Data Protection – Talent Acquisition

As a global, technically diverse international development consulting company, Cowater International delivers results that generate positive social, economic and environmental impacts. We possess internationally-recognized and award-winning experience at the policy, program, and project levels. We partner with governments, private sector actors, local communities, other development organizations and civil society groups to design and deliver impactful projects, enabling us to build strong relationships, gain a deep understanding of complex political and social dynamics and address local development needs. We are committed to bringing an adaptative and systemic outlook to solving complex development challenges and ensuring a ‘do no harm’ approach. We additionally uphold the principles of safeguarding and duty of care to the highest standards, ensuring the safety and security of our staff, partners, experts, and beneficiaries in all environments.

To achieve our commitments, we nurture a diverse and inclusive work environment by connecting with an international network of qualified experts with a unique set of competencies, perspectives, strengths, skills, and expertise. Cowater international strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

As part of our talent acquisition process, Cowater International collects and processes personal data relating to candidates from all sources. Cowater International is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data, protecting the privacy of those involved and providing a safe and secure user environment.

Therefore, the information we provide in this document is designed to help you understand how we use your information and the choices you have for protecting it.

Why does Cowater International process personal data?

Cowater International has a legitimate interest in processing personal data during the talent acquisition process and for keeping records of the process. Processing data from job applicants allows the company to:

• Manage and oversee a fair and complete talent acquisition process from sourcing to staffing;
• Assess and confirm a candidate’s suitability for engagement; and
• Make informed decisions when offering work opportunities to candidates.

Specifically relating to our above-listed activities, Cowater International maintains a database of experts to:

• Engage registered individuals in opportunities corresponding to their field of expertise; and
• Identify possible candidates for current/future positions, bids, or projects.

Who has access to data?

During the talent acquisition process, your application and the personal information that you submit may be used in connection with the position for which you have expressed an interest, or to contact you in the future about other opportunities within Cowater International that match your interests, skills, and experience.

Cowater International has contracted two trusted platforms to facilitate its online talent acquisition and expert management processes: JobAdder and Opptify. At all times, the data accumulated in this platform is under the control of and is owned by Cowater International. Both JobAdder and Opptify act as data processors and have agreed to comply with all regulations applicable to the protection of your personal data. Neither platforms will disclose any personal information to third parties. For more information, you may consult their privacy policies:

• https://jobadder.com/privacy-policy/
• https://opptify.com/legal/privacy

When can you access your data?

You will have access to the information included in your online profile and will be able to, at any time, provide a new version of your CV and/or make any modifications to your profile.

How does Cowater International protect data?

Cowater International takes the security of your personal data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, altered, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our staff in the proper performance of their duties. These security measures include the following:

• Provide an individual, secured login to our online platform to ensure only the approved staff can access the information and track activities in the online platform; and
• Track “consent” in the online platform to ensure that only users who consented have their personal data retained in the online platform.

How long does Cowater International keep talent acquisition data?

Your data will be kept in our records until you request that it be removed (see instructions below). However, if you have been engaged (i.e. interviewed) or offered a position/engagement with Cowater International, or partners through Cowater International, your personal data will remain in our records for legal and fiscal purposes as per local and HQ laws and for audit purposes as per the procedures of our Clients. You can request the removal of your registration and personal data from our database through the link at the bottom of our CareerUpdate Portal (cowaterinternational.careerupdate.com). Once your request is placed, your personal information will immediately be removed from our general candidate roster and will temporarily be placed in a secured inbox for complete deletion within a 30-day timeframe.

What if you do not provide personal data?

During the application process, we note the mandatory information that must be provided, including a copy of your CV. If you do not provide the minimum information required, the organization may not be able to process your application properly or at all.

Privacy Policy Changes

Cowater International is committed to ensuring the most secure and private operating environment for all users. We review all our policies and practices on a regular basis. Any updates to this policy are integrated in the present document, accessible our website.

How to contact us:

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding the protection or your rights relating to personal data, or to any other processes, policies, and practices at Cowater International as they relate to talent acquisition, do not hesitate to contact careers@cowater.com. You may also complete a submission form under “whistleblower” on our website to submit a formal complaint.