Lead, Data Protection

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Lead, Data Protection to join our global team.

The Information Security and Data Protection Services Team safeguards the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SCI’s information assets. The team identifies, assesses, and manages Information Security and Data Protection risks, and supports the investigation and management of incidents and data breaches.

The Lead, Data Protection supports and drives SCI in meeting its obligations under UK GDPR and other global data protection and privacy legislation. Reporting to the Head of Information Security Services, this role provides leadership, oversight, operational and advisory expertise in data protection and assurance activities, ensuring that sensitive data is managed responsibly and securely.

The Lead will act as the operational lead for global data protection compliance, working in close partnership with the Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure regulatory alignment and organisational accountability.

The role contributes to the ongoing maturity and strategic development of the SCI’s data protection framework.

Lead, Data Protection

Head of Information Security Services

Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available

Any approved Save the Children International office location. For a full list of locations that Save the Children International can hire in, please visit: SCI Careers

Any

The successful candidate must possess the unrestricted right to work in their current or preferred location for the duration of employment.

up to 5-10%

Global

• Lead and coordinate the global implementation of data protection and privacy compliance frameworks across SCI and Members, ensuring consistent standards across diverse regulatory environments.
• Develop and deliver the Global Data Protection Strategy, plan, risk framework, and governance model.
• Maintain, and continuously enhance data protection policies, procedures, and guidance documents.
• Design, lead and oversee assurance activities, including audits and reviews of data handling practices, data sharing, and retention.
• Oversee monitoring of compliance gaps and provide strategic reporting, escalating issues to the Data Protection Officer as appropriate.
• Lead and coordinate responses to personal data breaches, including coordination of incident documentation and follow‑up actions.
• Oversee and ensure effective management of data subject rights requests, maintaining quality timeliness, and legal compliance.
• Lead the design and delivery of training and awareness programmes to embed a culture of privacy and data protection across SCI and Members.
• Lead the preparation of reports, dashboards, and materials for the Data Protection Steering Committee.
• Act as subject matter expert on regulatory developments, advising on operational impacts and provide leadership and guidance to global teams and country offices ensuring consistent application of data protection standards.

• Strong and applied expert knowledge of UK GDPR and other major privacy frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in leading data protection compliance activities, including handling subject rights requests and supporting incident management.
• Good understanding of information technology and data management systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and challenge senior stakeholders constructively.
• Experience in drafting policies, procedures, or guidance documents.
• Ability to prioritise strategically and manage competing demand in a complex environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify compliance risks and translate them into practical, and context‑specific solutions.
• Strong appreciation of effective Data Protection in a multinational humanitarian and development organisation.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity risks and information security standards.
• Experience working in a large, complex, or global organisation.
• Exposure to project or change management activities.

• Degree…