Office of the Privacy Commissioner

Position Description

Position Details

Position Title: / Policy Adviser (Technology)
Reports to: / Team Leader (Policy and Technology)
Location: / Wellington
Date Issued: / November 2009

Background

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is an independent Crown entity established by the Privacy Act 1993. The Privacy Commissioner reports to Parliament through the Minister of Justice (or Associate).

The main purpose of the Privacy Act 1993 is to promote and protect individual privacy. The Privacy Commissioner monitors, researches and reports on matters relating to privacy, and has an educational and advocacy role in promoting the understanding, acceptance and protection of individual privacy. The Commissioner provides independent and impartial services to investigate and conciliate complaints of an interference with the privacy of an individual; scrutinises legislative and other proposals that may affect privacy; issues codes of practice; and assesses and monitors authorised information matching programmes carried out by government agencies. The Commissioner is also required to have due regard for the protection of important human rights and social interests that might compete with privacy.

The work of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner is encapsulated in its mission statement:

“To promote and protect individual privacy by encouraging and sustaining a culture in New Zealand where personal information is protected and respected wherever it exists.”

The Privacy Commissioner has offices in both Wellington and Auckland.

Purpose and Role

The purpose of this position is to assist in achieving the Privacy Commissioner’s objectives, with particular reference to sections 13 and 14 of the Privacy Act, and to contribute to the implementation of the Office’s policies, strategies and plans.

This role has a particular focus on technology and e-government related projects.

Teamwork

All members of the Commissioner’s staff are required to work co-operatively and collaboratively together as a team. In addition, as the Office of the Privacy Commissioner is a small one, there is not always a rigid demarcation of duties and, as with all other staff, the Policy Advisor is expected to undertake such other duties and responsibilities as the Commissioner may reasonably request from time to time.

Principal Responsibilities

Responsibility

/

Key Result Areas

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Contribute to the implementation of the Office’s policies, strategies and plans / With particular reference to sections 13 and 14 of the Privacy Act, to:
·  provide sound policy advice in relation to government proposals, draft legislation and other policy proposals;
·  prepare reports, papers and submissions to support the policy positions taken by the Privacy Commissioner;
·  assist in the development and implementation of privacy impact assessment procedures;
·  develop and maintain an appropriate level of expertise in the relevant technologies and their privacy implications; and
·  develop a thorough knowledge of the Privacy Act and other acts, regulations, codes, policies and procedures affecting the activities of the Office. /
Advise on
e-government projects / To identify privacy issues in e-government initiatives and work with the relevant agencies to understand and resolve privacy problems (whilst maintaining appropriate independence) in accordance with the MOU with the Department of Internal Affairs. /
Assist in the preparation of Codes of Practice and standards / To keep technology related privacy codes (such as the Telecommunications Information Privacy Code 2003) under review and offer suggestions for desirable changes.
To monitor, review and comment on the development and revision of formal technical standards. /
Contribute to Monitoring and Compliance Assessments / To monitor the use of unique identifiers, and the operation of codes of practice affecting the use of unique identifiers, with a view to preparing reports and recommendations for action.
To assist the Team Leader (Technology) and Data Matching Compliance Advisers in relation to information matching work. /
Research / To identify the key privacy and information technology issues for the Office, monitor developments, conduct research, and recommend practical solutions. /
Education / To carry out education and publicity functions, particularly in connection with technology and e-government related policy work. /

Delegations

Human Resources

/ Nil
Financial / Nil
Limits on Authority / No statement is to be issued to the news media or any information released to the general public without the prior approval of the Privacy Commissioner.
Any significant departure from approved or accepted work practice or procedure is first to be discussed and agreed with the General Manager or Privacy Commissioner.
There is no authority to enter into any ongoing contract that may in any way be binding on the Privacy Commissioner, without the prior approval of the Commissioner or the General Manager. The booking of venues, travel or accommodation must be within the limits or guidelines established by the Commissioner or General Manager.

Key Requirements

The Policy Adviser (Technology) will have:

·  excellent analytical skills;

·  excellent written and oral communication skills;

·  an inquiring mind and the ability to spot key technology issues for the Office;

·  a keen interest in the interaction between technology and people;

·  relevant qualifications and experience;

·  common sense and sound judgment;

·  the ability to maintain co-operative working relationships; and

·  the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Key Competencies

Self-management

/ Self-motivated, understands and accepts responsibility for own performance goals
Plans, organises and prioritises work effectively, is motivated to find solutions to problems, and is results-driven
Maintains and enhances knowledge by actively keeping up-to-date with developments
Participates actively in training and development opportunities
Analytical skills / Applies intellectual rigour to researching and analysing complex issues systematically and comprehensively
Provides robust, well thought out conclusions supported by relevant data
Responds quickly and intelligently to emerging developments
Exercises judgment and provides guidance with a good understanding of the wider consequences of a decision
Communication Skills and relationship management / Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and is an active listener
Delivers presentations effectively and can use usual presentation methods and media.
Negotiates effectively, and can achieve co-operation and agreement where there are conflicting objectives
Develops and maintains networks that may be used to obtain or disseminate information, influence stakeholders and generally enhance communication and understanding
Technology skills / Competently uses equipment and software to produce own work and is familiar with Microsoft Office applications
Good understanding of information management and technology
Is comfortable with specialist software tools that the Office may use, such as for the preparation of flow charts
Organising for results / Records, classifies and communicates knowledge and information to others, as required, including recording the right information in the right place at the right time
Identifies resources required, ensures objectives are aligned with the Office’s goals, monitors results, reviews targets
Professionalism / Displays highest standards of personal conduct and integrity
Maintains secrecy of confidential material while, at the same time, maintaining a culture of openness, responsiveness and helpfulness towards the public
Maintains good work relationships both within the Office and with external stakeholders
Displays a positive attitude to change, adapts readily, and initiates changes as required
Use of language, demeanour and personal presentation reflect well on the Office

PD – Policy Advisor Technology (Wellington) 4