DATA PROTECTION OFFICER

  • 31 Jul 2026

  • Compliance

CIRCULAR NO. 2 OF 2026

Location: Gaborone, Botswana

About Thuto SACCOS

Thuto SACCOS is a member-owned Savings and Credit Cooperative Society committed to delivering secure, innovative, and member-focused financial services. To strengthen its governance and regulatory compliance framework, the Society invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Data Protection Officer, on a 3-5 years fixed term contract.


Main Purpose of the Position

Reporting to the Risk and Compliance Manager, the Data Protection Officer (DPO) is responsible for ensuring that the Society complies with the Data Protection Act and all applicable data protection and privacy regulations. The DPO will develop and oversee data protection policies, promote a culture of privacy, monitor compliance, and serve as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities on data protection matters.


Key Responsibilities


The successful candidate will be responsible for:


Regulatory Compliance

  • -- Ensure the Society complies with the Data Protection Act and other applicable privacy legislation.
  • -- Monitor developments in data protection laws and recommend appropriate policy and procedural changes.
  • -- Serve as the primary point of contact with regulatory and supervisory authorities on data protection matters.


Data Privacy Management

  • -- Develop, implement, and maintain the Society's data protection policies, procedures, and privacy framework.
  • -- Conduct regular compliance audits and reviews of data processing activities.
  • -- Coordinate and oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) where required.


Risk Management

  • -- Identify, assess, and mitigate data privacy risks across the Society.
  • -- Develop incident response procedures for data breaches and oversee investigations and reporting.
  • -- Monitor the implementation of appropriate data security and privacy controls.


Training and Awareness

  • -- Design and deliver staff awareness programmes on data protection and privacy obligations.
  • -- Promote a culture of data privacy and compliance throughout the Society.
  • -- Develop educational materials and guidance for employees.


Data Subject Rights

  • -- Manage requests relating to access, correction, deletion, restriction, and other rights of data subjects.
  • -- Ensure all requests and complaints are handled within statutory timelines and legal requirements.


Documentation and Record Management

  • -- Maintain accurate records of processing activities.
  • -- Ensure data processing agreements with third parties comply with applicable legal requirements.
  • -- Prepare compliance reports for Management and regulators.


Data Governance

  • -- Collaborate with Management and Information Technology teams to strengthen data governance and information security.
  • -- Ensure personal information is processed securely and in accordance with approved policies and legislation.


Regulatory Liaison

  • -- Coordinate communication with regulatory authorities regarding compliance matters and breach notifications.
  • -- Represent the Society on matters relating to data protection compliance.


Qualifications and Experience


Applicants should possess:

  • -- A Bachelor's Degree in Law, Information Technology, Business Administration, Information Security, or a related field.
  • -- A minimum of three (3) years' experience in data protection, privacy, information governance, compliance, or information security.
  • -- Demonstrated knowledge of the Data Protection Act and internationally recognised data protection principles and best practices.
  • -- Experience in developing and implementing data protection policies and compliance programmes.
  • -- Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
  • -- Excellent communication, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • -- High standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
  • -- Experience within the financial services sector, particularly a Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCOS), banking, insurance, or other regulated financial institution, will be an added advantage.
  • -- Professional certification in Data Protection, Privacy, Information Security, or Compliance (such as CIPP, CIPM, CDPSE, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor, or equivalent) will be an added advantage.

 

Key Competencies

  • -- Knowledge of Data Protection and Privacy Laws
  • -- Compliance and Regulatory Management
  • -- Risk Assessment
  • -- Information Governance
  • -- Policy Development and Implementation
  • -- Analytical and Critical Thinking
  • -- Communication and Influencing Skills
  • -- Planning and Organising
  • -- Confidentiality and Ethical Conduct
  • -- Attention to Detail


Remuneration

An attractive and competitive remuneration package, commensurate with qualifications and experience, will be offered to the successful candidate.


How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:


  • -- A detailed Curriculum Vitae;
  • -- Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications;
  • -- Certified copy of a valid identity document; and
  • -- Names and contact details of three (3) professional referees.


Data Protection Notice

Thuto SACCOS collects and processes applicants' personal information solely for recruitment and selection purposes in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2024. By submitting an application, you consent to the processing of your personal data, including verification of qualifications, employment history and references where necessary. Your information will be accessed only by authorised personnel, kept secure, and retained only for the period required by law or for legitimate recruitment purposes. Applicants may exercise their rights under the Data Protection Act by contacting Thuto SACCOS.

 

Applications should be addressed to:

The Chairperson
Management Board
Thuto SACCOS

PO BOX 45821, RIVERWALK

GABORONE

 

OR EMAIL: recruitment@thutosaccos.co.bw


 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Closing date 31st July 2026