JOB DESCRIPTION

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.
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.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 the 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, eg meeting senior technical representative bodies and information rights interest groups, speaking at conferences, etc.
• Develop relationships with key actors and 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.
• 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.