Manager - Data Protection

ADGM; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ADGM is seeking a seasoned Data Protection Manager to support the DPO in delivering a robust data protection and privacy compliance program across the organisation. You will help embed accountability and responsible data use while supporting AI governance and regulatory reporting.

The role requires extensive experience in data protection, privacy, and compliance, with strong advisory and stakeholder management skills to drive cross‑functional alignment and continuous improvement across ADGM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Law, Information Governance, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a data protection, privacy, or similar role.
• Relevant professional certification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Support the DPO in implementing and maintaining the organisation’s data protection framework.
• Provide day‑to‑day advice on data protection obligations to business units.
• Assist in identifying appropriate lawful bases for processing activities.
• Conduct and support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Support with maintenance and updates of Records of Processing Activities (RoPA).
• Draft and review privacy notices, policies, and procedures.
• Review and advise on data sharing agreements and processor contracts.
• Support responses to data subject rights requests (e.g. access, rectification, erasure).
• Assist in managing and investigating personal data breaches, including root cause analysis and remediation.
• Monitor compliance with data protection laws and regulations and support internal audits and assurance activities.
• Deliver data protection training and awareness sessions to staff.
• Support cross-border data transfer assessments and safeguards.
• Assist with regulatory engagement and reporting obligations.
• Support development of data protection and AI governance metrics and reporting.
• Track and report on risks, issues, and remediation actions.
• Support continuous improvement of policies, controls, and processes.
• Promote a culture of data protection and responsible innovation across ADGM.

Skills

Data protection

DPIA

RoPA

Privacy notices

Privacy by design

AI governance

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law, Information Governance, Cybersecurity, or related field

Job description

The Data Protection Manager will support the Data Protection Officer (DPO) in delivering an effective data protection and privacy compliance framework across the ADGM. The role will help ensure that ADGM personal data is handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory expectations, while embedding a strong culture of accountability and responsible data use.

The role also includes responsibility for supporting the implementation and oversight of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance.

Data Protection and Privacy Compliance

• Support the DPO in implementing and maintaining the organisation’s data protection framework


• Provide day‑to‑day advice on data protection obligations to business units


• Assist in identifying appropriate lawful bases for processing activities


• Conduct and support Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)


• Support with maintenance and updates of Records of Processing Activities (RoPA)


• Draft and review privacy notices, policies, and procedures


• Review and advise on data sharing agreements and processor contracts


• Support responses to data subject rights requests (e.g. access, rectification, erasure)


• Assist in managing and investigating personal data breaches, including root cause analysis and remediation


• Monitor compliance with data protection laws and regulations and support internal audits and assurance activities


• Deliver data protection training and awareness sessions to staff


• Support cross-border data transfer assessments and safeguards


• Assist with regulatory engagement and reporting obligations


• Support development of data protection and AI governance metrics and reporting


• Track and report on risks, issues, and remediation actions


• Support continuous improvement of policies, controls, and processes


• Promote a culture of data protection and responsible innovation across ADGM

Managerial

• Creates an environment where team members consistently drive to improve performance


• Manages team with full accountability for achieving overall agreed objectives


• Manages by effectively empowering team members


• Takes responsibility for mentoring high potential and most critical talent in their career progression


• Reviews performance of team and addresses performance issues quickly through clear decisions

Information Security related

• Understand, adopt, adhere and practice responsibilities or controls as per ADGM Information Security policy and as per best practices explained in the induction and awareness sessions.


• Confidentiality, Integrity and availability of the ADGM Information shall be maintained at all times i.e. within as well as outside ADGM.

Education & Work Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Law, Information Governance, Cybersecurity, or related field

Minimum 10 years of experience in a data protection, privacy, or similar role

Essential

• Relevant professional certification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, or equivalent)

Desirable

• Experience within a regulatory, public sector, or highly regulated environment desirable


• Exposure to AI, data analytics, or emerging technologies governance preferred

Required Competencies

• Strong understanding of data protection laws and principles (e.g. UK GDPR or ADGM Data Protection Regulations 2021 or equivalent)


• Understanding of AI governance principles, including fairness, accountability, transparency, and risk management


• Experience conducting DPIAs or similar risk assessments


• Ability to interpret legal and regulatory requirements and apply them pragmatically


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders

The ADGM Authority is mandated to facilitate the achievement of ADGM’s vision to be one of the world’s foremost international financial centers. The Authority brings together strategic and support functions to ensure the continued provision of best‑in‑class services, enabling the development of ADGM as a whole. It plays a pivotal role in driving ADGM’s growth by leveraging emerging trends across the international financial services sector and the developments associated with the post‑pandemic world.