The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for a Data Protection Specialist to support the organization’s data protection, privacy, compliance and risk-management work. The opportunity is offered as a home-based, six-month consultancy and provides an opportunity for an experienced data protection professional to contribute to an international organization operating across headquarters, regional and country offices.
The position is based within FAO’s Data Protection Unit (DPU), which operates as an independent function in the Office of the Director-General and supports the implementation and monitoring of FAO’s Data Protection Policy.
The vacancy, reference 2601889, was posted on 7 September 2026, with applications closing on 21 September 2026 at 11:59 PM according to the applicant’s device time settings.
Position Overview
The Data Protection Specialist will work under the supervision and guidance of the Head of the Data Protection Unit. The successful candidate will provide technical advice and practical support to FAO offices on data protection compliance, procedures and risk management.
The role focuses on strengthening data protection controls throughout the entire data lifecycle, including data collection, processing, storage, transfer and disposal.
As a non-staff consultancy opportunity under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA), the position can be performed remotely without requiring the selected candidate to work from FAO premises.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to a broad range of data protection and compliance activities, including:
- Drafting new and updating existing data protection procedures, operational guidance and related documentation.
- Supporting FAO divisions in implementing data protection policies, organizational processes, standards and technical controls.
- Responding to requests from data subjects and other data providers in accordance with FAO’s Data Protection Policy.
- Providing internal advice to FAO units and offices on data protection matters.
- Developing and reviewing training and awareness materials to strengthen organization-wide understanding of data protection.
- Preparing updates and reports for the Data Protection Oversight Committee, FAO Advisory Oversight Committee, senior management and governing bodies.
- For consultants, representing FAO in relevant meetings with other United Nations agencies and collaborating on consistent approaches to data protection and intellectual property.
- Performing other duties related to the effective implementation of FAO’s data protection activities.
Eligibility and Minimum Requirements
Applicants should possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized through the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO framework in a relevant discipline.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include:
- Law
- Data protection
- Information management
- Information systems management
- Business
- Information security
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Other disciplines relevant to FAO’s work
Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree may also be considered as consultants, provided they have two additional years of relevant professional experience.
Applicants must also have:
- At least five years of relevant professional experience in data protection, privacy, information security, data ethics or a related field.
- Working knowledge of English at C1 level.
- Limited knowledge of Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese or Russian is desirable for consultants.
Technical Skills and Professional Experience
FAO is seeking candidates capable of translating complex technical and regulatory concepts into clear, practical guidance and procedures.
Desirable experience includes working with recognized data protection and privacy frameworks such as GDPR, ISO 27701 or other applicable national or state privacy regulations.
Candidates should ideally have experience with:
- Data protection compliance and risk management.
- Data breaches and incident-related processes.
- Managing requests and concerns from data providers.
- International organizations and their legal frameworks.
- Working across multiple locations or areas of responsibility.
- Developing policies, procedures, guidance and training materials.
- Communicating complex technical issues clearly to different audiences.
A relevant professional certification is also desirable. Examples include CIPP, CIPM, CIPT and CISSP, or other comparable data protection or information security certifications.
Core Competencies
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving abilities, together with meticulous attention to detail and the capacity to work independently under deadlines, will be important for the role.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply online through the FAO recruitment portal. Applicants should create or update their FAO profile and ensure that it accurately reflects their employment history, academic qualifications and language skills.
Applications should include a letter of motivation explaining the candidate’s suitability and interest in the position.
Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered, and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date.
Applicants may also be required to undergo reference, background and verification checks. Selected candidates will be subject to relevant medical, security, accreditation, residency and visa requirements.
Important Information for Applicants
FAO does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process, including applications, interviews or processing.
Academic qualifications must come from institutions recognized or accredited through the World Higher Education Database (WHED) and relevant IAU/UNESCO requirements.
FAO also emphasizes diversity and encourages qualified women, nationals of non- and under-represented Member Nations, and persons with disabilities to apply.
Key Vacancy Details
- Position: Data Protection Specialist
- Vacancy Number: 2601889
- Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Unit: Data Protection Unit
- Contract Type: Consultant / Personal Services Agreement
- Job Category: Non-staff opportunity
- Location: Home-Based
- Duration: 6 months
- Experience: At least 5 years in a relevant field
- Education: Advanced university degree, with alternative requirements for consultants holding a bachelor’s degree
- Application Deadline: 21 September 2026, 11:59 PM
An Opportunity to Strengthen Global Data Protection
The FAO Data Protection Specialist position offers an opportunity for experienced privacy, information security and data governance professionals to apply their expertise within a major United Nations specialized agency.
With responsibilities spanning policy development, compliance, organizational guidance, training, risk management and collaboration across the UN system, the role is particularly relevant to professionals seeking to contribute to responsible and secure management of information within an international development environment.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications carefully and submit them through the FAO recruitment system before the 21 September 2026 deadline.
