Data Protection Officer

Overview

Join IFZA in Dubai as a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and lead the development and enhancement of our privacy and data protection initiatives. This role offers a chance to influence privacy strategy, ensure compliance with UAE and global regulations, and collaborate with key departments such as Legal, IT, and HR.

Primary Duties

• Oversee and improve IFZA's privacy governance and compliance systems
• Conduct assessments such as Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
• Advise on data protection matters, privacy risks, and regulatory obligations
• Handle requests related to data subject rights and respond to privacy incidents
• Keep abreast of new privacy laws and regulations
• Support audits, compliance checks, and regulatory evaluations
• Lead privacy awareness and training programs for the organization
• Work closely with senior management on strategic privacy and governance projects

Qualifications and Expertise

• A bachelor's degree in fields such as law, compliance, business, or information security
• Four to five years of experience related to data protection, privacy, governance, risk, or regulatory compliance
• Strong skills in communication and stakeholder engagement
• In-depth understanding of the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and familiarity with international privacy standards; GDPR knowledge is a significant plus
• Experience creating policies, procedures, and governance documents
• Proficiency with DPIAs, Records of Processing Activities (ROPA), privacy risk evaluations, and incident handling
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities coupled with a business-oriented mindset
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information

Preferred Credentials

• Privacy certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPM, or CIPT
• Background in financial services, regulated sectors, corporate services, or multinational firms
• Familiarity with regulatory audits, inspections, and compliance monitoring

Why IFZA?

• Opportunity to join an expanding global organization
• Contribute to wide-ranging strategic initiatives
• Engage with senior leadership and cross-disciplinary teams
• Play a vital role in shaping data privacy and governance in a fast-moving business setting