(Senior) Data Protection Counsel

• We’re looking for a (Senior) Data Protection Counsel to strengthen our Legal & Compliance team - acting as the go-to escalation and advisory point on data protection matters, developing our data protection documentation, and supporting us on regulatory proceedings, contract reviews, and the implementation of data protection requirements across different jurisdictions
• Data protection management: Maintenance and continuous development of data protection documentation within the PAIR Finance Group, in particular the record of processing activities (Art. 30 GDPR), data protection impact assessments, and — in coordination with IT Security — the related technical and organisational measures, as well as data‑protection‑relevant information, concepts and agreements with applicants and employees in cooperation with the P&O department
• Escalation and advisory point of contact: Specialist escalation point for the operational data protection team in relation to complex data protection issues and the handling of complex data subject requests (particularly under Article 15 et seq. of the GDPR); Assisting in advising management on data protection compliance‑related matters (including IT law issues)
• Support for regulatory/court proceedings: Substantive support and coordination of supervisory authority and court proceedings and inquiries, and preparation of statements to data protection authorities
• Contract management: Review, drafting and negotiation of data‑protection‑related contracts/aspects with (prospective) clients, service providers and other cooperation partners, working closely with our Legal Commercial team and Procurement as well as IT Security
• Monitoring & implementation of legal requirements: Support in implementing data protection requirements from the various jurisdictions in which PAIR Finance operates
• Training and knowledge management: Delivering subject‑matter/department‑specific training (e.g. Privacy by Design) for colleagues
• Collaboration and quality assurance: Close cooperation with the Data Protection & AI Governance Counsel, the Data Protection Officer, and the Quality Management and Customer Advocacy department, as well as external counsel where applicable, to review and adapt process quality
• Involvement in audits: Participation in company audits (e.g. when PAIR Finance is being audited) as well as participation in or conducting audits of service providers/cooperation partners

Benefits

• Company pension and other benefits to add up to an excellent all‑round package
• Flexible working hours and 28 days leave a year for a healthy work‑life balance
• Good pay for strong performance
• An international team of professional colleagues and strong experts making up an inspirational network
• Team events for a successful team
• Individual development opportunities and a transparent, nurturing feedback culture for your own personal career path
• Challenging, varied tasks along a steep learning curve
• Modern office with fresh fruit, muesli and drinks to create a pleasant working environment

Qualifications

• Strong interest in legal, technical and business contexts
• Fluent written and spoken German and English
• Additional languages (e.g. French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish) are a plus
• In‑depth knowledge of data protection (GDPR, DSG) and IT/software/copyright law as well as data security is an advantage, ideally with relevance to the payments industry
• Knowledge of civil law and administrative procedural law
• Full qualification as a lawyer (two state examinations) is a plus
• Candidates with a law degree/state examination or an above‑average degree in business law, as well as graduates with relevant professional experience from other jurisdictions (e.g. Poland, Spain, Italy, France), are equally welcome
• Ability to explain complex legal and technical matters clearly to other departments
• A legal education relevant to the role, ideally demonstrated through corresponding areas of focus or (additional) qualifications
• Experience in stakeholder management, including dealing with supervisory authorities, is an advantage
• At least two years of relevant practical professional experience in data protection law in the areas relevant to the role
• Motivation to work in an international, regulated and innovative environment and to become another cog in a great Legal & Compliance team