Data Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Data Protection Unit (DPU) operates within the Office of the Director-General (ODG) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The DPU is an independent function that plays a crucial role in overseeing and supporting the implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that data protection practices are adhered to across its headquarters and decentralized offices. The FAO, established in 1945, has a mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and it operates in over 130 countries with a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. The DPU collaborates closely with various units within the FAO to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and to provide guidance on data-related matters.

Job Overview:
The Data Protection Officer is responsible for providing technical advice and support to all units within the FAO regarding data protection matters. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the organization adheres to its Data Protection Policy and effectively manages data protection-related activities. The officer will contribute to compliance efforts, including conducting data protection impact assessments, drafting and reviewing procedures and guidelines, and developing tools and materials to support data protection initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to research, analysis, and coordination among various FAO units to address a wide range of data protection issues. The Data Protection Officer will also assist in responding to requests and complaints from data providers, ensuring that all actions are in line with the organization's policies and ethical standards. Additionally, the officer will play a key role in raising awareness and conducting sensitization activities related to data protection within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of multi-disciplinary data protection activities and related policies, services, and advice.
• Contribute to compliance with the FAO Data Protection Policy, including conducting data protection impact assessments and drafting data sharing agreements.
• Research, collect, and analyze information, and draft reports for the Governing Bodies and Senior Management as required.
• Coordinate with relevant units, such as the Legal Office and Digital FAO, to address various data protection matters.
• Assist the Senior Data Protection Officer in analyzing and evaluating requests and complaints from data providers.
• Provide secretariat support to the Data Protection Oversight Committee.
• Develop and conduct sensitization and awareness-raising activities related to data protection.
• Participate in working groups, meetings, seminars, and conferences as assigned.
• Support the Senior Data Protection Officer in establishing and maintaining tools and processes for managing DPU records. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

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.
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines, including data protection and privacy programs, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, and privacy by design.
• 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).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, which is typically a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in a relevant field. This educational background is essential as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding complex data protection laws and practices. Relevant disciplines include law, information science, business administration, public administration, records and information management, computer science, information systems, and information technology. This educational requirement ensures that the candidate has the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of data protection within an international organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines. This experience should encompass a broad range of areas, including data protection and privacy programs, compliance with data protection laws, information governance, incident response, and data ethics. Candidates with experience in working in both public and private sectors, particularly in international contexts, are highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of direct experience dealing with data protection issues and compliance, which is critical for effectively managing the responsibilities of this role.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English, which is essential for communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Furthermore, an intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is required. Proficiency in additional FAO official languages is considered a strong asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and while the specific contract duration is not mentioned, candidates should be prepared for a commitment that aligns with the organization's needs. The role is positioned at a seniority level that requires a high degree of integrity and adherence to ethical standards, as the Data Protection Officer will be responsible for delivering objective advice and maintaining confidentiality in all data-related matters. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates can expect a competitive package typical of international organizations.