Data Privacy Officer Job Vacancy in Karasburg, Namibia – Government

Job Description

Position: Data Privacy Officer

Company: Ministry of Finance, Namibia

Location: Karasburg, Namibia

Experience: 5+ years in data protection and privacy compliance

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Government

Department: Compliance & Legal

Salary: SSP 250,000 – SSP 350,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

The Ministry of Finance, Namibia, is the central authority responsible for the formulation and implementation of fiscal policies, budgeting, and financial regulation across the nation. As a cornerstone of Namibia’s public sector, the Ministry drives economic stability, transparency, and sustainable development. With a commitment to modernizing government services, the Ministry embraces digital transformation, ensuring that data handling practices meet the highest standards of security and privacy. This dedication creates a dynamic environment for professionals seeking to contribute to national governance while advancing their careers in a forward‑looking public institution. The Ministry’s initiatives align with global best practices, making it an attractive destination for talent looking to make a meaningful impact on Namibia’s economic future and to be part of a team that values integrity, accountability, and innovation.

Job Overview

The Data Privacy Officer will lead the Ministry’s efforts to safeguard personal and sensitive information in compliance with Namibia’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and international data protection standards. Reporting to the Chief Compliance Officer, you will develop, implement, and monitor privacy policies, conduct impact assessments, and provide guidance to all departments on data handling practices. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the Ministry’s digital services, including the online tax portal and financial reporting systems, are secure, trustworthy, and aligned with the nation’s regulatory framework. For more information about the Ministry’s vision and current initiatives, visit https://namibiajobsearch.com/. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape privacy governance in a high‑visibility government setting, contributing directly to the protection of citizens’ data and the credibility of public services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and enforce the Ministry’s data privacy policies, procedures, and standards.
• Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for new projects, systems, and third‑party engagements.
• Monitor compliance with POPIA, GDPR where applicable, and other relevant regulations.
• Provide privacy training and awareness programs for staff across all departments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for data subjects, regulators, and internal audit inquiries.
• Collaborate with IT security teams to integrate privacy by design into system architectures.
• Maintain a register of processing activities and oversee data breach response protocols.
• Prepare regular reports for senior leadership on privacy risk metrics and remediation status.
• Advise on cross‑border data transfers and contractual clauses with vendors.
• Stay updated on emerging privacy trends, legal developments, and best practices.

Required Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of POPIA, GDPR, and international privacy frameworks.
• Strong analytical and risk assessment capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills for translating complex legal concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Proficiency in privacy management tools and documentation platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively with IT, legal, and business units.
• Detail‑oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.
• Project management experience, including the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ethical judgment and a proactive approach to problem solving.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Information Security, Computer Science, or a related discipline is required. Professional certifications such as CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, or ISO 27701 Lead Implementer are highly desirable and will be considered an asset during the selection process.

Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of five years of hands‑on experience in data privacy, compliance, or information governance roles, preferably within a governmental or large‑scale public sector environment. Demonstrated experience in conducting DPIAs, managing data breach investigations, and delivering privacy training programs is essential.

Salary

The Ministry offers a competitive salary range of SSP 250,000 to SSP 350,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary is paid monthly and includes statutory benefits as per Namibian labor law.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Pension scheme contributions matching government standards.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday entitlement.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options where feasible.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Ministry policies, systems, and culture.
• Continuous privacy and security training modules.
• Access to accredited courses for certifications such as CIPP/E or ISO 27701.
• Mentorship from senior compliance leaders.

Working Environment

The role is based in the Ministry’s Karasburg regional office, offering a modern workspace equipped with secure IT infrastructure. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages innovation, knowledge sharing, and a strong work‑life balance. The Ministry promotes an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and professional growth is supported.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the Ministry’s recruitment portal, attaching a current CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a competency‑based interview followed by a technical assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Ministry of Finance, Namibia, is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and given the chance to thrive regardless of gender, race, disability, or any other protected characteristic.