Data And Process Coordinator - 6-Month Contract

Cognita Schools; Dubai; On-site; AED 240,000 - 340,000; Part time

Job summary

Cognita Schools in the UAE seeks a Data & Process Coordinator to support the DPIA process. You will guide colleagues through DPIA steps, ensure submissions are accurate, and work with IT, Legal, and external suppliers to assess data protection risks.

The role emphasizes structured coordination, attention to detail, and clear communication to non-specialists, with a six-month fixed-term contract that may become permanent for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple DPIA requests.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when reviewing submissions.
• Clear communication to explain processes to non-specialists.
• Experience coordinating processes across several teams and stakeholders.
• Good judgement with ability to ask questions and challenge where needed.
• Degree or equivalent professional experience; governance experience is a plus.
• Desirable familiarity with data protection and GDPR concepts.

Responsibilities

• Act as the central coordinator for the organisation's DPIA process.
• Guide colleagues through DPIA steps and support high-quality submissions.
• Assess requests and determine DPIA requirements and risks.
• Coordinate reviews from IT, Cyber Security, Digital Learning, Global Applications and Legal.
• Review submissions for accuracy and GDPR alignment.
• Engage with third-party suppliers to gather data protection information.
• Support risk escalation and approval processes when needed.
• Maintain records, track progress and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvements of processes and tools.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Stakeholder coordination

Questioning / challenging

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description:

Working with us

Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, developing academic excellence alongside adaptability, agency, and the positive attitudes that prepare young people to grow, thrive, and find success in a rapidly evolving world.

Cognita Middle East has 14 schools within its portfolio, across the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

Job Overview

We're looking for an organised and proactive Data & Process Coordinator to join our team and play a key role in supporting our Data Privacy Impact Assessment (DPIA) process.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys coordinating processes, working with a wide range of stakeholders, and ensuring the right governance is in place when introducing new systems, services, and third-party suppliers that involve personal data.

You don't need to be a legal or technical expert in data protection. Instead, we're looking for someone with strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail, and the confidence to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect the dots.

As the central coordinator for our DPIA process, you'll guide colleagues through a process they may be unfamiliar with, ensuring requests are assessed consistently and responsibly while working closely with internal specialists and external suppliers.

This role is offered as an initial six month fixed-term contract, with the potential to become a permanent position for the right candidate.

What You’ll Do

• Acting as the central coordinator for the organisation's Data Privacy Impact Assessment (DPIA) process.
• Guiding colleagues through the DPIA process and supporting high-quality submissions.
• Assessing requests and applying judgement to determine DPIA requirements and potential risks.
• Coordinating reviews and input from specialist teams including IT, Cyber Security, Digital Learning, Global Applications, and Legal/Data Protection.
• Reviewing submissions to ensure information is accurate, complete, and aligned with GDPR and internal standards.
• Engaging with third-party suppliers to gather or clarify information relating to data protection and risk.
• Supporting risk escalation and approval processes where required.
• Maintaining accurate records, tracking progress, and communicating updates to stakeholders.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of processes, guidance, and supporting tools.

About You

You'll be someone who thrives in a structured environment and enjoys bringing people together to achieve a common goal.

Essential

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple requests simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to review and sense-check information.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain processes and requirements to non-specialists.
• Experience coordinating processes across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Good judgement and the confidence to ask questions and challenge where necessary.
• Degree level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in a coordination, governance, or process-driven role.
• Experience supporting structured or compliance-led processes.

Desirable

• Awareness of data protection principles and GDPR.
• Familiarity with IT systems, digital services, or service desk workflows.
• Experience working in a regulated or education-focused environment.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development within a governance or regulated field.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your experience in data governance and privacy while working with colleagues across the organisation to ensure personal data is managed responsibly and effectively.

If you're highly organised, enjoy problem-solving, and are looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.