2502207 Senior Data Protection Officer (Head of DPU)Job Posting09/Sep/2025Closure Date30/Sep/2025, 9:59:00 PMOrganizational Unit: ODGJob Type: Staff positionType of Requisition: ProfessionalGrade Level: P-5Primary Location: Italy-RomeDuration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extensionPost Number: 2009409CCOG Code: 1A21IMPORTANT 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._____________________________________________________________________________________________________FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and cultureQualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's valuesFAO, 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 discriminationAll selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.Organizational SettingThe Data Protection Unit (DPU) is an independent function in the Office of the Director-General (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. The Senior Data Protection Officer heads the DPU.The position is located in the Office of the Director-General (ODG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.Reporting LinesThe Senior Data Protection Officer (Head of DPU) reports to the Director-General. This reporting line is without prejudice to the functional independence of the incumbent in the performance of his/her duties.Technical FocusLead the Organization's efforts to strengthen data protection in the context of all its activities and operations.Key ResultsThe planning, management and delivery of multidisciplinary data protection related activities.Key FunctionsPromotes and strengthens the data protection culture in FAO, supporting the formulation of procedures, internal guidelines, tools, rules and other instruments, taking into account the practical realities of FAO's operations in the field and at headquarters, as well as new trends in the field of data protection.Plans, manages, and leads the work of the DPU to ensure efficient discharge of the functions of the DPU, including monitoring the implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy, assessing and promoting compliance with the policy in all FAO units and offices globally, and maintaining robust mechanisms for monitoring, recording and reporting.Acts as Secretary and coordinates and manages secretariat support and advice, to the Data Protection Oversight Committee to enable it to discharge its functions as set out in the Data Protection Policy.Takes a lead role in identifying and coordinating responses to organizational data privacy needs, relevant risks, and formulating the necessary capabilities.Leads the Organization's responses to requests and complaints from data providers, including their assessment, and coordinates with relevant FAO units to ensure prompt action in respect of such requests and complaints.Plans and ensures delivery by the DPU of training and sensitization activities to promote compliance with the policy and the capacity of all FAO personnel to correctly address data protection matters.Coordinates with, and provides inputs to, the Data Coordination Group to ensure that data protection issues are fully considered in the broader context of data management.Prepares and presents reports and briefings to the Governing Bodies and Senior Management, including recommendations for updating FAO data protection policies and rules, as may be required.Monitors international developments and new trends in the field of data protection to ensure that FAO's Data Protection Policy, its internal policies, rules and tools, remain fit for purpose and reflect internationally recognized good practice.Represents FAO in UN system and other international fora relevant to the DPU's area of competence and strengthens collaboration with other UN system organizations to promote coherence of FAO's data protection framework and mechanisms with broader UN System developments in this context.Performs other duties, as required.______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum RequirementsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (such as, but not limited to, law, information science, business, public administration, records and information management, computer science, information systems, information technology).Data protection certifications, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT).Ten years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines (such as, but not limited to, data protection and privacy policy, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, 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).CompetenciesResults FocusLeading, Engaging and EmpoweringCommunicationPartnering and AdvocatingKnowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementStrategic ThinkingTechnical/Functional SkillsAt least three years of work experience in supporting operations in diverse locations, such as decentralized offices, in addressing data protection issues.Familiarity with international organizations and the legal framework within which they operate.Integrity, adherence to the highest ethical standards and the capacity to deliver independent and objective advice and maintain confidentiality.Extent and relevance of experience in management and leading cross-functional teams in an international environment.Extent and relevance of experience in developing innovative data protection solutions, including in emerging areas of data protection.Demonstrated knowledge of current good practices in personal data protection.Demonstrated expertise in matters relating to international data protection rules and practices in the UN system, as well as national or regional laws and practices.A working knowledge of how to design and implement a data protection policy and related programme, managing data providers' requests and concerns, experience and knowledge on managing data breaches.Experience in leading training and raising awareness activities on data protection.Ability to communicate effectively with the highest levels of management and decision-making within an organization.Experience of working with, or in, an intergovernmental organization, is desirable.Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO official language is considered a strong asset._________________________________________________________________FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency._________________________________________________________________GENERAL INFORMATIONExtension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of fundsFAO 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 SERVICEA competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:Dependency allowancesRental subsidyEducation grant for childrenHome leave travel30 working days of annual leave per yearPension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension FundInternational health insurance; optional life insuranceDisability protectionFAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. This includes:elements of family-friendly policiesflexible working arrangementsstandards of conduct._________________________________________________________________________________________________HOW TO APPLYTo apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skillsCandidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profileOnce your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your applicationPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) etc.Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualificationsIncomplete applications will not be consideredPersonal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your applicationOnly applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be consideredYour application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profileWe encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
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