Data Protection Specialist

FAO; Kansas; Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 166,000; Part time

Job summary

FAO is seeking a Data Protection Specialist to support its Data Protection Unit in implementing the Data Protection Policy. The role involves drafting procedures, guiding divisions on new processes, and handling data subject requests, while coordinating with FAO offices globally.

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in data protection, privacy, and compliance within international organisations, plus strong communication skills and the ability to work remotely.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline and at least five years of related experience.
• Fluent English (C1) required; knowledge of another UN language desirable.
• Experience in data protection, privacy, information security, or related field, preferably in international organisations.

Responsibilities

• Draft and update data protection guidance, procedures, and controls.
• Guide divisions on implementing data protection processes and technical controls.
• Respond to data subject requests and enquiries related to data protection policies.
• Provide advisory support to FAO units and offices on data protection matters.
• Develop and review training materials to raise awareness of data protection.

Skills

Data protection

Policy guidance

GDPR compliance

ISO 27701

Data breach handling

Stakeholder management

Education

Advanced degree

Job description

Organizational Setting

The Data Protection Unit (DPU) is an independent function in the Office of the Director-General. It supports and monitors implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy (DPP), as amended, through collaboration across FAO headquarters and decentralized offices at regional and country levels. The DPU reports on policy compliance to the Data Protection Oversight Committee.

Organizational Setting

The Data Protection Unit (DPU) is an independent function in the Office of the Director-General. It supports and monitors implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy (DPP), as amended, through collaboration across FAO headquarters and decentralized offices at regional and country levels. The DPU reports on policy compliance to the Data Protection Oversight Committee.
The Data Protection Specialist is not required to work on FAO premises and the work may be performed remotely.

Reporting Lines

The Data Protection Specialist resides within the DPU and will report to the Head of the DPU.

Technical Focus

Develop data protection procedures, guidelines and controls across the data lifecycle from data collection, processing, storage, transfer and disposal. Provide technical advice to FAO offices on matters relating to data protection compliance and risk management.

Tasks And Responsibilities

The Data Protection Specialist will, under the general supervision and guidance of the Head of the DPU (or the assigned staff member in the absence of the Head of DPU):

• Draft new (and update existing) operational guidance and procedures for data protection;
• Support the implementation of the data protection policy by guiding divisions on setting new organisational processes, standards and / or technical controls;
• Respond to requests from data subjects and other data providers submitted in accordance with the Data Protection Policy;
• Respond to internal requests for advice from FAO units and offices related to data protection matters;
• Develop and/or review training and awareness materials to enhance understanding of data protection across FAO;
• Draft updates and reports to the Data Protection Oversight Committee (DPOC), the FAO Advisory Oversight Committee (OAC), Senior Management and FAO’s Governing Bodies on the status of data protection in FAO, as required;
• Represent FAO in meetings with, and collaborate with, counterparts in other UN System agencies to ensure consistency and coordination with UN System policy approaches with respect to data protection and intellectual property (only Consultants);
• Perform any other duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant discipline such as, but not limited to law, data protection, information management, information systems management, business, information security, computer science, and information technology any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in data protection, privacy, information security, data ethics or related discipline.
• Working knowledge of English (C1)
• Limited knowledge of one of Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese or Russian (for Consultants) is desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong skills in explaining complex technical matters in simple words and formulating guidance and process documents accordingly.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Experience in international organisations and the legal framework within which they operate.
• Experience in compliance with data protection frameworks such as ISO 27701, GDPR, or other national or state privacy regulation.
• Experience with managing data providers' requests, concerns, and data breaches.

Selection Criteria

• Data protection certification is desired, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or other.

Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement

Job Posting

07/Sep/2026

Closure Date

21/Sep/2026, 11:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit

ODGP - Data Protection unit

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition

Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level

N/A

Primary Location

Home-Based

Duration

6 months

Post Number

N/A

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.