Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Data & Legal Officer to lead the organization’s data governance, regulatory compliance, privacy strategy, and legal functions. This executive role will play a critical part in ensuring the responsible use of data while navigating the complex regulatory landscape within the telecommunications industry.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in telecommunications, digital services, or highly regulated industries, with a strong understanding of data protection, regulatory compliance, telecom regulation, and digital governance. The role combines strategic legal leadership with oversight of enterprise data governance and privacy frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Legal & Regulatory Leadership

• Lead and oversee the company’s legal function, ensuring compliance with telecommunications laws, regulatory requirements, and corporate governance standards.
• Provide strategic legal counsel to the executive leadership team and board of directors.
• Manage regulatory relationships with telecom authorities and government bodies.
• Oversee contract negotiations with vendors, partners, and technology providers.
• Ensure compliance with international and regional regulatory frameworks relevant to telecommunications and digital services.

Data Governance & Privacy

• Establish and lead the organization’s enterprise data governance strategy, policies, and frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and privacy regulations, including cross-border data transfer requirements.
• Implement robust data security, privacy, and data lifecycle management policies.
• Oversee governance of customer data, network data, and digital platform data.
• Work closely with technology, cybersecurity, and digital teams to ensure responsible and secure use of data.

Risk & Compliance

• Identify legal, regulatory, and data-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee internal compliance programs, audits, and regulatory reporting.
• Ensure adherence to telecom regulatory obligations related to data retention, lawful interception, and digital services.

Strategic Data Enablement

• Support the business in leveraging data responsibly to enable analytics, AI, and digital services.
• Provide governance frameworks that enable innovation while maintaining compliance and privacy standards.
• Partner with the CIO, CDO, and CTO functions on data platforms and digital transformation initiatives.

Leadership & Governance

• Lead and develop teams across legal, regulatory affairs, compliance, and data governance.
• Establish policies and governance structures for ethical data usage and corporate compliance.
• Report regularly to executive leadership and the board on legal, regulatory, and data governance matters.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB or equivalent); Master’s degree or LLM preferred.
• 15+ years of legal and regulatory experience, preferably within telecommunications, technology, or digital services industries.
• Strong expertise in telecom regulatory frameworks, data protection, and privacy law.
• Experience leading legal and compliance functions in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrated experience establishing enterprise data governance frameworks.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within a Telecom Operator (MNO), digital platform, or technology company.
• Familiarity with data protection frameworks such as GDPR or similar regional regulations.
• Experience supporting digital transformation, AI governance, or advanced analytics initiatives.
• Experience engaging with telecom regulators and government stakeholders in the Middle East.

Key Competencies

• Executive leadership and strategic thinking
• Regulatory and legal expertise in telecom environments
• Data governance and privacy leadership
• Risk management and compliance oversight
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to balance innovation with regulatory compliance

What We Offer

• Executive leadership role within a dynamic telecommunications environment
• Opportunity to shape enterprise data governance and legal strategy
• Competitive executive compensation package
• Strategic influence across digital, technology, and regulatory domains