Lead Senior Legal Counsel (MENA), Cairo

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This role is based in Cairo Egypt.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

When processing personal data as part of its business operations SAP must comply with the requirements of the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Egypts Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 UAEs Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Saudi Arabias PDPL (Personal Data Protection Law) and other applicable data protection and privacy laws in the countries where SAP operates.

To support the local SAP entities in meeting their data protection and privacy compliance obligations SAP has established a global network of Data Protection and Privacy professionals. This network consists of local Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Data Protection and Privacy Coordinators (DPPCs) that report to the management of the SAP entities by which they are hired and to SAPs global Data Protection & Privacy team reporting to SAPs Group Data Protection Officer.

We are looking for an experiencedLead Senior Legal Counselto serve as the local Data Protection Officer (DPO) for Egypt and as Data Protection and Privacy Coordinator (DPPC) for Arabian countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia responsible for leading data protection compliance strategy across the assigned country responsibility.

EXPECTATIONS AND TASKS

The role is responsible for ensuring SAPs compliance with Egypts data protection regulations GDPR and data protection laws across assigned Arabian countries. This role involves collaborating closely with the global data protection and privacy team local business units senior management and external regulatory authorities to manage data protection risks and drive data protection and privacy awareness across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory Compliance & Strategy:

• Ensure compliance with Egypts Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Saudi Arabias Personal Data Protection Law GDPR and other relevant regulations.
• Develop and implement comprehensive data protection compliance strategy for Egypt and assigned Arabian countries.
• Monitor interpret and assess changes in data protection legislation regulations and industry standards across all assigned jurisdictions.
• Provide timely updates guidance and legal opinions on regulatory developments and best practices.
• Conduct regular gap analyses and support implementation of remediation measures.

Strategic Advice:

• Provide legal and compliance advice on data protection issues and conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects initiatives and emerging technologies including AI/ML applications.
• Represent SAPs Group Data Protection Officer within the assigned region and serve as principal point of contact for supervisory authorities.
• Lead the development implementation and maintenance of regional data protection and privacy policies standards and procedures aligned with global requirements.
• Assist local Chief Finance Officers in fulfilling their GDPR and local data protection responsibilities and dedicated legal entity processes.

Compliance Monitoring Risk Management:

• Establish and monitor compliance with data protection policies procedures and regulatory requirements across all assigned entities.
• Manage data breach response protocols and support incident investigations including supervisory authority notifications and data subject communications.
• Support resolution of supervisory authority requests escalations and regulatory inquiries.

Awareness Training & Organizational Development:

• Conduct targeted data protection and privacy training programs for various organizational levels including C-suite management and operational teams.
• Develop and maintain data protection awareness materials and communications.
• Champion a data protection culture across all business units and ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Strengthen and expand SAPs global data protection community within the assigned region.

Regional Coordination & Harmonization:

• Harmonize data protection documentation processes and compliance approaches across Egypt and assigned Arabian countries in alignment with global DPP standards.
• Coordinate data protection initiatives and ensure consistency in implementation across multiple jurisdictions.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local and regional stakeholders including government authorities industry partners and external legal counsel.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Required skills

• University degree in Law with specialization in data protection privacy or information technology law
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience as a Data Protection Officer Chief Privacy Officer or in a senior legal/compliance role focused on data protection
• Thorough knowledge and practical experience with GDPR and other global data protection regulations
• Demonstrated expertise in Egypts Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 and/or UAE/Saudi Arabian data protection frameworks
• Professional experience in managing cross-jurisdictional compliance initiatives
• Strong project management capabilities with ability to lead complex multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Exceptional written and oral presentation skills with ability to communicate complex legal and technical concepts to non-specialist audiences
• Strong communication skills at all organizational levels including C-suite executives
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders including regulatory authorities

Technical & Legal Expertise:

• Deep understanding of data protection principles frameworks and regulatory requirements across assigned jurisdictions
• Proficiency in conducting DPIAs and risk assessments
• Experience with data breach management and incident response protocols

Professional Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with strategic thinking capability
• Ability to work independently manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional teams
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence at senior levels

Language Requirements (Essential):

• Fluency in Arabic and Egyptian Arabic (written and spoken)
• Fluency in English(written and spoken)

Preferred Qualifications:

• CIPP-E (Certified Information Privacy Professional - Europe) certification
• AIGP (AI Governance Professional) certification or equivalent
• CIPM (Certified Information Privacy Manager) certification
• Prior experience working with multinational organizations or in regulated industries
• Experience with AI/ML governance and privacy by design principles

EXPECTED TRAVEL

10-20% (for regional coordination stakeholder meetings and supervisory authority engagements across assigned Arabian countries)

Bring out your best
SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services for database analytics intelligent technologies and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide we are purpose-driven and future-focused with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries people or platforms we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP you can bring out your best.

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Requisition ID: 451958 Work Area: Administration Expected Travel: 0 - 10% Career Status: Professional Employment Type: Regular Full Time Additional Locations: #LI-Hybrid