Lead AI Cybersecurity Governance and Assurance Manager

Discovered MENA is hiring a Lead AI Cybersecurity Governance and Assurance Manager to join a premier banking and financial services institution in the UAE, based in Abu Dhabi. This role is crucial for ensuring the highest standards of safety, regulatory alignment, and protection for major technical systems within a flagship technology delivery program.

As a key member of the technology services group, you will own artificial intelligence cybersecurity governance and independent assurance, establishing control baselines, evaluating risk frameworks, and providing independent oversight. We are looking for a candidate to join our team and help shape the future of technology in the region.

Company Overview

For nearly a decade, Discovered has operated at the centre of the region’s technology ecosystem, serving as the largest independent tech-focused talent partner in the Middle East. We partner with startups, governments, and enterprises undergoing digital transformation, and actively shape conversations around AI, digital infrastructure, and emerging technology. We also organize and run communities for leaders to connect and share insights.

Our expertise spans AI, ML & Data, Software Engineering, Product & Design, Cloud & Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Digital Assets & Web3, Immersive & Gaming, Creative & Digital, Sales and Marketing. We believe in long-term partnerships, trust, and building genuine ecosystems.

Quick Details

• Salary Range: 55-60k AED plus benefits
• Job Type: Full-time
• Qualifications: Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or an equivalent field.
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in technology control testing, IT audit, or technology risk engineering within banking or financial services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain risk-focused assurance plans aligned with institutional risk tolerance and regulatory expectations.
• Lead independent technical evaluations of artificial intelligence cybersecurity controls across infrastructure, identity, and applications.
• Challenge technical outcomes, control assumptions, and residual risk positions presented by engineering teams.
• Validate remediation actions and confirm that corrective measures are sustainable before issue closure.
• Provide readiness opinions to governance committees regarding system deployments, migrations, and post-release control stability.
• Produce clear control status reports, risk themes, and technical updates for oversight committees and senior leadership.
• Collaborate with audit, risk, and compliance partners while coordinating directly with technical programme leads.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of experience in technology control testing, IT audit, or technology risk engineering within banking or financial services.
• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or an equivalent field.
• Hands-on background testing and automating controls across infrastructure, applications, and access management.
• Professional certifications such as CISA, CRISC, or equivalent credentials.
• Strong grasp of banking regulations, risk frameworks, and audit methodologies.
• Practical experience with scripting or automation using tools like Python is a definite advantage.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to provide constructive challenge to technical teams.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with a premier banking and financial services institution in the UAE.
• Take full ownership of artificial intelligence cybersecurity governance and independent assurance.
• Contribute to a flagship technology delivery programme ensuring high standards of safety and regulatory alignment.
• Work in a dynamic and evolving technology landscape.
• Collaborate with diverse teams including cybersecurity, risk, and delivery.