Data Privacy Expert

TAWANTECH; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

TAWANTECH is seeking a senior data privacy leader to develop and operationalize PDPL-compliant policies, standards, and processes within our Saudi Arabian operations. You will advise on data processing, conduct DPIAs, and work with regulators and business units to ensure privacy across the data lifecycle.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage data transfers, and report privacy program status to senior management while ensuring strict confidentiality and ethical handling of data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, IT, cybersecurity, or related field.
• Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written).
• Minimum 5+ years in a dedicated data privacy or data protection role.
• CDMP certification is an asset.
• Proven experience with PDPL and Saudi financial sector privacy frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operationalize PDPL/privacy policies, standards, and templates.
• Advise the bank on data processing requirements and compliance.
• Conduct privacy impact assessments (DPIA) and RoPA exercises.
• Collaborate with regulators and authorities on data protection matters.
• Manage cross-border data transfers and third-party privacy obligations.
• Provide reports on privacy program effectiveness to senior management.
• Act as liaison between business, IT, and legal on data protection.

Skills

Bilingual Arabic/English

Communication skills

Leadership

Ethics and integrity

Stakeholder management

Interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, IT, cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Develop and operationalize Data Privacy Policies, Processes/Procedures, Standards, Principles, Guidelines, and Templates to comply with KSA PDPL and NDMO regulations (including but not limited to Personal Data Breach procedures, DPIA, PIA, RoPA, etc.)
• Advise the Bank and employees on data processing requirements under the KSA PDPL and ensure compliance.
• Provide guidance on data protection impact assessments (DPIA) for data collection and processing.
• Ensure all bank records and systems containing personal data align with PDPL.
• Develop a comprehensive risk register that encompasses all identified risks along with corresponding treatment plans, closure dates, and responsible stakeholders.
• Define Personal Data Protection Standards to be followed by the Information Security Team.
• Conduct due diligence on vendors and monitor their adherence to privacy obligations.
• Regularly review and update personal data privacy and protection practices.
• Review and advise on controls implemented by the business to ensure compliance with data protection requirements and internal policies.
• Collaborate with SAMA, Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and other relevant authorities on data protection matters.
• Act as the point of contact for data subjects (e.g., customers) and regulatory authorities.
• Collaborate with procurement and legal teams to evaluate privacy risks associated with third-party vendors and service providers.
• Review and negotiate privacy terms in vendor contracts to ensure compliance with data protection requirements.
• Provide regular reports to senior management and relevant stakeholders on privacy program effectiveness, compliance status, and emerging privacy risks.
• Collaborate with legal to address privacy-related legal requirements, inquiries, and regulatory investigations.
• Serve as a liaison between Business and Functional areas and technology to ensure data-related business requirements for protecting personal and sensitive data are clearly defined, communicated, and well understood.
• Manage and advise the relevant stakeholders on data transfers across borders, including approvals and monitoring.
• Establish processes to manage personal data transfers and data sharing agreements with external parties while maintaining privacy compliance.
• Support the bank in prioritizing processing activities.
• Conduct data flow mapping exercises to identify the journey of personal data from collection to destruction, covering data collection points, systems used for processing, storage, etc.
• Conduct the RoPA exercise and maintain its repository for all personal data processing activities.
• Conduct PIAs for all processing activities identified in the RoPAs to determine which require DPIAs.
• Perform DPIAs based on the results of the PIAs.
• Offer consultation in the event of a data breach or incident, report to senior management promptly, and take necessary actions.
• Provide clear and transparent privacy notices to data subjects across all channels.
• Respond to Data Subject Rights Requests (DSRs) and establish policies and procedures for handling DSRs.
• Define performance metrics and ensure compliance with data protection and privacy policies, standards, roles, and responsibilities.
• Detail-oriented approach needed to recommend and implement strategic improvements on a range of data privacy and data protection issues

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Fluent in spoken and written Arabic and English.
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience in a dedicated data privacy or data protection role.
• Fair Experience in Data Management, CDMP is additional.
• Demonstrable expertise in the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations.
• Proven experience working with data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity frameworks specific to the Saudi financial sector (e.g., SAMA’s Cyber Security Framework, IT Governance Framework).
• Strong understanding of privacy principles such as data minimization, purpose limitation, and accountability.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High level of integrity and professional ethics, with the ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

SKILLS

• Excellent IT skills: Full Microsoft Office suite.
• In-depth knowledge of PDPL and other relevant data protection laws and regulations.
• Sufficient knowledge of information technology and data management systems required.
• Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm.
• Experience of working in a large organization.
• Detail-oriented approach needed to recommend and implement strategic improvements on a range of data privacy and data protection issues