IFS - OGC -Data Protection, Technology and Intellectual Property

JOB DESCRIPTION 
 
The role is to lead the Data Protection, Technology and Intellectual Property pillar within the PwC Africa General Counsel team and will report to the PwC Africa General Counsel. PwC’s purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. The firm’s purpose is underwritten by its values and strategic objectives.   

MAIN PURPOSE 

The PwC General Counsel Team comprises several skilled lawyers dedicated to supporting and advising the Firm to help ensure it fulfills its purpose and achieves its objectives.   

The main purpose of the Legal Counsel – Data Protection, Technology and Intellectual Property role (reporting to the Africa General Counsel) is to provide legal and contractual support to the firm and client facing teams in connection with: 

Review and negotiation of a variety of agreements with clients and service providers. 

The processing of personal information in its respective roles of Responsible Party and Operator. 

The acquisition and development of technology solutions (including the licensing thereof). 

The protection of PwC’s intellectual property. 

Engaging with regulators, such as the Information Regulator, on matters related to data protection, data security and data processing. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring compliance with any regulatory reporting requirements in this regard.  

Assisting with monitoring and ensuring compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations. 

PwC’s strategic objective is to become more digitally enabled, therefore this role is key to both enable and protect PwC’s interests in this journey, by identifying and assisting to manage and mitigate risk in the areas mentioned above.  

 
COMPETENCIES / SKILLS 

• Appropriate legal degree.  

• Admitted attorney or advocate (whether practicing or non-practicing) in South Africa 

• Relevant data protection certification (e.g. CIPP/E or CIPM)  

• 5+ years PQE experience, including consulting with stakeholders, contract drafting and negotiation. Such experience could be in a law firm, corporate entity or regulated (financial or other institutions) 

• Experience working in consulting firms is advantageous.  

• Curious and focussed on finding solutions to complex problems; 

• Ability to apply legal advice in a commercially practical way 

• Ability to apply data protection principles practically 

• Self-motivated, pro-active and committed to delivery 

• Attention to detail 

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to interact with people at various levels and with teams across the globe; 

• Strong interpersonal skills; 

• Ability to multi-task and prioritise; 

• Excellent time management skills; 

• Proficient in the MS office suite of products 

ROLE DESCRIPTION 

The role requires skills and knowledge in the following areas: 

Contractual:   

Review and negotiate a variety of contracts, including non-disclosure agreements, client services agreements, supplier agreements, licensing and technology related agreements;  

Data Protection 

A sound knowledge of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) and the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the application thereof in agreements, software applications and the development of software tools. Day to day activities will include:   

• Address Data Protection queries, conduct legal research and provide opinions;  

• Conduct Data Protection Risk Assessments   

• Deal with Data Incidents  

• Deal with Data Subject Access Requests  

• Complete Data Privacy questionnaires  

• Prepare internal data privacy related communications  

Technology 

• Sound knowledge of laws and regulations that are applicable to technology and its developments, most notably in Artificial Intelligence and the ability to stay abreast of regulatory developments that may affect the PwC business.    

• The ability to support the drafting, reviewing and negotiation of agreements for the acquisition of software (i.e. mainly license agreements) for internal use and reselling, the implementation of software solutions at clients and the collaboration with software providers.    

• The ability to consult with business to identify their needs and to find practical and compliant solutions to their challenges.   

Intellectual Property 

• Working knowledge of IP such as copyright and trademarks.