Manager - Data Protection

Financial Services Regulatory Authority; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 240,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM) is seeking a Data Protection Manager to support the Data Protection Officer 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, embedding accountability and responsible data use.

The position also supports the implementation and oversight of Artificial Intelligence governance, DPIAs,

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 such as CIPP/E, CIPM, or equivalent
• : Regulatory/public sector or highly regulated environment desirable
• : Exposure to AI governance, data analytics, or emerging technologies governance preferred
• : Strong understanding of data protection laws and principles (e.g., UK GDPR or ADGM DPR 2021)
• : Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and apply pragmatically
• : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent written and verbal communication
• : Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders

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 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

Privacy compliance

DPIAs

RoPA

Data breach management

AI governance

Training & awareness

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law/Information Governance/Cybersecurity

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

• Relevant professional certification (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, or equivalent)
• Experience within a regulatory, public sector, or highly regulated environment desirable
• Exposure to AI, data analytics, or emerging technologies governance preferred
• 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

About Us

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.

About the Team

Abu Dhabi Global Market is an award-winning international financial centre strategically located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Established by UAE Federal Decree, ADGM’s jurisdiction extends across the entire 114 hectares of Al Maryah Island.

ADGM's three independent authorities - the Registration Authority (RA), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and ADGM Courts - together ensure that its business-friendly environment operates in line with international best practices, recognised by major financial centres worldwide.

Job Info

• Job Identification 325
• Job Category Management
• Posting Date 07/27/2026, 07:34 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations ADGM Square, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Global Market, 3rd, 4th & 5th floor, AE