Group: Legal Affairs

Reports to : Head of Privacy and Data Protection

Location: WADA Headquarters, Montreal, Canada

Posting deadline: 18 July 2025

WHO WE ARE

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. As the global regulatory body, WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. Our key activities include: scientific and social science research; education; intelligence & investigations; development of anti-doping capacity; and, monitoring of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The paralegal is a key member of the WADA Legal Affairs team, reporting to the Head of Privacy and Data Protection. The paralegal operates in a complex and evolving legal environment where privacy, regulatory and reputational risks must be proactively managed. The role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments and with external partners.

The paralegal will play an active role in ensuring WADA’s compliance with its privacy obligations, under the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information (ISPPPI) and applicable legislations. The position involves supporting the development and implementation of privacy programs, advising internal stakeholders, reviewing documentation and contracts, and contributing to the overall governance of personal data processing at WADA.

Sound privacy knowledge, discretion in handling sensitive information, strong drafting and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential for this role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Head of Privacy and Data Protection in implementing and maintaining WADA’s global privacy compliance framework, particularly regarding the ISPPPI;
• Draft and advice on data protection notices, policies and consent forms;
• Support the execution of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs/PIAs) and the maintenance of the Records of Processing Activities (RoPA);
• Contribute to the development of internal privacy guidance and training materials (e.g. for ADOs, GLDF, or internal teams);
• Assist with the definition and implementation of data retention schedules;
• Respond to day-to-day privacy queries from departments and provide tailored legal advice;
• Help ensure appropriate documentation and governance practices are in place for compliance and audit purposes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Certificate or degree in Law, with a specialization in privacy and data protection;
• 3 to 5 years of experience in privacy/data protection in a law firm or in-house legal department;
• Knowledge of data protection regulations and frameworks (e.g. GDPR, ISPPPI, PIPEDA, etc.);
• Experience working in an international and multicultural environment is an asset;
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities;
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Discretion and reliability in handling confidential information;
• Proactive and collaborative mindset with a commitment to high-quality work;
• Sociable, open-minded, and able to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders;
• Excellent oral and written skills in one of the two WADA official languages (English/French) and very good command of the other official language. Excellent legal drafting skills in both
• languages;
• Fit with organizational culture: Teamwork, team spirit and love of sport;
• Aligned with WADA core values: Integrity, Openness and Excellence.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Benefits Package.

Vision: WADA’s vision is a world where all athletes compete in a doping-free sporting environment.

Mission: WADA's mission is to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.

About us: WADA is headquartered in Montreal, Canada and has regional offices in Cape Town, South Africa; Lausanne, Switzerland; Montevideo, Uruguay; Tokyo, Japan and the office of the President in Warsaw, Poland. As of December 2024, the Agency employs approximately 180 employees and is represented by 56 nationalities. We value the diversity of our employees – current and future – that, as a global team, endeavor every day to protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide.

The masculine is used in our communications for the sole purpose of lightening the text and it designates all genders. WADA believes in the success of an inclusive organization that values diversity within its team. All qualified candidates will be considered for this position in a fair manner. WADA would like to thank all candidates who have shown an interest by applying for a position. However, after a thorough profile review, only the retained candidates will be contacted.