Overview
We are currently recruiting for two Principal Technology Advisor - AI. One role is permanent, and one is fixed term until March 2027. The Technology Department is the ICO's centre of technical expertise. The department specialises in new and emerging technologies and their impact on information rights. The Department's work is high-impact, complex, and at the frontier of advanced technology and policy development. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data. As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.
Responsibilities
* As a Principal Technology Advisor for AI, you will provide expert technical input concerning AI and machine learning frameworks and techniques into the ICO\'s data protection, freedom of information and other regulatory activities. You will have experience at the leading edge of developments in AI, policy, ethics, law, and the societal consequences arising from the development and use of AI technologies.
* You will be passionate in separating the hype from the reality and focused on helping shape the future of AI developments to better respect and uphold the rights of citizens.
* Provide expert technical input concerning AI and machine learning frameworks and techniques into the ICO's policy and supervisory activities, based on a good understanding of data structures, data modelling and software architecture.
* Forge collaborative, productive relationships with colleagues across the ICO, translating your technical insight into impact on some of the most high-profile activities of the ICO.
* Research, monitor and investigate the domain, keeping abreast of developments and their potential impact on information rights and the ICO.
* Conduct complex technology research and provide in-depth advice and guidance on other technology projects designed to support the development of information rights policy for the ICO.
* Represent the ICO in situations where complex technical knowledge concerning AI and machine learning is required, e.g. meeting senior technical representative bodies and information rights interest groups, speaking at conferences, etc.
* Develop relationships with key actors in the field and ensure the ICO has a credible voice in discussions concerning AI. Leverage your own networks to extend the ICO reach and influence into expert networks within the AI practitioner, policy and research domain.
Minimum criteria
* All candidates who meet the minimum criteria and apply in-line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.
* Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
* Have a good understanding of relevant legislation and political, social and legal as well as technological developments, that impact on information rights.
* Excellent communication skills, in particular the ability to convey complex ideas and concepts to a non-technical audience.
Essential criteria assessed during interview
* Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
* Up to date, expert knowledge of current trends and practices relating to the use of information, communications and information security technologies (also assessed at interview).
* Extensive knowledge of AI and Machine Learning frameworks and techniques (also assessed at interview).
* Excellent analytical and research skills demonstrating an ability to identify emerging technology trends, developments and issues (also assessed at interview).
* Ability to apply legislative requirements to the development and application of information and communications technologies.
* A strong desire and aptitude to continually develop technical knowledge, skills and abilities as technology evolves.
* Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build and maintain good working relationships, both internally and externally.
* Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills including the ability to explain technical matters to a non-technical audience.
* Excellent standard of literacy and effective written communication skills for producing reports, documenting research findings, writing letters and meeting notes.
* Ability to travel to meetings and events in the UK and overseas (possibly outside office hours).
Security
* Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
* People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Equality, diversity and inclusion and location
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
Location and working arrangements
Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need. Please note, from Autumn 2026 our head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.
Benefits
* Pay progression scheme.
* Hybrid and flexible working options.
* 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
* Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
* Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
* Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
* Health Cash Plan.
* Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website. Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO's commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. As part of the ICO's commitment to our EDI objectives and creating a workplace that represents the communities and societies we serve, we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy. Alongside your salary of £55,591, the Information Commissioner\'s Office contributes £16,104 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
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