Security Manager / Lead Africa at dLocal

About the Job

• We are seeking an experienced Security Manager / Lead Africa to oversee information security and compliance initiatives across Nigeria and support broader efforts in key African markets. 
• This role will be pivotal in representing the organisation in local security matters, engaging with regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assisting merchants with compliance requirements, and ensuring adherence to Nigeria’s IT regulations.
• The Security Manager / Lead Africa will work closely with both local management and the global information security function, ensuring that local strategies align seamlessly with corporate security objectives. 
• The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in privacy, data protection, and regulatory compliance within fintech, payments, or financial services, with a demonstrated ability to support operational teams in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities
What Will Keep You Challenged:

• Serve as the key security representative for Nigeria, collaborating with information security and compliance teams to ensure local operations align with global security strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Financial Authority, ensuring compliance with evolving requirements.
• Provide support to local management by offering expertise on regulatory obligations and security best practices, while facilitating merchant compliance efforts.
• Monitor regulatory developments in Nigeria, advising on operational impacts and recommending appropriate responses to ensure continuous compliance.
• Assist in coordinating local risk management activities, identifying and mitigating operational and third-party risks associated with cross-border transactions.
• Lead the coordination of local audit activities, ensuring accurate documentation and timely resolution of compliance matters.
• Assist the Global Information Security Function with the  implementation of global security standards, such as PCI DSS, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST, tailored to meet local needs.
• Support incident response efforts for local security events, collaborating with information security teams to ensure swift resolution and mitigation.
• Foster a security-first culture by developing and delivering tailored training programs to local stakeholders.

Requirements
What Makes You a Great Fit:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in information security, regulatory compliance, or related roles within fintech, payments, or financial services, with proven experience in the Nigerian market.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s IT regulations, data protection laws, and regulatory environments.
• Proven experience working with regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Financial Authority.
• Knowledge of security frameworks including PCI DSS, ISO/IEC 27001, SOC, SOX, COBIT, and NIST.
• Professional certification (mandatory): At least one of the following: CISSP, CISA, CISM, or CRISC.
• Strong communication skills, capable of engaging with local stakeholders and translating technical security concepts for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, offering strategic insights that support both local and corporate objectives.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory; proficiency in additional local languages is a plus.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Experience supporting regulatory compliance initiatives in Nigeria’s fintech sector.
• Hands-on knowledge of RegTech solutions and cloud security compliance, including scalable automation solutions.
• Expertise in third-party risk management, particularly in highly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional coordination, working across compliance, risk, legal, and administrative functions.
• In-depth knowledge of payment systems infrastructure and associated security requirements, particularly for cross-border transactions.

What Do We Offer?
Besides the tailored benefits we have for each country, dLocal will help you thrive and go that extra mile by offering you:

• Remote work: work from anywhere or one of our offices around the globe!*
• Flexibility: we have flexible schedules and we are driven by performance.
• Fintech industry: work in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment, with plenty to build and boost your creativity.
• Referral bonus program: our internal talents are the best recruiters - refer someone ideal for a role and get rewarded.
• Learning & development: get access to a Premium Coursera subscription.
• Language classes: we provide free English, Spanish, or Portuguese classes.
• Social budget: you'll get a monthly budget to chill out with your team (in person or remotely) and deepen your connections!
• dLocal Houses: want to rent a house to spend one week anywhere in the world coworking with your team? We’ve got your back!