Data Protection Officer (DPU)

Provide analytical and technical advice on data protection matters.

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 1 month ago: Thursday 21 May 2026 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide analytical and technical advice on data protection matters.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (including but not limited to law, computer science, information technology).
  • Data protection certifications, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT).
  • Seven years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines (e.g. data protection and privacy programme and policy, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, data retention, privacy by design, information security, training and awareness, etc.).
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Data Protection Unit (DPU) in the Office of the Director-General (ODG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The DPU is an independent function in ODG. It oversees and supports implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy closely working with FAO headquarters and Decentralized Offices, and assists the Data Protection Oversight Committee.

Reporting Lines

The Data Protection Officer reports to the Senior Data Protection Officer, Head of DPU.

Technical Focus

Provide analytical and technical advice and support to all units of the Organization on data protection matters.

Key Results

The planning, management and delivery of multi-disciplinary data protection related activities and related policies, services and advice.

Key Functions

  • Provide advice to units throughout the Organization to support compliance with the Data Protection Policy (e.g., on data protection impact assessments, data sharing agreements with external entities, the drafting or review of procedures and guidelines, as well as other tools and materials, etc.);
  • Analyse information, review, draft and/or finalize reports and other documents for the Governing Bodies and Senior Management as may be required;
  • Coordinate amongst relevant units (such as, but not limited to, the Legal Office, the Digitalization and Informatics Division, the Office of the Chief Economist) in addressing a broad variety of data protection matters;
  • Advise the Senior Data Protection Officer in the analysis and evaluation of requests and complaints by data providers, and in responding to them in coordination with the FAO units concerned;
  • Advise on and coordinate the provision of secretariat support to the Data Protection Oversight Committee;
  • Develop and conduct sensitization and awareness raising activities;
  • Participate in working groups, meetings, seminars and conferences, as assigned by the Senior Data Protection Officer, Head of DPU;
  • Advise the Senior Data Protection Officer in establishing and maintaining appropriate tools and processes for the management of DPU records;
  • Perform other duties, as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (including but not limited to law, computer science, information technology);
  • Data protection certifications, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT);
  • Seven years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines (e.g. data protection and privacy programme and policy, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, data retention, privacy by design, information security, training and awareness, etc.);
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

  • Results Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Building effective relationships
  • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions;
  • Integrity, adherence to the highest ethical standards and the capacity to deliver objective advice and maintain confidentiality;
  • Three years of experience in dealing with data protection issues, development and compliance of data protection framework;
  • Experience in the application of data protection rules, in organizations such as the UN System, international and/or national data protection rules and practices;
  • Extent and relevance of experience in providing training and raising awareness;
  • Experience in an international environment - public or private sector - is highly desirable;
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO official language is considered a strong asset.

Potential interview questions

Describe a situation where you had to implement compliance with data protection policies across different teams. This question assesses your experience and effectiveness in managing compliance in a multi-stakeholder environment. Discuss specific challenges faced and the outcomes achieved through collaborative efforts.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple data protection projects simultaneously? Prioritization skills are critical in data protection, where timelines often overlap. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain a situation where you had to address a data breach or incident? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to raise awareness of data protection issues within an organization? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you ensure that data protection compliance is maintained in an international context. Does it differ from domestic policies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach coordinating between various units on data protection matters? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with data protection assessments and audits? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Have you ever had to deal with a complaint regarding data usage? How did you handle it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: fao.org