Data Protection Officer (DPU)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and making sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The Data Protection Unit (DPU) is an independent function within the Office of the Director-General (ODG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The DPU oversees and supports the implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy, collaborating closely with FAO headquarters and decentralized offices, and assists the Data Protection Oversight Committee.

Job Purpose

The Data Protection Officer will provide essential analytical and technical advice and support to all FAO units concerning data protection matters. This role is crucial for the planning, management, and delivery of multi-disciplinary data protection activities, policies, services, and advice. The incumbent will guide units in complying with the Data Protection Policy, including data protection impact assessments, data sharing agreements, and the development of procedures and guidelines. The position involves analyzing information, drafting reports for governing bodies and senior management, and coordinating with various internal offices to address diverse data protection issues. Additionally, the officer will assist in evaluating data provider requests and complaints, support the Data Protection Oversight Committee, and develop awareness-raising activities.

Responsibilities

Provide expert advice to all organizational units to ensure compliance with the FAO Data Protection Policy, including guidance on data protection impact assessments, data sharing agreements with external entities, and the development or review of relevant procedures and guidelines. Analyze information and prepare reports for FAO's Governing Bodies and Senior Management. Coordinate with key internal units, such as the Legal Office, Digitalization and Informatics Division, and the Office of the Chief Economist, to address a wide range of data protection matters. Assist the Senior Data Protection Officer in analyzing and evaluating requests and complaints from data providers, ensuring timely and coordinated responses. Provide support for the Data Protection Oversight Committee, including advising on and coordinating secretariat functions. Develop and deliver sensitization and awareness-raising activities on data protection principles and policies. Participate in relevant working groups, meetings, seminars, and conferences as assigned. Support the Senior Data Protection Officer in establishing and maintaining appropriate tools and processes for managing DPU records. Perform other related duties as required.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience is required, encompassing various data protection disciplines such as privacy program and policy development, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, data retention strategies, privacy by design principles, information security, and training/awareness initiatives. Experience in more than one work location or area, particularly in field positions, is beneficial.

Skills

Proficiency in English (Level C) is essential, with intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). Demonstrated integrity and adherence to the highest ethical standards are crucial. The role requires the capacity to deliver objective advice and maintain confidentiality. Three years of experience in developing and ensuring compliance with data protection frameworks is necessary. Experience applying data protection rules within organizations like the UN System or in international/national contexts is highly valued. Experience in providing training and raising awareness on data protection is important. Experience in an international environment is a strong asset.

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