Head of Digital Governance Section

Tanqeeb; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

KHDA invites a seasoned Digital Governance Lead to shape and govern the Authority’s digital strategy in Abu Dhabi. You will integrate cybersecurity, data protection, ICT governance and enterprise risk, driving regulatory-aligned governance across the organization.

The role includes executive advisory, KPI governance, and cross-government collaboration to elevate secure, compliant digital services. Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in IT, Cybersecurity, CS or related field, with

Qualifications

• Experience leading digital governance and regulatory programs.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity, data protection and risk.
• Ability to drive enterprise-wide governance and reporting.
• Proven stakeholder management and advisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and governance of KHDA’s Digital Governance Framework.
• Define and drive digital governance strategy integrating cybersecurity and risk.
• Establish digital risk governance model with proactive risk mitigation.
• Provide executive advisory on governance, compliance and emerging risks.
• Drive alignment with Dubai Government digital ecosystem and regulations.
• Lead integration of ISO 27001, COBIT, ITIL into KHDA’s governance.
• Represent KHDA in national cross-government governance initiatives.
• Establish and monitor governance KPIs and maturity models.
• Foster a culture of governance, compliance and secure innovation.

Skills

Digital Governance

Cybersecurity

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

IT Governance

Education

Information Technology

Cybersecurity

Computer Science

Information Security

Digital Governance or related field

Job description

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development and governance of KHDA’s Digital Governance Framework, ensuring enterprise-wide adoption and regulatory alignment.
• Define and drive digital governance strategy, integrating cybersecurity, data protection, ICT governance, and enterprise risk management.
• Establish KHDA’s digital risk governance model, ensuring proactive identification, assessment, and mitigation of cyber and technology risks.
• Provide executive-level advisory on digital governance, regulatory compliance, and emerging digital risks to senior leadership.
• Drive alignment with Dubai Government digital ecosystem (DDA, DESC, UAE regulations) and ensure full compliance with applicable laws and standards.
• Lead the integration of global frameworks (ISO 27001, COBIT, ITIL) into KHDA’s governance architecture.
• Represent KHDA in national and cross-government digital governance initiatives, committees, and regulatory engagements.
• Establish and monitor digital governance KPIs, maturity models, and performance indicators to drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of digital accountability, compliance, and secure innovation across KHDA.

Operational Objectives

• Direct and oversee the implementation of governance policies, standards, and controls across all digital and ICT operations.
• Lead enterprise-wide compliance reviews, audits, and governance assessments, ensuring readiness for DDA/DESC inspections.
• Own and manage digital risk registers, compliance dashboards, and executive reporting frameworks.
• Oversee cybersecurity governance, incident management, and digital risk response mechanisms.
• Govern third-party/vendor digital compliance, ensuring adherence to KHDA governance and security standards.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with IT, data, procurement, and business units to embed governance practices.
• Manage, coach, and develop the Digital Governance team, ensuring high performance and capability building.
• Drive awareness programs, policies rollout, and training initiatives to strengthen governance culture.
• Ensure audit closure, corrective action tracking, and regulatory reporting are executed effectively

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:

• Information Technology
• Cybersecurity
• Computer Science
• Information Security
• Digital Governance or related field