Responsibilities

The Senior Manager Legal and Regulatory DataCo will be responsible for the following Key Performance Areas:

Key Deliverables

• Support the establishment of the DataCo legal and regulatory function within the DataCo business.
• Identify, monitor, track, and analyse national and regional regulation applying to DataCo’s areas of operation, notably data protection, data security, data sovereignty, data privacy & security and information security.
• Manage DataCo’s IP portfolio which includes, implement a system to ensure that DataCo’s IP is identified, protected, maintained and enforced in multiple jurisdictions.
• Embedding privacy, security, and cross-border data compliance into product design and commercial models through legal guidance and regulatory advice.
• Developing modular legal frameworks that enable scalable partner agreements and flexible data sharing constructs.
• Aligning AI, data governance, and monetisation with evolving regulatory landscapes (e.g., data sovereignty, AI ethics, competition law).
• Acting as a trusted advisor to cross-functional teams, balancing commercial ambition with legal stewardship.
• Develop legal frameworks and templates for DataCo contracts, licenses, and partner agreements.
• Provide monthly and quarterly legal and regulatory regulatory reports with actionable insights for DataCo and MTN Group leadership.
• Create awareness and training materials for internal teams on key legal and regulatory topics.
• Position papers, regulatory submissions, and audit responses externally
• Effectively manage strong, transparent relationships with regulatory bodies and external counsel.
• Partner contract portfolio aligned with DataCo monetisation objectives and compliance obligations.

Data Governance, Privacy, Intellectual Property & Regulatory Advisory

• Act as the primary lead on data protection, data security, data sovereignty, data privacy & security and information security adoption, in line with national and international laws (e.g. GDPR).
• Accountable for preparing and reporting on the DataCo privacy and security-by-design programme as well as integration into DataCo products, services, and partner platforms (leveraging off Group guidance).
• Perform detailed research and benchmarking for the development of DataCo’s framework for compliance with applicable regulation.
• Provide expertise on legal and regulatory queries relating to IP from various departments.
• Assist Research & Development / technical teams in identifying patentable inventions.
• Closely monitor and action against any infringement of DataCo IP.
• Management of litigation and active engagement in the resolution of on-going IP disputes.
• Identify IP infringement risks (of DataCo and third-party IP) and manage the implementation of mitigating strategies.
• Filing, prosecuting and attending tot the renewal of DataCo trade marks, patents and registered designs across multiple jurisdictions.
• Assist the marketing team with DataCo brand management.
• Monitoring and analysis of regulatory shifts and provide strategic input on necessary adaptations.

Contracting & Commercial Legal Support

• Advise and support the DataCo value proposition (leveraging off Group guidance) by preparing opinions or memoranda on regulatory adoption and commercial legal adherence.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including data sharing, revenue share, licensing, platform agreements, API access, technology agreements (software development, joint development and technology transfer/assignment agreements) and partner deals.
• Develop template agreements and playbooks to accelerate contracting cycles while ensuring risk coverage.
• Advise on IP protection strategies for DataCo innovations.

Regulatory Strategy & Engagement

• Support interactions with data protection authorities, competition regulators, and other oversight bodies.
• Map and anticipate regulatory trends impacting DataCo; prepare position papers and engagement materials.
• Coordinate responses to inquiries, audits, and regulatory consultations.

Risk Management & Controls

• Design and implement risk registers and mitigation plans covering legal and regulatory exposures.
• Lead internal awareness programs on data ethics, compliance, and contractual risk.

AI & Emerging Tech Legal Frameworks

• Advise on legal and ethical implications of AI models, predictive analytics, and automation in DataCo’s offerings.
• Develop guardrails for Responsible AI adoption aligned to Group standards and external best practices.

Cross-Functional Enablement & Education

• Deliver training and toolkits for business, product, and tech teams on legal and regulatory requirements.
• Act as liaison between DataCo and Group Legal and Regulatory, Mergers & Acquisitions, Group Technology and Group Risk & Compliance teams.

Role Dependencies

• In-depth understanding of the MTN business strategy.
• Experience in a telecommunications and/or technology environment
• Effective stakeholder relationship management, ability to support a diversity of OpCos and platforms with a range of skills and expertise and experience in a legal and regulatory environment.
• Understanding of the MTN technology, business and regulatory context across both traditional and new business lines.

Qualifications

Education:

• LLB or equivalent law degree from a recognized institution.
• Admission as an attorney in South Africa or another English law jurisdiction.
• Certification(s) in data privacy (e.g. CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT from IAPP) and security from a recognized institution.
• Preferably qualifications like an LLM or equivalent master’s degree from a recognised institution in technology law, or commercial law (is an advantage).
• Completion of Group 1 SAIIP (South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law) exams preferred

Experience:

• 5-8 years’ experience post qualification, with at least 3-5 years in an in-house legal role within the technology or software industry focused on commercial law and data privacy.
• Manager track record of 5 years or more
• Proven track record in managing complex legal matters across multiple jurisdictions in Africa.
• proven experience advising on data governance, contracts, commercial intellectual property law arrangements and regulatory engagement.
• Strong relevant experience with data governance, data privacy, data sovereignty, intellectual property and partnership / customer contracting.

Competencies:

• Data Privacy & Governance Expertise: Deep understanding of privacy laws, cross-border data flows, and compliance frameworks.
• IP Expertise: Deep understanding of intellectual property laws and IP frameworks (OAPI, ARIPO and WIPO), IP portfolio management and negotiation complex IP arrangements in commercial agreements.
• Contract Structuring & Negotiation: Skilled in drafting and negotiating complex data and tech-related agreements.
• Regulatory Engagement & Advocacy: Ability to represent MTN DataCo’s interests with regulators and policy bodies.
• Risk Anticipation & Mitigation: Proactive in identifying legal exposures and designing controls.
• IP, AI & Emerging Tech Legal Insight: Knowledge of evolving frameworks around intellectual property, AI ethics, algorithmic accountability, and digital markets regulation.
• Business Partnership: Trusted advisor who integrates legal insights into strategic and operational plans.
• Enablement & Communication: Translates complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Experience working with and managing multiple stakeholders
• Creative, entrepreneurial, and a passion for problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking, plus execution agility, high-performing, driven, self-starting.

Apply Before 09/17/2025