Data Protection Officer

About the role

The Data Protection Officer leads IFZA's privacy and data protection initiatives, advising on privacy obligations, governance and risk management and fostering a culture of responsible information handling. The role works with cross-functional teams to monitor compliance, support business initiatives and advise on privacy-related risks and controls.

Key responsibilities

• Enhance the privacy and data protection framework, review and update policies and procedures, and maintain documentation and the Record of Processing Activities (ROPA)
• Advise on the collection, use, storage, sharing and retention of personal information and assist in identifying privacy risks and implementing controls
• Support contract reviews involving third-party processing of personal information
• Monitor compliance, track corrective actions from audits and prepare management reports on privacy compliance
• Coordinate Privacy and Data Protection Impact Assessments and recommend mitigation measures
• Manage requests from individuals exercising their data protection rights and maintain a register of requests and outcomes
• Coordinate responses to personal data breaches, maintain incident records and assist with regulatory notifications
• Deliver privacy awareness training, including induction for new employees and guidance for departments handling high-risk data
• Report on privacy activities, escalate significant risks to the Head of Group Compliance and support regulatory inspections and audits

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Compliance, Business, Information Security or a related field
• 4-5 years of experience in data protection, privacy, governance or regulatory compliance
• Strong understanding of UAE Personal Data Protection legislation and international privacy principles
• Experience in financial services, regulated entities or corporate service providers
• Professional certification in privacy or data protection
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections or internal audits

Required skills

• Drafting policies, procedures and governance documentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work across multiple business functions and high level of discretion with confidential information

What we offer

• International team of over 50 nationalities
• 24 annual leave days and annual flight home
• Life insurance plan and medical insurance plan (upgradeable)
• Invitations to company functions, staff events and team-building activities
• Learning and development opportunities