Data Protection Officer
Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Closing Date: Mar 05, 2026
Location: Rome (Italy)
Occupational Groups: Statistics, Information Technology and Computer Science, Security and Safety, Protection Officer (Refugee)

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that 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.

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• 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 persons 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 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 Setting

The 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.

Reporting Lines

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

Technical Focus

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

Key Results

Support the delivery of multi-disciplinary data protection related activities and related policies, services and advice.

Key Functions

  • Contribute and support compliance with the FAO 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.).

  • Research, collect and support analysis of information, review and draft reports and other documents for the Governing Bodies and Senior Management, as may be required.

  • Support coordination amongst relevant units (such as, but not limited to, the Legal Office, the Digital FAO and Agro-Informatics Division, the Office of the Chief Economist) in addressing a broad variety of data protection matters.

  • Assist 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.

  • Assist in the provision of secretariat support to the Data Protection Oversight Committee.

  • Assist in the development and conduct of sensitization and awareness raising activities.

  • Participate in working groups, meetings, seminars and conferences, as assigned by the Senior Data Protection Officer.

  • Support 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 (such as, but not limited to, law, information science, business, public administration, records and information management, computer science, information systems, information technology).

  • Five 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, 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.

  • Extent and relevance of experience in working on data protection disciplines.

  • Two years of experience of dealing with data protection issues and compliance.

  • Experience in working in an international public or private sector is highly desirable.

  • Data protection certifications, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT), are desirable.

  • Integrity, adherence to the highest ethical standards and the capacity to deliver objective advice and maintain confidentiality.

  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO official language is considered a strong asset.

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

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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, click on the following link\: https\://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
Other 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
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes\:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.
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HOW TO APPLY

• To 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 skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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 qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal 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 application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We 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\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

By registering on our pool, our recruiters will be able to view your profile, contact you for current & future vacancies and engage you on opportunities that match your skills and interest.

We encourage you to always keep your profile updated with your most recent qualifications, experience, skills and languages (local & international) to increase the possibility of being contacted.

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