Senior Officer (Data Innovation and Governance)

Jobsplus Permit No. 740/2024

Overall Purpose of the Position

The Senior Officer (Data Innovation and Governance) holds a pivotal position at the forefront of data innovation and economy and data governance. This role is instrumental in the co-ordination of implementation of pertinent legislation such as the Data Governance Act and the Data Act and pertinent recognitions. The Senior Officer will also support other functions of the Authority through economic/ technology assessment as may be required.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

The Senior Officer shall be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Drafting and implementing systems, procedures and strategies to ensure effective implementation of pertinent EU legislation related to data, cloud services, distributed ledger technologies and other assigned areas as prioritised by the MDIA.
• Coordinating, recognition supervision and compliance of the recognised operators.
• Conducting risk assessments in accordance with best practices.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other competent authorities, EU institutions, industry representatives, academia, and civil society groups.
• Drafting and reviewing comprehensive reports and expert advice provided to MDIA, the European Commission, and other relevant bodies.
• Staying at the forefront of technology and regulations to inform strategic decision-making.
• Representing MDIA in international and EU forums, contributing to policy development, and shaping the organisation’s positions.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives within the assigned field.
• Co-ordinating other areas in line with the direction of the organisation.
• Participate in quality, improvement and internal processes.
• Support other function of the Authority through economic impact assessment/ technology assessment.
• Any other duty as requested by the Chief Officer and Manager.

Authority Levels (decisions and discretion)

• Implementing the day-to-day operations of the Unit.
• Delegating responsibility to staff as may be required.
• Making recommendations to the Reporting Officer.

Working Conditions

• Attendance outside normal office hours may be required.
• Duties abroad when required in line with the exigencies of the Authority.

Main Communication Channels (Key Working Relationships)

• Liaison with Departments of the Authority and with other bodies.
• Liaison with the Public Administration, including Malta Information Technology Agency, Office of the Chief Data Officer and the Data Governance Council.
• Liaison with European Data Innovation Board, Other Competent Authorities.
• Dealing with prospective and recognised economic operators.

Position Requirements (Competences, Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge)

By the closing time and date of this call for applications, applicants must be:

(1)

a) citizens of Malta; or

b) citizens of other Member States of the European Union who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters of employment by virtue of EU legislation and treaty provisions dealing with the free movement of workers; or

c) citizens of any other country who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters related to employment by virtue of the application to that country of EU legislation and treaty provisions dealing with the free movement of workers; or

d) any other persons who are entitled to equal treatment to Maltese citizens in matters related to employment in terms of the law or the above-mentioned EU legislation and treaty provisions, on account of their family relationship with persons mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c); or

e) third country nationals who have been granted long-term resident status in Malta under regulation 4 of the “Status of Long-Term Residents (Third Country Nationals) Regulations, 2006” or who have been granted a residence permit under regulation 18(3) thereof, together with family members of such third country nationals who have been granted a residence permit under the “Family Reunification Regulations, 2007”; or

f) in possession of a residence document issued in terms of the “Residence Status of United Kingdom Nationals and their Family Members in Malta in accordance with the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community Regulations”.

The advice of the Citizenship Unit within Community Malta Agency and the Expatriates Unit within Identity Malta Agency should be sought as necessary in the interpretation of the above provisions.

The appointment of candidates referred to at (b), (c), (d) and (e) above would necessitate the issue of an employment licence in so far as this is required by the Immigration Act and subsidiary legislation. JobsPlus should be consulted as necessary on this issue.

And

(2)

I. A recognised Bachelor’s degree at MQF Level 6* (subject to a minimum of 180 ECTS/ECVET credits or equivalent**) in Computer Science or Data Science or Computer Information Systems or Economics or in a pertinent and relevant area of study, plus two (2) years proven relevant work experience+; or

II. Candidates who do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but have at least ten (10) years of relevant regulatory experience, may still apply as the MDIA may still be interested in speaking with them.

Possession of a post graduate degree in a discipline relevant to AI, and, or Engineering would be considered an asset.

* It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement at application stage on comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). The MQRIC is the competent body within the MFHEA that recognizes qualifications against the Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF). More information is available in the following URL: https://mfhea.mt/academic-qualifications/.

** A recognised Qualification comparable to the required number of ECTS/ECVET credits, as applicable, is only accepted subject to an MQRIC formal recognition statement being submitted with the application.

+ Experience in regulatory affairs and data governance activities such as data policy and procedures definition will be considered an asset.

AND

(3) Able to communicate fluently in English and preferably in Maltese.

AND

(4) Soft skills required:

Quality-driven: Ability to continuously strives to deliver high-quality service by adding value to stakeholders, fostering an entrepreneurial culture, as well as by having the flexibility to respond to shifts in the industry.

Knowledgeable: Commitment to continuous professional development and industry training.

Transparent: Ability to carry out all activities with openness, integrity, diligence, expertise, trustworthiness and objectivity, while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Collaborative: Capacity to share ideas and disseminate information with stakeholders, work in a team and be responsive to queries from other entities and the public.

Reliable: Ability to be productive to pave the way for new opportunities. In so doing, it seeks to be a reliable body for the various internal and external stakeholders that require the Authority’s services in any capacity.

CVs are to be sent on [email protected]. This call for applications will remain open until the position is filled.