Data Programme Specialist

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. This position is based at WFP Headquarters in Rome, within the Global Privacy Office, reporting to the Director. The role supports the implementation of WFP’s global Privacy Programme across all offices.

Job Purpose

The Data Programme Specialist will lead the effective implementation of WFP’s global Privacy Programme, providing strategic, technical, and operational guidance to Headquarters, Regional, and Country Offices. This role is crucial for developing and rolling out privacy governance frameworks, tools, and processes, ensuring responsible data management that aligns with corporate requirements and international standards. The incumbent will advocate for privacy, engage with diverse stakeholders, and provide expert advice on data protection risks within humanitarian operations. Key responsibilities include managing privacy initiatives, designing and refining governance structures, and fostering a culture of privacy-by-design across WFP's complex, global operations, ultimately contributing to the protection of sensitive data and the integrity of WFP's mission.

Responsibilities

The role involves leading and supporting the development, rollout, and enhancement of the World Food Programme's global Privacy Programme across all levels of the organization. This includes strategic planning, coordination, and monitoring of the privacy management plan, work plan, and corporate priorities. A key responsibility is translating complex privacy and data protection principles into actionable operational models, processes, key performance indicators (KPIs), training, and tools. The incumbent will support the design, operationalization, and refinement of privacy governance structures and risk management tools, ensuring alignment with WFP's operational needs. They will define and manage monitoring, reporting, and accountability mechanisms for privacy compliance, and lead the integration of privacy-by-design approaches into WFP operations and systems. Furthermore, the role requires strong stakeholder engagement and coordination, including privacy advocacy and maintaining relationships with various internal and external parties. This involves facilitating workshops, trainings, and governance meetings, as well as producing high-quality reports, analyses, and policy documents. Expert guidance on humanitarian data protection risks, governance models, and operational controls will be provided. The role also encompasses knowledge management, capturing lessons learned, maintaining documentation, and ensuring effective capacity building and dissemination of privacy guidelines. Upholding strict confidentiality and WFP data protection requirements is paramount.

Work Experience

Requires at least 8 years of progressive professional experience in programme and project management, with a focus on data protection and privacy. This includes experience in advisory roles for senior leadership and a proven track record in developing, implementing, or maturing global privacy and data protection compliance programs, risk management tools, and monitoring mechanisms within large corporations.

Skills

Data Protection, Privacy Program Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, Policy Development, Training and Capacity Building, International Relations, Information Technology, Humanitarian Operations

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