Data Protection Specialist

Equity Bank is seeking a highly skilled Data Protection Specialist to join its Information Security and Governance function. This role is ideal for professionals who are passionate about safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing data protection systems, and strengthening regulatory compliance across a leading financial institution. Individuals searching for careers at Equity Bank, Data Protection job opportunities in Kenya, or Information Security vacancies in Nairobi will find this role aligned with their skills and ambitions.

Key Job Information

• Position: Data Protection Specialist
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Mid-level to Senior
• Salary Range: Not provided
• Application Deadline: Not specified

About Equity Bank

Equity Bank is one of the region’s most transformative financial institutions, renowned for championing financial inclusion, sustainable banking practices, and technology-led innovation. The bank operates with a mission to empower individuals, businesses, and communities by expanding access to modern financial services while supporting economic prosperity across East Africa.

Equity Bank’s culture emphasizes integrity, excellence, inclusivity, and continuous learning. The institution is widely recognized for investing in its people, offering opportunities for professional development and exposure to cutting-edge security technologies, financial systems, and large-scale digital transformation initiatives. As a leader in the banking sector, Equity Bank continues to innovate in cybersecurity, risk management, and digital solutions to ensure customer trust and regulatory compliance.

Joining the bank provides professionals with a unique opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organization with a regional footprint, a collaborative work environment, and a strong reputation for ethical leadership. Equity Bank’s technology and security teams work with modern tools, industry frameworks, and advanced infrastructure designed to ensure resilience, regulatory compliance, and secure digital banking experiences.

Job Description

The Data Protection Specialist plays a critical role in Equity Bank’s broader cybersecurity and governance structure. The specialist is responsible for implementing and administering data protection technologies, particularly Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions, to ensure that sensitive information remains secure, accessible, and compliant with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

This role involves day-to-day management of data protection systems, coordination with third-party vendors, participation in audits and assessments, and support of the bank’s Data Protection roadmap. The specialist collaborates closely with internal teams such as Security Operations, IT Infrastructure, and Compliance to ensure the bank maintains a strong posture against data breaches, unauthorized access, and emerging risks.

In addition, the specialist will support internal awareness and training efforts, ensuring that employees across the Group understand data protection principles and follow best practices. The person will also assist with responding to Data Subject Rights Requests and play an active role in refining policies, documentation, and operational procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with vendors to maintain and enhance DLP technologies, including troubleshooting and upgrades.
• Administer DLP tools by configuring policies, patching systems, and ensuring platform reliability.
• Actively monitor alerts generated by DLP and other security technologies, escalating issues where necessary.
• Follow the established incident response processes and handle event escalations promptly.
• Respond to security incidents escalated by the Incident Response Team.
• Maintain DLP system integrity by adhering to documented operational processes.
• Assist in incident management and provide support for Data Subject Rights Requests.
• Support the development and updating of data protection policies, guidelines, and governance documentation.
• Contribute to data protection training, awareness campaigns, and staff sensitization across the Group.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Information Security, Network Security, Engineering, MIS Computing, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience implementing and administering DLP solutions in a banking or highly regulated environment.
• Experience working with Microsoft Windows operating systems, Office 365, Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS), and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM).
• Hands-on experience with Privileged Access Management (PAM), least privilege solutions, and multi-factor authentication technologies.
• Experience managing Information Security compliance frameworks and risk assessments.
• Strong knowledge of information risk concepts and how to align business needs with security controls.

Preferred Qualifications

• CISSP
• CISM
• CCNP
• Network+
• CGEIT
• Equivalent security or governance certifications

Benefits and Compensation

While specific benefits for this position are not listed, Equity Bank is known for offering competitive compensation packages, comprehensive health benefits, staff training programs, pension contributions, and access to continuous learning opportunities. Employees may also benefit from career progression pathways within the bank’s expansive regional network.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below. Applicants are encouraged to submit updated CVs and ensure alignment with the required qualifications and responsibilities outlined above.