Data Protection Officer (DPO): Salaries, skills, information

At a time when data protection is a central concern. Individuals and large international companies alike are looking for solutions to best protect themselves from overexposure. As a result, new professions are emerging around the RGPD, such as Data Protection Officers. An entry-level DPO earns a gross salary of €42,000 a year, and is responsible for the company's data protection.

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What is a DPO (Data Protection Officer)?

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The DPO (Data Protection Officer or Délégué à la protection des données in French) is an emerging profession with growing demand since 2019. His role is crucial in the context of the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD) established by the European Union in 2018. This role requires in-depth knowledge of laws such as the RGPD and the Loi Informatique et Libertés (1978 - revised 2004), framing the use of personal data. The DPO must regularly keep abreast of legislative developments and new case law.

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The missions of a DPO

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The DPO plays a key role in handling requests from individuals concerning their data, and liaising with the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés) for compliance and audits. His work is organized around 3 axes:

● Identify risks and draw up data protection procedures ;

● Train and raise awareness among employees about data security ;

● Organize IT security, including access and password management.

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The salary of a DPO

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Data security is a central issue in our society, and an information leak can be fatal for a company's image. For these reasons, the DPO job involves considerable responsibility, and the salary rises rapidly with experience.

The starting salary for an entry-level DPO is between 38,000 and 45,000 euros gross per year, providing a solid base for professionals entering the field.

After 2 to 5 years' experience as a DPO, professionals can expect a salary of between 40,000 and 60,000 euros gross annually, marking a significant progression due to the acquisition of skills and expertise.

DPO experts with over 5 years' experience enjoy impressive salaries ranging from 55,000 to 85,000 euros gross per year, reflecting the crucial importance and high specialization of their role in the industry.

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Key skills:

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The DPO needs to be an expert in digital law, with a perfect knowledge of IT tools, while being able to adapt and communicate with different audiences, from technical management to senior management.

Organizational skills :

● Corporate governance and change management.

● Responsibility for data storage, data flows, data use and data processing.

Computer and technical skills :

● Flow mapping, IT diagnostics, establishment of security rules (data encryption, anonymization)

● Implementation of data breach procedures, consent management, etc.

Legal skills :

● In-depth knowledge of Personal Data Law and related texts.

● As the CNIL's main contact, he helps draft contracts to avoid any disputes related to the management of personal data.

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Training

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In France, a Data Protection Officer (DPO) needs to have both a legal and an IT background. You need to complement your studies in data protection law with training in IT, information security or information systems management. It is strongly recommended to obtain certifications to strengthen your CV (CIPP/E or CDPO certifications) and facilitate your recruitment.

As this profession is a bridge between two worlds, there are many ways to train for it, post-baccalaureate or even after a first degree in higher education.

If you're interested in this profession, take a look at the courses offered by the Grandes Écoles (engineering schools and business schools), university courses and specialized masters.

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An inspiring Data Protection Officer

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Ann Cavoukian, former Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, is famous for developing the concept of "privacy by design". Since 2017, she has been working at the University of Toronto, where she advocates this philosophy in which privacy is integrated right from the design stage of applications. Her approach includes the idea that data confidentiality can be an essential, even central, element of technological development.

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