Student Internship at the Office of the Information & Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia

*Note: This opportunity is restricted to graduate students involved in the Big Data Surveillance Partnership Grant at Queen's University, University of Ottawa, University of Victoria, Laval University, and University of St. Andrews, Scotland.

1) CONTACT INFORMATION: Applications to be addressed to: Bradley Weldon, Acting Deputy Commissioner Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC Address: 4th Floor, 947 Fort Street, Victoria BC V8V 3K3 Telephone: (250) 387-5629 Fax: (250) 387-1696 Website: http://www.oipc.bc.ca Email: info@oipc.bc.ca

2) OFFICE PROFILE: The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) is independent from government and monitors and enforces British Columbia's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). FIPPA allows access to information held by public bodies (such as ministries, universities and hospitals) and determines how public bodies may collect, use and disclose personal information. PIPA sets out how private organizations (including businesses, charities, associations, political parties and labour organizations) may collect, use and disclose personal information. The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner is Drew McArthur.

3) STUDENT POSITION: Policy Analyst Salary: $3,737.14/month Additional benefits: n/a Description of duties: The Policy Analyst conducts applied research and analysis of current and emerging access and privacy issues, investigates systemic privacy issues, and reviews and comments on privacy impact assessments, data linking and data matching plans. Where possible, the Analyst will be assigned files related to the use of surveillance and data analytics, including files that may relate to the Analyst’s particular academic research focus. The Analyst participates on teams, contributing to team projects and to the development of best practices. Where policy work leads to an investigation, the position undertakes investigations under FIPPA or may investigate complaints from the public concerning privacy disputes involving private organizations pursuant to PIPA.

4) REQUIRED SKILLS/COMPETENCIES: Skills: Valuable skills include:

• research and analysis; 
• clear, organized and concise writing; 
• assessing policies and procedures; 
• interpreting legislation; and 
• dealing proactively and effectively using tact, discretion and sound judgement.

Competencies: Results Orientation: A concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one’s own past performance (striving for improvement); an objective measure (achievement orientation); challenging goals that one has set; or even improving or surpassing what has already been done (continuous improvement). Thus, a unique accomplishment also indicates a Results Orientation. Analytical Thinking: The ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships (“if...then…”) to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or accuracy of all information. Teamwork: The ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals.

5) DATES: The internship will be for three months (12 weeks) sometime during the period from the beginning of May to the end of August 2018. The exact start and end date to be determined in consultation with the successful applicant.

6) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS and DEADLINE: To apply, please submit a resume and writing sample to the attention of Bradley Weldon, Acting Deputy Commissioner at bweldon@oipc.bc.ca by February 27. Questions about this position should be directed to Nathan Elliot (nelliot@oipc.bc.ca or 250-953- 4139).