An external data protection officer (DPO) must have specific qualifications and knowledge in order to be able to effectively fulfil the tasks and duties under the GDPR and the BDSG. The qualification requirements for a DPO include legal, technical and organisational skills. The following are the essential qualifications and knowledge that an external DPO should have:
Professional qualifications
- Legal knowledge : The DPO should have in-depth knowledge of data protection law, including the GDPR, the BDSG and other relevant data protection laws. This knowledge is crucial to help the company comply with the legal requirements (Article 37 paragraph 5 GDPR).
- Technical knowledge : The DPO must have knowledge of IT security and the technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. This includes the ability to identify risks in data processing and to recommend appropriate security measures (Article 32 GDPR).
- Organisational skills : The DPO should have experience in implementing and maintaining data protection management systems. This includes the ability to develop and implement data protection policies and monitor compliance with those policies (Article 24 GDPR).
Experience
An external DPO should have relevant professional experience in the field of data protection and data security. This can be demonstrated by previous work in similar roles or by working on data protection-related projects. Practical experience is crucial to put theoretical knowledge into practice and implement effective data protection measures.
Further training and certifications
To ensure that knowledge is up to date, continuous training in the field of data protection is important. Relevant certifications can underpin the qualifications of an external DPO. Some recognized certifications are:
- Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) : This certification focuses on European data protection law and is internationally recognized.
- Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) : This certification focuses on the management of data protection programs.
- TÜV certificates : Various TÜV certificates in the area of data protection officers are also valuable proof of professional competence.
Personal skills
- Communication skills : A DPO must be able to communicate data protection requirements clearly and effectively to different audiences.
- Analytical skills : The DPO should be able to analyse complex data protection problems and develop practical solutions.
- Independence and integrity : The DPO must provide objective and impartial advice and ensure that the company’s data protection interests are protected.
In summary, an external data protection officer should have extensive legal and technical knowledge, relevant professional experience, ongoing training and relevant certifications, as well as strong personal skills to effectively meet a company’s data protection needs.
