Senior Specialist (Policy & Stewardship)

Malta Financial Services Authority is currently looking to recruit a Senior Specialist (Policy & Stewardship) to join their team on a temporary basis.

About the Department:
The Data Governance Team is responsible for ensuring the Authority has good governance processes around its data processing activities. It develops data-related policies, standards and guidelines, aiming to create a unified source of truth and aiding the Authority’s shift towards becoming more data-driven. Additionally, the team oversees data quality monitoring, supports data management training, and facilitates the publication of policies and procedures. It acts as a central point for collating data proposals and issues, ensuring effective data governance across the Authority.

About The Role:
As the Senior Specialist - Policy & Stewardship, you will be responsible for guiding the organization through the complexities of EU-mandated regulatory initiatives and drafting policies and procedures to promote better data governance by relevant laws and regulation. This role requires a deep understanding of data governance principles, data protection laws, and specific regulations such as the European Single Access Point (ESAP), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Governance Act (DGA). You will work closely with the Data Governance Team to draft, review, and enforce policies ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with local laws, EU regulations and data governance standards.

You will be responsible for the following main duties

• Regulatory Compliance & Advisory: Contribute to the Data Governance Team’s response to EU data regulatory initiatives including but not limited to:
  • European Single Access Point (ESAP)
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • Data Governance Act (DGA)
  • Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
  • Artificial Intelligence Act
• Data Governance: Participate in data management and governance & stewardship projects as a subject matter expert on data
• EU Affairs: Participate and contribute to feedback loops on data matters requested by the EU Commission and other European Bodies & attend committees and forums as necessary
• Policy Development & Review: Conduct research on data-related topics and regulatory requirements to inform policy development and decision-making. Draft and review data governance policies, translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidelines for the organization
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the entire Data Management & Business Intelligence Team, as well as our Technology and Project Management Teams and other relevant stakeholders to align data-related policies with business objectives and data strategies
• Training and Capacity Building: Design and deliver training sessions to enhance organizational awareness and understanding of data governance laws, policies, and practices. Assist in the development and delivery of data governance training and awareness programs for internal stakeholders
• Contract and Agreement Oversight: Provide legal expertise in the negotiation and drafting of data sharing agreements and MOUs, ensuring they comply with relevant laws and policies.

About You:
We are looking for candidates with a Degree in Law (LL.D or Master of Advocacy level) or a comparable recognised legal qualification at National Qualification Framework Level 6 or better.
The role calls for an academic qualification in a relevant field of study at National Qualification Framework Level 6 or better. duly certified by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) or a widely recognised professional qualification at a comparable level.

You will also possess a minimum of four (4) years prior experience in data governance, or legal environment focusing on technical & data matters or other relevant working experience. 
If you do not have the necessary academic or professional qualifications but you have at least ten (10) years of relevant experience. we would still be interested in speaking with you.

Knowledge and Skills required for the role:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse complex processes and develop effective solutions
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders
• Teamwork: Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and across departments
• Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and changing business requirements.

Other important information:
The MFSA is an Equal Opportunities Employer as certified by the NCPE (National Commission for the Protection of Equality) and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will take care to avoid any form of discrimination in its recruitment procedures. The MFSA reserves the right to withdraw this call at any time and not to select any of the Candidates.

It is the responsibility of applicants in possession of qualifications awarded by Universities and other similar institutions outside Malta to produce a recognition statement on the comparability of qualifications issued by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC). Applicants should do so preferably at the application stage or otherwise at the preliminary interview should an applicant be selected for such an interview. Details can be obtained by accessing the National Commission for Further and Higher Education website at www.ncfhe.org.mt under the MQRIC heading.

The MFSA shall ensure that any processing of personal data is in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation), the Data Protection Act (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Malta) and any other relevant European Union and national law. For further details, you may refer to the Data Protection Policy on the MFSA webpage www.mfsa.mt.

Candidates are to note that the submission of any false statement/s or omission, even if unintended, may lead to the cancellation of their application and may render the candidate’s appointment liable to termination.

Furthermore, please note that candidates may be asked to submit any documentation in support of the information provided, including but not limited to, proof of qualifications and Police Conduct Certificates.

Public Call Permit: 230/2024