Data Privacy Officer

Roche fosters diversity, equity and inclusion, representing the communities we serve. When dealing with healthcare on a global scale, diversity is an essential ingredient to success. We believe that inclusion is key to understanding people’s varied healthcare needs. Together, we embrace individuality and share a passion for exceptional care. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

Data Privacy Officer for Middle East

Important Notes: 

• Candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Law. 

• The successful candidate will stay based in the same country within the Middle East where he/she is currently residing.

By concentrating on healthcare’s toughest challenges, we’ve been able to make many major breakthroughs, improving lives around the world. But there’s still work to be done.

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced and collaborative legal professional passionate about data privacy? 

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Legal Counsel  with focus on Privacy to handle the role of Data Privacy Officer for the Middle East countries.

As a Data Privacy Officer, you will be responsible for advising on, training and promoting compliance with data protection and privacy laws and regulations affecting business activities primarily in the Middle East region, with some overlap with other global privacy laws, such as Europe (GDPR) and USA. 

You will develop and implement related policies, practices, and training programs, and help business stakeholders to understand and address data protection and privacy issues as they emerge in the development of new products and technologies. You will be expected to stay abreast of developments and trends in data protection and privacy laws and regulations and enforcement.

You will report to the  General Manager of the Country where you are residing.

Your Impact

• Act as the primary internal expert on privacy law, offering practical and strategic legal guidance on data privacy and security

• Advise legal, compliance, and business teams on data protection best practices and compliance with Middle Eastern and global laws

• Support and develop the company’s privacy program to ensure effective privacy practices and minimize risks

• Provide legal support in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating data security terms in contracts, including data processing agreements

• Deliver education, training, and direction on data protection laws affecting business operations and contracts

• Strategically advise on emerging products and technologies, addressing privacy considerations

• Guide and support incident response efforts in cases of data breaches, providing counsel on legal obligations and potential liabilities

• Collaborate with privacy and security professionals and other key functions (e.g., IT Security, Compliance) to align on privacy strategies and manage complex issues

Who you are

• You must have a Bachelor’s degree in law (or equivalent) with bar membership in good standing; a postgraduate degree is preferred

• You bring 7 to 10 years of legal experience, with at least 3 years in data privacy/security within the life sciences industry, either in-house or at a law firm

• You are a subject matter expert in data protection and privacy laws impacting healthcare business activities, including digital health, business transactions, sales, marketing, and employment

• You have a comprehensive understanding of Middle Eastern data privacy laws, health laws, and GDPR regulations

• You possess experience in assessing and advising on data protection risks and compliance strategies and in data loss prevention, cybersecurity events, forensic investigations, breach notifications, and preparedness

• You have excellent negotiation and communication skills 

• You can effectively manage multiple priorities and have the ability to navigate complex, multinational matrix organizations, exercising sound independent judgment while influencing others

• You demonstrate a commitment to integrity and professionalism and passion for excellence combined with strong leadership skills and sense of accountability, passion, resilience and teamwork

Who we are

At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.

Roche is an Equal Opportunity Employer.