Chief Data Officer

This senior leadership role is responsible for spearheading the development and institutionalization of the National Data Strategy and enhancing data governance capabilities to ensure the secure, responsible, and effective use of data. The position requires building practical stewardship arrangements across various institutions while respecting the ongoing control and responsibilities of designated data custodians. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in coordinating with multiple stakeholders to promote data sharing, interoperability, and adherence to governance standards.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the formulation and implementation of the National Data Strategy and associated governance frameworks by translating strategic priorities into actionable policies, standards, and adoption plans. Define and establish clear data ownership and stewardship arrangements, including classification, quality, metadata, lineage, retention, and lifecycle standards, with well-defined responsibilities and assurance mechanisms. Collaborate closely with ministries, provincial authorities, regulators, and data custodians to facilitate secure data sharing and address challenges related to interoperability and adoption. Partner with the Department of Public Information (DPI) and technology leaders to align on data exchange requirements, reference architectures, and shared registries, maintaining a strong focus on governance and stewardship duties. Develop proposals concerning open data initiatives, controlled access, sensitive data handling, and cross-border data arrangements in consultation with legal, security, and relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and approvals. Work alongside the AI Office to ensure data readiness, provenance, quality, and appropriate use of datasets that support AI systems. Build and lead the data governance team, enhancing institutional capabilities by establishing maturity assessments, adoption metrics, and regular reporting on data quality and governance risks.

Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field is required. A relevant master’s degree is preferred. All qualifications must meet the applicable recognition and equivalence standards set by the Public Data Authority (PDA). Candidates must have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in data governance, architecture, strategy, or transformation, including senior leadership roles. Proven success in establishing and embedding data governance frameworks across multiple business units, institutions, or jurisdictions is essential, with demonstrable improvements in data quality, sharing, or utilization. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and providing strategic advice to executive decision-makers on data policy, investment, privacy, and operational trade-offs is also required.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
Experience leading complex data governance or transformation projects within consulting, professional services, or technology advisory environments is highly desirable. Equivalent leadership experience in public institutions, technology companies, regulated organizations, or specialist firms will also be considered. Familiarity with public-sector data stewardship, federated data exchange models, and the application of international data governance best practices is advantageous. Key competencies for this role include expertise in data strategy and governance, stewardship, interoperability, privacy-aware design, institutional negotiation, change leadership, and sound executive judgment.

This position is classified at Grade-13, with one vacancy available. Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience and must not exceed the age limit of 55 years. The application deadline is November 9, 2026.