Demand for Data Privacy Roles on the rise in the Philippines

One of the key trends in the data privacy landscape, as predicted by DPEX Centre, is the fact that demand remains strong, and appears to be growing, for data protection officers (DPOs) and other data protection roles in the ASEAN region.

All of the ASEAN region's founding members are expected to have data protection laws in place. With China having enacted its Personal Information Protection Law in November 2021 and India expected to introduce its own data protection law after years of deliberation, the entire region seems to be pressing the reset button on data privacy.

Other countries in the region, such as Indonesia and Thailand, are also expected to introduce their own data protection laws too. With these new data protection laws being implemented, the shortage of trained and experienced DPOs, professionals who are well-versed in data protection and privacy, will become apparent.

In the Philippines, although the Data Privacy Act has been enacted for a decade, recent announcements by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) reflect an urgency to start enforcement against Grave, Major or other Infractions with administrative fines as of 27 August 2022.

What is a Data Privacy Officer and What Do They Do?

Recent news reflects a growing awareness of data privacy rights, including the NPC's investigation into a sharp rise in scam texts with the names of users attached. Organisations are likely seeking to tighten up their data protection policies and processes, with many starting to hire for Data Protection and Data Governance roles.

In today's data-driven landscape, the role of a DPO has emerged as a critical function in organisations of all sizes and sectors. A DPO is tasked with ensuring that an organisation complies with applicable data protection laws and regulations, such as the Data Privacy Act in the Philippines. The DPO serves as a vital link among the organization, data subjects, and the supervisory authority, playing a key role in fostering proactive data protection efforts. The DPO collaborates closely with the legal team to stay updated on the latest data protection regulations and their implications for the organization.

The Job Description of a Data Privacy Officer

As we continue to observe a demand rise in data-related jobs, these are some of the key responsibilities highlighted in data protection officer job descriptions published by employers on job portals: 

1. Developing and Implementing Data Privacy Policies and Procedures: A DPO is responsible for creating comprehensive guidelines on how personal data should be stored, handled, and shared, including drafting procedures for reporting violations and addressing potential breaches.

2. Monitoring Compliance with Data Protection Laws: The DPO closely monitors the organisation’s data processing activities to ensure compliance with legal requirements. They identify potential privacy risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect personal data.

3. Training and Education: An essential function of the DPO is to educate employees about data protection laws and principles. Regular data privacy training sessions and workshops are conducted to enhance understanding and ensure adherence to privacy policies.

4. Handling Data Subject Requests: Individuals have rights under various data protection laws to access, rectify, or erase their personal data. The DPO ensures that these requests are processed promptly and in compliance with legal standards.

5. Data Breach Management: In the event of a data breach, the DPO leads the response efforts, such as coordinating with relevant regulatory authorities, communicating with affected individuals, and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.

6. Promoting a Data Protection Culture: The DPO fosters an organisational culture that prioritises data protection, emphasising the importance of safeguarding personal data among all employees.

7. Record-Keeping: A DPO maintains comprehensive records of all data processing activities, detailing the purposes of processing and any data sharing with third parties.

How Philippine Data Privacy Regulations Have Shaped Data Privacy Roles

Data privacy regulations have significantly influenced the roles of data privacy professionals in the Philippines, particularly in response to the enactment of the Data Privacy Act of 2012. This legislation established a legal framework for the protection of personal data and introduced strict compliance requirements for organizations handling such information. As a result, the role of the Data Privacy Officer has become pivotal in guiding organisations through the complexities of data protection laws.

In the Philippines, the DPO is tasked with ensuring compliance with the Data Privacy Act, which mandates the appointment of a DPO for entities engaged in the processing of personal data. This requirement has elevated the importance of the role, making it essential for organisations to have a dedicated professional who understands the nuances of both local and international data privacy regulations. Consequently, the DPO's responsibilities have expanded to include not only compliance monitoring and risk management but also strategic roles in shaping data governance policies and fostering a culture of data protection within organisations.

Moreover, the regulatory landscape has prompted organisations to prioritise transparency and accountability in their data processing activities. DPOs in the Philippines are increasingly expected to act as intermediaries between the organization, data subjects, and regulatory authorities, ensuring that data subjects are informed of their rights and the organization’s data practices. This has led to a stronger emphasis on public trust and responsible data stewardship, as DPOs work to build confidence among clients and stakeholders in their organization's handling of personal data.

The evolving nature of data privacy regulations and the current skill gap in these in-demand roles has also necessitated continuous professional development for these professionals through regular data protection officer training, pushing them to stay abreast of changes in legislation and emerging best practices. As the Philippines aligns its data protection framework more closely with global standards, particularly those set by frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the role of DPOs will continue to adapt, ensuring that organisations not only comply with existing regulations but also anticipate future challenges in data privacy. Thus, the shaping of data privacy roles in the Philippines reflects a growing recognition of the importance of data protection in an increasingly digital world.

Types of Data Privacy Officer Jobs

The landscape of data privacy roles has evolved significantly, leading to various specialised titles tailored to specific industries and organisational needs. This diversification in job titles and responsibilities underscores the critical role data privacy professionals play in safeguarding individuals' privacy rights across various sectors. Here are some of the key job titles associated with this field:

1. Data Protection Coordinator

The Data Protection Coordinator typically serves as the point of contact for data protection matters within an organisation. This role involves implementing data protection policies, conducting training for staff, and acting as a liaison between different departments to ensure compliance with data protection laws. Responsibilities may also include maintaining records of processing activities and assisting with data protection impact assessments (DPIAs). This role is crucial for organisations that need a dedicated individual to manage day-to-day data privacy tasks.

2. Data Privacy Advisor

A Data Privacy Advisor provides guidance on data protection regulations and best practices. This role often involves advising various stakeholders on how to implement data privacy measures effectively, ensuring that company policies align with legal requirements. The advisor may conduct audits, assess privacy risks, and help develop compliance strategies. This position is particularly valuable for organisations navigating complex regulatory environments, and it typically requires a strong understanding of privacy laws such as GDPR or CCPA.

3. Data Protection Engineer

The Data Protection Engineer focuses on integrating privacy into technology systems and processes. This technical role involves designing and implementing security measures to protect personal data throughout its lifecycle. Responsibilities may include developing data encryption protocols, creating privacy-enhancing technologies, and working closely with IT and product development teams to ensure compliance with privacy standards. The Data Protection Engineer plays a critical role in the “privacy by design” approach, ensuring that data protection is considered from the outset of any project.

4. Privacy by Design Consultant

A Privacy by Design Consultant specialises in embedding privacy measures into the design and operational processes of a company. This role emphasises the importance of proactive rather than reactive measures in data protection. The consultant works with teams across the organisation—especially in product development and IT—to ensure that privacy considerations are integrated into every stage of a project. This may involve conducting workshops, facilitating discussions on privacy implications, and helping to draft privacy policies that reflect a commitment to protecting user data.

5. Chief Privacy Officer (CPO)

The Chief Privacy Officer is a senior executive responsible for the overall data privacy strategy within an organisation. This role involves overseeing compliance with data protection laws, managing the organisation’s data privacy program, and ensuring that privacy practices align with business objectives. The CPO typically reports to the board or senior management and collaborates with legal, IT, and compliance teams to promote a culture of privacy across the organisation. This position requires extensive knowledge of privacy regulations, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate the complexities of data privacy in a business context.

Each of these Data Privacy Officer roles contributes uniquely to the overarching goal of safeguarding personal data and ensuring compliance with privacy laws, while also reflecting the growing importance of data privacy in various sectors within the Philippine landscape. As organisations increasingly recognise the significance of data protection, the demand for these specialised roles continues to rise.

Here on DPEX Network, we curate data protection jobs from Singapore, the Philippines and the region on a weekly basis. Please sign up for a free DPEX Network membership to get updated on the latest career trends and competency roadmaps for you to embark on a new career or upskill as a data privacy professional.

To stay updated on the latest data protection jobs and sign up for courses, please visit dpexnetwork.org. There are also “Spotlight On” success stories and more Data Protection Careers features on the DPEX Network blog.

For queries on the courses most suited for your career, contact us or email courses@straitsinteractive.com to get your questions answered.