Senior Data Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The Data Protection Unit (DPU) operates within the Office of the Director-General (ODG) and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy, ensuring compliance, and promoting a culture of data protection across the organization.

Job Overview:
The Senior Data Protection Officer, who heads the Data Protection Unit (DPU), plays a crucial role in leading the organization's efforts to enhance data protection across all its activities and operations. This position requires a strategic approach to planning, managing, and delivering multidisciplinary data protection-related activities. The officer will be responsible for promoting and strengthening the data protection culture within FAO, formulating procedures, guidelines, and tools that align with the organization's operational realities and emerging trends in data protection. The role also involves monitoring compliance with the FAO Data Protection Policy across all units and offices globally, ensuring that robust mechanisms for monitoring, recording, and reporting are in place. The officer will act as the Secretary to the Data Protection Oversight Committee, coordinating support and advice to enable effective functioning of the committee. Additionally, the officer will lead responses to data privacy needs and risks, ensuring that the organization is equipped to handle requests and complaints from data providers effectively. Training and sensitization activities will also be a key focus, aimed at enhancing the capacity of FAO personnel to address data protection matters appropriately.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promote and strengthen the data protection culture within FAO by developing and implementing procedures, guidelines, and tools.
• Plan, manage, and lead the work of the DPU to ensure efficient discharge of its functions, including monitoring compliance with the FAO Data Protection Policy.
• Act as Secretary to the Data Protection Oversight Committee, providing secretariat support and advice.
• Identify and coordinate responses to organizational data privacy needs and risks.
• Lead the organization's responses to requests and complaints from data providers, ensuring prompt action.
• Plan and deliver training and sensitization activities to promote compliance with data protection policies.
• Coordinate with the Data Coordination Group to integrate data protection issues into broader data management contexts.
• Prepare and present reports and briefings to governing bodies and senior management, including recommendations for policy updates.
• Monitor international developments and trends in data protection to ensure FAO's policies remain relevant and effective. 1
• Represent FAO in UN system and international forums related to data protection, fostering collaboration with other organizations.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as law, information science, business, public administration, records and information management, computer science, information systems, or information technology.
• Data protection certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Privacy Manager (CIPM), or Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT).
• A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines, including data protection and privacy policy, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, and privacy by design.
• Proven experience in management and leading cross-functional teams in an international environment.
• Familiarity with international organizations and the legal frameworks within which they operate is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field. This educational background should ideally encompass disciplines such as law, information science, business administration, public administration, records and information management, computer science, information systems, or information technology. Additionally, relevant data protection certifications are highly desirable, indicating a specialized understanding of data protection principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines. This includes experience in data protection and privacy policy, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, and privacy by design. Candidates should also have at least three years of experience supporting operations in diverse locations, particularly in decentralized offices, addressing data protection issues. Experience in leading training and awareness activities on data protection is also essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively with senior management and decision-makers within an organization.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. A working knowledge of an additional FAO official language is considered a strong asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to operate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is a full-time role, and candidates will be assessed against the specified minimum requirements. The role may involve international collaboration and representation in various forums, emphasizing the importance of integrity, ethical standards, and the ability to deliver independent and objective advice while maintaining confidentiality. The position may also entail a contract duration that aligns with FAO's operational needs.