Senior Specialist, Data Governance

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Specialist, Data Governance to join our global team.

Team Purpose

Across all sectors, AI, Data and Digital are critical enablers that help organisations deliver better quality work, based on sound decision making and driving efficiency. This is as important if not more critical in the development sector where every $ counts towards supporting the needs of children. There are many systems and tools across the organisation that are used to generate, store and communicate data and information as well as pockets of capabilities and process that is focused on driving continuous improvement. Alongside this and based on this rich data landscape, Digital Programming or ICT4D (information and communication technology for development) is the application of technology for the delivery of programmes for children. Technology can range from bespoke for a specific purpose, or a standard off the shelf digital tool or application. It may be deployed in the field as part of a program delivery (front office) or form part of the program development cycle (back office). Similarly, it could also focus on an enabling technology required to allow further digital developments e.g. connectivity, infrastructure changes etc. Bringing these together and maximising benefit from evolving AI technologies to support programme delivery, data and analytics, operational delivery etc. in a single unit, drives quality delivery and ensures a fully joined up approach.

To ensure we focus our resource and capabilities in the best way to maximise value, a fit for purpose strategy based on our overarching global strategy is key, enabling us to accelerate on priority areas and balance scale with local needs.

Role purpose

To lead the implementation, adoption, and continuous improvement of data governance frameworks across the organisation, ensuring effective data management, regulatory compliance, and data quality. The role drives governance best practices, enables informed decision-making, and supports improved outcomes for children through strong stakeholder engagement, data stewardship, and governance oversight.

• Job Title: Senior Specialist, Data Governance
• Reports To: Head, Data Governance
• Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available
• Location: Any approved Save the Children International office location. For a full list of locations that Save the Children International can hire in, please visit: SCI Careers
• Required Time Zone: Any
• Contract Length: Permanent
• Right to Work: The successful candidate must have the right to work in the country where the role is based, for the duration of employment.
• Language Requirements: English
• Remit: Global

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead the implementation and enhancement of data governance policies, standards, frameworks, and controls across the organisation.
• Partner with business and technology stakeholders to drive the adoption of data governance practices and strengthen governance capability.
• Lead data quality monitoring and remediation activities, coordinating resolution of critical data quality issues and risks.
• Define and maintain data governance artefacts, including business glossaries, metadata standards, data dictionaries, and Critical Data Elements (CDEs).
• Facilitate data governance forums, working groups, and stewardship communities to support accountability and engagement.
• Lead the implementation of data ownership, stewardship, and access management processes in collaboration with IT and business teams.
• Monitor governance maturity, compliance, and performance through KPIs, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide expert advice and day-to-day guidance on governance processes, standards, and data-related controls.
• Support audits, regulatory requirements, and organisational initiatives by ensuring adherence to data governance policies and procedures.
• Drive operational delivery of data governance initiatives while identifying opportunities to enhance governance effectiveness and business value.

Experience and Skills

Essential

1.Problem Solving and Risk Management

Proven ability to resolve complex data governance challenges, drive root-cause analysis, mitigate data risks, and implement sustainable solutions that strengthen governance and compliance across the organisation.

2.Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation

Excellent communication, influencing, and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders, Data Owners, Data Stewards, and cross-functional teams, leading workshops and driving consensus on governance decisions.

3.Technical and Data Management Capability

Strong understanding of data governance principles, metadata management, data quality, master data, and data lifecycle management. Experience with data governance and quality tools, data catalogues, and reporting solutions. Advanced Power BI skills, including analysing large datasets, developing governance dashboards, and producing insights to support monitoring and decision-making.

4.Leadership and Change Management

Ability to lead governance initiatives, promote adoption of governance frameworks, and drive organisational change through coaching, guidance, and stakeholder engagement across global and diverse teams.

5.Cultural Awareness and Collaboration

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in diverse, global, and inclusive environments, fostering collaborative relationships and ensuring governance practices support equitable and responsible data use.

6.Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Proactively identifies opportunities to enhance governance processes, controls, and operating models, encouraging innovative approaches that improve data management effectiveness and organisational outcomes.

7.Governance Oversight and Accountability

Ability to establish and monitor governance KPIs, track compliance with policies and standards, assess governance effectiveness, and provide meaningful reporting and recommendations to leadership.

8.Data Governance

Demonstrated experience in data governance, data quality, data management, or related fields

Desirable

• Involvement in projects or roles that required lead on implementing governance frameworks.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams, influencing data governance policies, and contributing to broader organisational goals.

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or equivalent

Desirable

• Educational Background: A degree in Computer Science, Information Management, Business, or a related field is preferred. A postgraduate qualification, such as a master’s degree, may be advantageous.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications like Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or equivalents can be beneficial in demonstrating expertise in data governance and related areas.

Working at Save the Children International

Save the Children is the world's leading organisation for children, employing ~25,000 staff. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Through our work in 116 countries, we put the most deprived and marginalised children first.

We know that great people make a great organisation, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

The work here is challenging but is also immensely rewarding. At Save the Children, you will be in good company, working with talented, like-minded individuals who are determined to ensure that all children survive, learn, and are protected. Your contribution will help ensure children's voices are heard at the highest levels, and that we achieve our global strategy, Ambition for Children 2030, and reach every last child.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

DEI is core to our vision, values and global strategy. Save the Children is committed to creating a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation, and one which will support us in our vision to ensure every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, caring or parental responsibilities, age, or beliefs and religion. We are committed to diversifying our staff to better represent the communities we serve and actively welcome underrepresented groups to apply.

Reasonable adjustments will be made should any candidate invited to interview require this.

Application Information

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application. A full copy of the role profile can be found at SCI Careers. It is recommended that you save a copy of the role profile as it will no longer be available after the advert closes.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the job advert may be closed earlier than advertised subject to the volume of suitable applicants. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates who are successfully shortlisted should expect to hear from us within 2 weeks of the advert deadline.

Our Recruitment Process

• Application review by our recruiting team based on your CV and cover letter
• Two-stage competency-based interviews with the hiring team
• Some recruitment may include an additional assessment or case study stage, or a third stage interview
• If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, followed by your contract subject to passing background checks

We need to keep children and adults safe so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our commitment to the protection of children and adults from abuse. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures relating to Anti-Harassment, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and DEI and Equal Opportunities.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.