Applications have been invited for the position of Privacy Commissioner.

An advertisement said the successful applicant should be an “outstanding individual, who has comprehensive knowledge of data protection and privacy law and its application”.

It explained that the post requires someone with ten years of relevant experience in privacy or data protection, or a related field, including five years in a senior-level management position.

The successful applicant must have the ability to command the respect of local and international stakeholders and maintain appropriate networks.

They must also be able to establish effective relationships and have an appreciation for the complexities and sensitivities associated with the post in a small jurisdiction.

It was announced in June that Alexander White, a lawyer from the United States who was the island’s first privacy commissioner, would be stepping down from the post.

He was first appointed by John Rankin, who was then the Governor, in January 2020.

Mr White was reappointed on a five-year contract in February 2023.

He oversaw the implementation of the Personal Information Protection Act, which upholds personal information rights in electronic and hard-copy form, by all businesses, organisations, charities and government departments.

Mr White will be taking up a new job as the privacy commissioner for Queensland, Australia.

After his pending resignation was confirmed by Government House, Mr White said that he had enjoyed his time in Bermuda and that the decision to leave had not been easy.

He noted then: “Ultimately, the decision was about what I would be going towards more than what I am leaving.

“This appointment will present a wonderful, new professional challenge to take on while also giving me and my family an opportunity to put down roots.

“These roles don’t come along every day.”

A closing date of August 27 was set for applications.