Introduction

In an increasingly data-driven world, Data Protection and Privacy for NGOs have emerged as critical pillars of organizational integrity, trust, and operational sustainability. Non-governmental organizations, by their very nature, often collect and process vast amounts of sensitive personal data pertaining to beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, and staff, frequently operating across diverse legal jurisdictions. Safeguarding this information is not only a moral imperative but also a growing legal obligation, with stringent regulations like GDPR and various national data protection acts imposing significant compliance requirements and penalties for breaches. Without robust data protection frameworks and a deep understanding of privacy principles, NGOs risk devastating data breaches, erosion of public trust, financial penalties, and a severe compromise of their ability to deliver vital services, directly impacting the vulnerable populations they serve. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Data Protection and Privacy for NGOs.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower NGO leaders, program managers, IT staff, legal and compliance officers, and all personnel involved in handling personal data with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to implement and maintain effective data protection and privacy practices. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of global data protection principles, explore key regulatory frameworks, learn about data mapping and impact assessments, and acquire skills in managing consent, ensuring data security, and responding to data breaches. The course will delve into topics such as data minimization, privacy by design, cross-border data transfers, anonymization, staff training, and accountability mechanisms. By mastering the principles and practical application of Data Protection and Privacy for NGOs, participants will be prepared to build resilient data protection programs, uphold ethical data stewardship, strengthen donor and beneficiary trust, and ensure their organization's continued compliance and reputation in a privacy-conscious era.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• NGO Executive Directors and Senior Management
• Program Managers and Coordinators
• IT and Information Management Staff
• Legal and Compliance Officers
• Fundraising and Communications Teams
• Human Resources Personnel
• Field Data Collectors and M&E Specialists
• Data Analysts working with sensitive information
• Board Members with oversight responsibilities
• Consultants advising NGOs on data management.

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of data protection and privacy in the NGO context.
• Learn about key global and regional data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, relevant national laws).
• Acquire skills in identifying and classifying personal and sensitive data.
• Comprehend techniques for conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Explore strategies for obtaining and managing informed consent for data processing.
• Understand the importance of data minimization, accuracy, and retention.
• Gain insights into implementing robust data security measures (technical and organizational).
• Develop a practical understanding of managing data breaches and incident response.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Data Protection and Privacy Principles

• What is personal data and sensitive personal data in the NGO context?
• Overview of core data protection principles (lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity, confidentiality, accountability).
• The importance of data privacy for NGOs: trust, reputation, legal compliance, ethical responsibility.
• Key roles in data protection: data controller, data processor, data subject.
• Common data privacy risks and challenges faced by NGOs.

Module 2: Key Data Protection Regulations

• Deep dive into the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its applicability to NGOs globally.
• Understanding key provisions of GDPR relevant to nonprofits (lawful basis for processing, data subject rights).
• Overview of other significant data protection laws (e.g., California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), major African data protection acts).
• Navigating cross-border data transfers and international data protection requirements.
• Differences and similarities between various data protection frameworks.

Module 3: Data Mapping and Impact Assessments

• Conducting a data inventory: identifying what data is collected, where it's stored, and how it's used.
• Data flow mapping: visualizing the movement of data within and outside the organization.
• Performing Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk processing activities.
• Identifying and assessing privacy risks in data processing operations.
• Developing risk mitigation strategies and action plans based on DPIAs.

Module 4: Lawful Basis for Processing and Consent Management

• Understanding the six lawful bases for processing personal data (consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task, legitimate interests).
• When is consent required, and how to obtain valid, informed, and unambiguous consent?
• Managing consent: record-keeping, withdrawal mechanisms.
• Specific considerations for processing sensitive data (e.g., health data, refugee status).
• Practical examples of consent forms and privacy notices for NGO operations.

Module 5: Data Subject Rights and Accountability

• Understanding and fulfilling data subject rights: right to be informed, access, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), restriction of processing, data portability, objection.
• Procedures for handling data subject requests promptly and ethically.
• The principle of accountability: demonstrating compliance with data protection laws.
• Maintaining records of processing activities and data protection policies.
• The role of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) or designated privacy leads.

Module 6: Data Security and Technical Measures

• Implementing technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data.
• Data encryption, pseudonymization, and anonymization techniques.
• Access controls and user permissions: limiting access on a need-to-know basis.
• Network security, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
• Secure data storage, backup, and disposal policies.

Module 7: Data Breach Management and Incident Response

• Defining a data breach and understanding its potential impact on NGOs.
• Developing a comprehensive incident response plan for data breaches.
• Steps to take immediately after a breach: containment, assessment, eradication.
• Notification requirements: informing data subjects and supervisory authorities.
• Learning from breaches and implementing preventative measures.

Module 8: Building a Privacy-Aware Culture and Third-Party Management

• Training and awareness programs for all staff on data protection responsibilities.
• Fostering a culture of privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default.
• Managing third-party vendors and partners: due diligence, data processing agreements.
• Ensuring contractual obligations for data protection with service providers.
• Continuous monitoring, auditing, and adapting data protection practices.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.