Senior Data Protection & Privacy Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Data Protection & Privacy Specialist to support the organization’s data protection and privacy governance initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing day-to-day privacy operations, conducting privacy risk assessments, reviewing personal data management processes, and supporting investigations and complaint handling related to personal data protection.

The role requires a strong understanding of data protection regulations, cybersecurity principles, privacy governance, and emerging technologies to ensure the organization’s compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day operational activities related to data protection, including receiving and handling complaints, investigations, and privacy-related inquiries.
• Review and assess Personal Data Management Systems to ensure compliance with applicable privacy requirements and best practices.
• Conduct Personal Data Privacy Risk Assessments and provide recommendations to mitigate identified risks.
• Evaluate requests involving the processing of sensitive or special-category personal data and submit recommendations to management for approval.
• Execute and support procedures related to privacy complaints, investigations, and incident handling.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with organizational policies and applicable data protection regulations.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and recommendations related to privacy assessments and investigations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote privacy awareness and support continuous improvement of data protection practices.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Security, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.

Professional Certifications

Candidates holding one or more of the following certifications will be preferred:

• Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
• Equivalent Data Protection or Privacy certifications

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience in data protection, privacy, information security, cybersecurity, compliance, or related fields.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of data protection and privacy principles.
• Understanding of cybersecurity concepts, cyber threats, and vulnerabilities.
• Knowledge of data protection laws, regulations, governance frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other emerging technologies and their impact on privacy.
• Technical understanding of computer networking concepts, network protocols, and network security methodologies.
• Experience conducting privacy risk assessments and supporting privacy compliance activities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.

Language Requirements

• English: Required (written and spoken).
• Arabic: Preferred but not mandatory.

Additional
Required Skills and Knowledge: ​

• Strong understanding of
  cybersecurity and privacy principles.
• Familiarity with cyber threats
  and vulnerabilities.
• Knowledge of laws, policies,
  procedures, and governance related to data protection and privacy.
• Awareness of emerging
  technologies, including artificial intelligence and blockchain.
• Technical expertise in computer
  networking concepts, protocols, and network security methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills.