Data Specialist - Data Discovery and Classification

About the role

An experienced specialist is sought to support data discovery, classification and information protection work for enterprise and government clients. The role assesses where sensitive information lives, how it is shared and how it should be protected, turning policy into practical handling rules and technical requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Take part in discovery sessions and workshops with business stakeholders to identify information assets, owners and sharing practices.
• Inventory and assess structured, semi-structured and unstructured data sources, including systems, repositories, schemas and sensitive fields.
• Apply data classification policies, define handling rules and identify access and sharing gaps.
• Design sensitivity labelling and DLP use cases, and assess readiness for Microsoft Purview or similar platforms.
• Document technical findings, implementation guidance and protection requirements to feed data governance roadmaps.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Information Systems or equivalent.
• 6+ years in data security, information protection, data governance or related technical roles.
• Experience with data classification or data discovery projects.
• Preferred: familiarity with UAE and GCC regulations and standards (PDPL, ISO 27001, local government security standards), and government or semi-government experience.
• Preferred: Arabic and English fluency.

Required skills

• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview (Information Protection, DLP, Data Map) and Microsoft 365 compliance tooling.
• Working knowledge of databases, metadata and data flow mapping.
• Clear technical documentation and stakeholder communication skills.
• Preferred certifications: SC-400 or SC-401, CDMP, CISSP, CISM, CISA or DCAM.