Job Specifications
Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Specialist, Data Protection to join our global team.
Team And Job Purpose
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.
Role purpose
The Senior Specialist, Data Protection supports 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 operational and advisory expertise in data protection and assurance activities, ensuring that sensitive data is managed responsibly and securely.
The Senior Specialist will act as a key support resource to the Data Protection Officer contributing to compliance initiatives, awareness programmes, and operational responses to data protection risks.
Job Title: Senior Specialist, Data Protection
Reports To: Head of Information Security Services
Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available
Contract Length: Permanent
Grade: P4
Location: 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
Time Zone (that the role holder must be available to work in): Any
Right to Work: The successful candidate must possess the unrestricted right to work in their current or preferred location for the duration of employment.
Language Requirements: English
International Travel Requirements: up to 5-10%
Principal Accountabilities
Support the implementation of data protection and privacy compliance activities across SCI and Members.
Maintain and update data protection policies, procedures, and guidance documents.
Lead assurance activities, including audits and reviews of data handling practices, data sharing, and retention.
Monitor and report on compliance gaps, escalating issues to the Data Protection Officer as appropriate.
Provide support in responding to personal data breaches, including coordination of incident documentation and follow-up actions.
Handle data subject rights requests, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
Lead the delivery of training and awareness programmes to embed a culture of privacy and data protection across SCI and Members.
Contribute to the preparation of reports, dashboards, and materials for the Data Protection Steering Committee.
Stay informed of changes in data protection legislation and best practice and advise on operational impacts.
Collaborate with global teams and country offices to ensure consistent application of data protection standards.
Essential
Experience and Skills
Strong knowledge of UK GDPR and other major privacy frameworks.
Practical experience in data protection compliance, including handling subject rights requests and supporting breach management.
Good understanding of information technology and data management systems.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
Experience in drafting policies, procedures, or guidance documents.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Detail-oriented approach with the ability to identify compliance risks and propose practical solutions.
Desirable
Familiarity with cybersecurity risks and information security standards.
Experience working in a large, complex, or global organization.
Exposure to project or change management activities.
Essential
Education and Qualifications
Degree or diploma in Computer Science, Business Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Law, or relevant professional experience.
Desirable
Recognised privacy qualification e.g. CIPP, ISEB, C-DPO
IT security or assurance certification (e.g., ISO27001 Implementer, CISSP, CISM).
Working at Save the Children International
Save the Children is the world's leading organisation for children, employing ~25,000 staff. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Through our work in 116 countries, we put the most deprived and marginalised children first.
We know that great people make a great organisation, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
The work here is challenging but is also immensely rewarding. At Save the Children, you will be in good company, working with talented, like-minded individuals who are determined to ensure that all children survive, learn, and are protected. Your contribution will help ensure c