About the Role
The Senior Data Protection Specialist is responsible for developing, delivering, and maintaining an enterprise level data strategy and governance program. This role focuses on executing corporate-wide digital governance activities, establishing adherence to a corporate governance framework for data and technology policies, standards, and practices across all levels of the organization. The aim is to achieve a consistent level of data quality, security, and protection in line with business digital needs. The Specialist will collaborate with relevant teams to address escalations regarding governance, data quality, and protection issues, while also working with business and operational teams to enhance the value of core data and digital assets in response to regulatory requirements.
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Key Accountabilities
Data Governance
- Design and implement an enterprise-wide data governance framework with a focus on improving data quality, security, and privacy.
- Establish policy and procedural frameworks for group-level enterprise data governance and management practices.
- Act as a liaison between business, operational areas, and technology to ensure clear definition and communication of data protection requirements.
- Analyze and manage resources from business and operations to meet objectives and resolve issues from data governance representatives.
- Maintain an inventory of enterprise information assets, including authoritative systems and owners.
- Facilitate adherence to existing data quality standards and protection standards across the enterprise.
- Define roles and responsibilities related to data governance, ensuring accountability for stewardship of enterprise information assets.
- Establish Enterprise Architecture Information Principles and include related standards in the annual assurance program.
Risk Management
- Develop the necessary enterprise Risk Management Framework, assessment methodologies, and practices.
- Support risk champions in identifying and reporting digital risks.
- Maintain risk registers and conduct periodic risk reviews as per the Enterprise Risk Management framework.
Relationship Management
- Foster effective relationships with internal functions, departments, and external stakeholders including shareholders, government authorities, and service providers.
- Attend to critical issues promptly to ensure efficient service delivery.
Vendor Management
- Provide technical expertise to conduct market analysis on new technologies and identify relevant vendors for data protection.
- Lead in developing RFPs and RFQs related to data protection to ensure cost-effective and quality services.
- Participate in negotiating contractual terms and SLAs to safeguard organizational interests.
Supervision
- Plan and coordinate activities in the assigned area to meet functional goals.
- Train and develop staff to enhance proficiency and achieve business objectives.
Budgets
- Contribute to the preparation and implementation of budgets and work plans to meet business objectives.
- Monitor performance and highlight significant variances for effective cost control.
Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures
- Implement approved policies and procedures to ensure alignment with company and international standards.
Performance Management
- Contribute to achieving performance objectives in accordance with the company performance framework.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
- Design and implement new tools to enhance operational process quality and efficiency.
- Identify improvements in internal processes to align with industry best practices.
Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Sustainability
- Comply with HSE policies, procedures, and sustainability guidelines in line with international standards and best practices.
Reports
- Prepare MIS and progress reports for management.
Communications & Working Relationships
Internal
- Frequent interaction with Senior Management across all Directorates on Enterprise Architecture and technology adoption.
- Regular communication with counterparts in group companies regarding Enterprise Architecture.
External
- Regular contact with Contractors/Consultants/Suppliers concerning IT services for data protection.
- Attend technical meetings with contractors and stakeholders regarding Enterprise Architecture.
- Occasionally interact with senior management from international oil companies for benchmarking and training opportunities.
- Maintain regular contact with international IT service providers regarding strategic IT services.
Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills
Minimum Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Security, or equivalent (Master’s degree preferred).
Minimum Experience, Knowledge & Skills
- 10 years of experience in a major organization, preferably in consulting and large-scale data governance audit and management.
- Knowledge of industry-leading Digital Governance and Management frameworks.
- Practical experience in data governance practices and data protection management.
- Strong understanding of digital governance regulatory requirements and industry trends.
- Proven consulting skills with change management strategies and performance measurement system design.
- Familiarity with risk management, business continuity, and technology architecture.
- Recognized as a subject matter expert in digital governance and data governance.
