level 3Business and Project Management
Oversee small projects or programmes, managing timelines, resources, risks and stakeholdersOversee small projects or programmes, managing timelines, resources, risks and stakeholders
Stakeholder Management
Level 3Stakeholder and Contract Management
Serve as the organisation's main contact point for stakeholder communications, clarifying responsibilities among stakholders, and engaging them to align expectations
Cyber and Data Breach Incident Management
Level 2Operations and User Support
Provide real-time incident and status reporting, and identify affected systems and user groups
European Skills Framework
ESCOSkills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential
Optional
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