Data Privacy Officer Job Vacancy in Durban, South Africa – Banking & Finance

Job Description

Position: Data Privacy Officer

Company: Standard Bank Group

Location: Durban, South Africa

Experience: 5-7 years in data protection, compliance or legal roles

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Information Security, Computer Science or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Banking & Finance

Department: Compliance & Risk Management

Salary: SSP 600,000 – 900,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Standard Bank Group is one of Africa’s leading financial services providers, operating in 20 countries with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development. With a heritage spanning over 150 years, the bank offers a robust platform for professionals seeking dynamic career growth. As a major employer in South Africa, Standard Bank contributes significantly to the nation’s economic development and is recognized for its inclusive culture and investment in talent. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking organization that values data integrity, customer trust, and regulatory excellence. Candidates will join a team that drives strategic initiatives across the continent, positioning the bank as a leader in responsible banking and digital transformation. The position aligns with the broader mission of delivering secure, reliable financial services while upholding the highest standards of privacy and compliance, making it an attractive prospect for those searching for South Africa Jobs and long‑term career advancement.

Job Overview

The Data Privacy Officer will lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the bank’s data protection framework, ensuring compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and international standards such as GDPR. This role involves advising senior leadership on privacy risks, conducting impact assessments, and fostering a culture of privacy awareness across all business units. The successful candidate will collaborate with IT, legal, risk, and business teams to embed privacy by design into products and services. For more information about the organization and its commitment to excellence, visit South Africa Job Search. This position is a critical component of the bank’s compliance strategy and offers exposure to high‑impact projects that shape the future of financial services in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and update the bank’s data privacy policies, procedures, and guidelines in line with POPIA and global best practices.
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new initiatives, products, and third‑party engagements.
• Provide expert advice to senior management on privacy risks, mitigation strategies, and regulatory developments.
• Lead privacy training and awareness programs for employees across all levels.
• Monitor and audit data processing activities to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Manage data subject access requests (DSARs) and coordinate responses within statutory timelines.
• Collaborate with the IT security team to implement technical safeguards such as encryption, anonymisation, and access controls.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory authorities and oversee incident response related to data breaches.
• Prepare and submit regular compliance reports to the Board’s Risk Committee.

Required Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant data protection regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex legal concepts into practical business guidance.
• Proficiency in privacy management tools and familiarity with information security frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST).
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Project management experience, including the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Information Security, Computer Science, or a related discipline is required. Professional certifications such as CIPP/SA, CIPM, or ISO 27701 are highly desirable and demonstrate a commitment to the field of data privacy.

Experience

Applicants should have 5‑7 years of hands‑on experience in data protection, compliance, or legal advisory roles within the financial services sector or a similarly regulated industry. Experience with cross‑border data transfers and managing relationships with regulators will be considered an advantage.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary range of SSP 600,000 to 900,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package are also part of the total remuneration.

Benefits

• Medical and dental cover for employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid leave, including annual, sick, and parental leave.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Flexible working arrangements and remote‑work options where applicable.

Training

• Continuous professional development through accredited privacy and compliance courses.
• Access to internal leadership development programs and mentorship.
• Opportunities to attend industry conferences and seminars.

Working Environment

Standard Bank provides a collaborative, inclusive, and technology‑enabled workplace. Employees benefit from modern office spaces in Durban’s central business district, state‑of‑the‑art collaboration tools, and a culture that encourages innovation and ethical decision‑making. The bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all staff feel valued and empowered to contribute to the organization’s success.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through the Standard Bank careers portal, attaching a current CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Standard Bank Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring practices reflect our dedication to fairness and transparency, ensuring that every applicant receives equal consideration for employment.