Data Protection Officer (DPU)

Job Description - Data Protection Officer (DPU) )

Job Posting

30/Apr/2026

Closure Date

21/May/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit

ODG

Job Type

Staff position

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration

Fixed-term: Two years with possibility of extension

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

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.

Qualifications and 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).

Professional Attributes

• 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.

General Information

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds.
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Conditions of Service

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, the following information is available: benefits, subject to eligibility, include:

• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection

Workplace Culture and Inclusion

• Elements of family-friendly policies
• Flexible working arrangements
• Standards of conduct

FAO Values

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.