Data Protection Officer (Legal)

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Medical insurance

Professional development budget

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Data Protection Officer (DPO) to lead privacy programs for a global enterprise. The role requires an admitted South African attorney with 5+ years in data protection and strong POPIA/GDPR knowledge.

You will design, implement, and oversee privacy policies, DPIAs, and training, while coordinating with IT and legal teams. Fully remote with international scope.

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa or equivalent legal qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data protection/privacy law.
• Strong knowledge of POPIA and GDPR.
• Experience building and implementing data privacy frameworks.
• Understanding of IT systems and information security principles.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• CIPP/E or similar certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance with data protection laws (POPIA, GDPR) across the organization.
• Develop, implement, and maintain data protection policies and procedures.
• Provide regular data protection training to staff.
• Advise on DPIAs for new projects and systems.
• Serve as primary contact for data protection authorities and data subjects.
• Manage data subject requests (access, rectification, erasure).
• Advise on data processing agreements and vendor contracts.
• Monitor legislative changes and adjust programs accordingly.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams to ensure data security.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading multinational corporation with significant operations in South Africa, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Data Protection Officer (DPO) with a strong legal background. This role is fully remote, allowing you to contribute from anywhere. The DPO will be the primary point of accountability for ensuring the organization complies with data protection regulations, including POPIA and GDPR. You will lead the development and implementation of data protection strategies, policies, and procedures. This position involves working closely with legal, IT, and business departments to embed data privacy principles and manage data protection risks across the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional specializing in privacy to take on a leadership role in a global enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and monitor the organization's compliance with data protection laws (POPIA, GDPR, etc.).
• Develop, implement, and maintain data protection policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Conduct regular data protection training for staff across various departments.
• Advise on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects and systems.
• Act as the primary contact for data protection authorities and data subjects.
• Manage and respond to data subject requests (e.g., access, rectification, erasure).
• Advise on the legal requirements for data processing agreements and third-party vendor contracts.
• Monitor changes in data protection legislation and guidance and advise on necessary adjustments.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams to ensure data security measures are adequate.
• Investigate and manage data protection incidents and breaches.

Requirements

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa or equivalent legal qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data protection law, privacy compliance, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of South African Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and GDPR.
• Experience in developing and implementing data privacy frameworks and policies.
• Strong understanding of IT systems, data processing, and information security principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities in a remote work environment.
• CIPP/E or relevant data protection certification is highly advantageous.
• Experience in corporate environments, particularly within regulated industries, is a plus.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Fully remote work arrangement with flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous professional development budget for certifications and training.
• Opportunity to lead data protection compliance for a global organization.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Access to modern legal and compliance technology.
• A culture that values privacy and ethical conduct.
• Supportive virtual team environment.
• Direct impact on safeguarding sensitive data and building trust.