Education: Graduation (Master's Preferred)
Experience: Minimum 15 Years

About the Role

HBL is seeking an experienced and strategic leader for the position of Head of International IS Privacy Research & Innovation. The role requires leading international information security, privacy governance, cybersecurity innovation, and research initiatives across global operations. The ideal candidate will drive security frameworks, regulatory compliance, innovation programs, and cross-country security strategies while leading high-performing international teams.

Key Responsibilities

Information Security & Privacy Governance

• Lead and oversee information security risk assessments across international locations.
• Develop, review, and update Information Security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure coordination with internal and external auditors for seamless audit processes.
• Supervise information and data classification activities.
• Oversee vulnerability assessments and penetration testing exercises.
• Review and monitor international cybersecurity and regulatory requirements.
• Support the CISO in managing international information security operations.
• Ensure timely closure of audit findings and remediation actions.
• Manage security budgets and resource allocation for international initiatives.
• Maintain country risk profiles including IT footprint, risk exposure, and control mechanisms.
• Coordinate implementation of security initiatives with technical teams.

Privacy Framework & Regulatory Compliance

• Define and maintain enterprise privacy frameworks aligned with ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 standards.
• Establish international operating models including governance structures, RACI models, and SLAs.
• Oversee DPIAs, TIAs, Records of Processing, and cross-border data transfer mechanisms.
• Coordinate with regional Privacy Officers and Data Protection Officers.
• Ensure breach notification procedures comply with regional regulatory timelines.
• Lead responses to regulatory inspections, audits, and supervisory inquiries.
• Drive closure of findings and maintain compliance dashboards and evidence repositories.
• Enforce third-party risk and cloud governance frameworks.
• Ensure data localization and residency requirements are integrated into solutions and architectures.

Research & Innovation

• Advance cybersecurity innovation and research initiatives across the organization.
• Assess emerging cybersecurity technologies, tools, and frameworks.
• Lead development of innovative security solutions and proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Conduct pilots, prototypes, and research projects in cybersecurity domains.
• Drive cybersecurity awareness, mentoring, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Identify emerging trends and apply cross-sector innovations to banking security challenges.
• Generate and manage cybersecurity research ideas and innovation projects.
• Publish and present research outcomes and technology insights.
• Lead project management activities including planning and budgeting.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead geographically distributed teams across multiple regions and time zones.
• Manage crisis response activities and security operations.
• Promote security and privacy awareness programs tailored to regional and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Security, or Privacy/Law related field
• Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, or Privacy/Law preferred

Professional Certifications (Preferred):
• CISSP
• CISM

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience
• 8 to 10 years of international information security and privacy experience
• Minimum 5 years in senior leadership roles
• Proven experience working with GDPR and multi-jurisdiction banking regulations

Why Join HBL?

• Lead international cybersecurity and privacy initiatives
• Drive innovation and research programs
• Work with global teams and advanced security technologies
• Contribute to strategic transformation within a leading financial institution

Apply now and become part of HBL's journey toward strengthening global cybersecurity and privacy excellence.