Job description

Job Summary:

Privacy Ninja is the trusted DPO-as-a-Service partner, serving over 500 organisations across all sectors. We are seeking a highly skilled and knowledgeable Data Protection Officer (DPO) to join our diverse DPO-as-a-Service team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing our clients expert advice and guidance on data protection practices, assisting them with the development of their Data Protection Management Programme (DPMP), and ensuring compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). This role is primarily remote with occasional onsite client meetings, and requires someone who thrives in a virtual work environment—proactive, communicative, and comfortable building rapport both online and in person.

At Privacy Ninja, we look for DPOs who embody the Privacy Ninja C.A.R.E. framework – Character, Adaptability, Relational Communication, and Expertise.

This means individuals with strong work ethic, who are approachable, not afraid to admit mistakes, and committed to continuous learning and self-improvement (Character); who are not resistant to adopting new technologies, tools, AI, and automations (Adaptability); capable of clear, empathetic communication with clients and teams (Relational Communication); and who bring deep professional knowledge in PDPA, data protection, and cybersecurity (Expertise). These four pillars define the kind of professionals who thrive in our fast-paced, high-trust environment.

1. Key Responsibilities:

Client Advisory Services

• Provide expert consultation to clients on all aspects of data protection and PDPA compliance, including relevant incident handling advisory.

• Guide, review, and comment on documentation while providing detailed advisory as needed.

• Address client inquiries and provide solutions to complex data protection issues.

• Stay informed of changes in Singapore data protection laws to offer timely and accurate advice.

• Offer live advisory promptly through client WhatsApp group chats or email communications (or RobotDPO™ advisory chat module when available), within reasonable response time expectations aligned with internal guidelines.

• Enable clients to book calendar slots for guidance or clarification sessions, ensuring timely and structured support.

Data Protection Management

• Assist clients in developing and implementing a comprehensive Data Protection Management Programme (DPMP), based on our DPO-as-a-Service SOPs and deliverables. 

• Conduct questionnaire-based and virtual/onsite audits and assessments to ensure compliance with PDPA and other relevant data protection laws, using our DPO-as-a-Service checklist documents and/or software. 

• Collaborate with clients to create and maintain a robust framework for data protection, based on our DPO-as-a-Service deliverables and framework. 

Compliance and Reporting

• Monitor ongoing compliance with PDPA requirements within client organizations, based on our DPO-as-a-Service checklist and deliverables. 

• Prepare reports and documentation for both internal and external use, detailing compliance measures and any data breaches, based on our DPO-as-a-Service document templates. 

• Recommend corrective actions and enhancements to address compliance gaps and improve data protection practices.

Collaboration and Training

• Work closely with our Client Success Managers to ensure a cohesive approach to client management and service delivery.

• Contribute knowledge and best practices to Client Success Managers and other team members as opportunities arise, supporting a collaborative working environment without it being a core duty.

• Conduct basic PDPA awareness explainer and review sessions for clients, regarding their implemented policies and practices, when within scope or as specifically agreed upon as part of the engagement.  

Adaptability to Technology and Innovation

• Demonstrate a willingness to be trained on new technologies and systems to enhance work efficiency and service delivery

• Leverage automation tools and internal AI-driven solutions to streamline processes and improve client outcomes

• Embrace the use of digital tools to record and manage findings efficiently, reducing reliance on manual paperwork

• Proactively propose ideas and suggestions to improve company policies and practices, both internally and in client servicing

Client Retention and Relationship Building

• Support client retention by actively engaging in meaningful interactions that reinforce trust and demonstrate value throughout the engagement.

• Collaborate closely with Client Success Managers to ensure continuity in service delivery and responsiveness to client needs.

• Take initiative in identifying red flags or client dissatisfaction early, escalating to relevant stakeholders when necessary to support renewal efforts.

• Cultivate rapport with client Data Protection Coordinators (DPCs) and decision makers during audits or advisory sessions, reinforcing Privacy Ninja’s role as a trusted partner.

Evolving Responsibilities and Continuous Growth

• Remain adaptable to additional responsibilities that align with the company’s evolving services, including but not limited to expanded compliance consulting and certifications

• Stay open to learning and contributing to new initiatives that enhance the company’s data protection and cybersecurity offerings.

• Assist in projects or services that support business growth, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission and expertise.

• Take on standalone project-based consultancies for data protection and cybersecurity projects, where and when assigned and within capabilities; additional incentives apply. 

2. Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Data Protection Officer or in a similar role, with a strong understanding of PDPA and other relevant legislations, with typically 2 years of relevant hands-on experience working as either a Data Protection Officer in a past organization, or as a Data Protection Consultant

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle complex information

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of explaining complex data protection principles in an understandable manner

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote team environment and with cross-functional groups, showing initiative and accountability, with the ability to work independently when required

• Professional certification in data protection or privacy law (e.g., CIPP, CIPM, CIPT) is highly desirable, and cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP) 

• Familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT preferred, with a proven track record of quickly learning and integrating new technologies into work processes

3. Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and responsive – takes ownership of follow-through and communication, even when working remotely.

• Comfortable interacting in both virtual and in person client settings.

• Flexible and adaptable to varying client needs and internal workflows.

• Team player who shares knowledge openly and constructively with a geographically dispersed team.

• Approachable and easy to work with, open to feedback, and collaborative in nature.

• Naturally curious and eager to keep learning in a fast-evolving data protection landscape.

4. This Role May Not Be The Right Fit If –

• You have no prior, hands-on experience serving as a Data Protection Officer or supporting PDPA compliance work.

• You prefer a traditional office environment and find remote work challenging.

• You are not comfortable communicating consistently and clearly through chat, email, or video calls as part of a remote work setup.

• You prefer close supervision or frequent direction to stay on task.

• You’re uncomfortable managing multiple clients or adapting to different industries.

• You prefer to wait for clear instructions before taking action, rather than working proactively.

• You find it difficult to stay responsive, self-motivated, or accountable in a fully remote setup.

Why join us?

• The convenience of mostly Work From Home (WFH), with the exception of onsite audits and ad hoc client meetings

• Competitive salary

• 13th month bonus

• KPI-based annual performance bonus

• Annual paid leave – starts at 7 days annually, +1 day for each year with us, capped at 20 days

• If you’re naturally curious, enjoy sharing your expertise to help others, and love engaging with new people, this role offers the chance to explore how different organisations operate and broaden your exposure through real client interactions

Is this for you? Please send your latest CV along with any relevant professional certifications (e.g., Practitioner Certificate in Personal Data Protection Course) to hr@privacy.com.sg .