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Data Protection Specialist

World Food Programme
15 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Specialists & SMEs

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

30 August 2026-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.


ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.


At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

  • WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

  • WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

  • WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

  • A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

  • We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

WFP is on a focused path towards digitally transforming how it operates and how it best serves those in need so that it can accelerate the goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030.

Digital services are at the core of WFP’s digital capabilities, and it is integral to ensuring we continuously enhance our services to the people we serve.

This position is located in the Global Privacy Office (GPO) of the World Food Programme Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Under the direct supervision of the Global Data Protection Officer, the incumbent will play a central role in shaping WPF’ s Privacy programme.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Carry our research and provide advice [to HQ divisions and field offices] on a variety of legal matters in the context of data protection and privacy, arising out of the interpretation or application of relevant principles, rules, policies, conventions and agreements on the subject matter.

Identify and review current WFP’s governance framework in data protection (e.g. policies, guidelines, FAQs and toolkits) to align with the Data Protection Program and the GPO program.

Provide consistent cross-functional support to the different WFP Divisions and projects when processing personal information (e.g. Programme, HR, WEL, CBS, Aviation, Innovation, Nutrition, Monitoring, RAM, PPF, Evaluation, OIG and others) and assist them to identify potential risks and opportunities when processing personal information, as required by the DPO.

Prepare reports, memoranda, talking points and correspondence on data protection related issues as required.

Disseminate personal data protection messages and know-how through tailored Information and Communication activities (e.g. WFPgo, informative pills, webinars, newsletters, community of practices etc.).

As necessary, formulate policy/ position papers/guidance, as well as conduct research and documentation activities, with the objective of keeping abreast of key global developments and trends on privacy and data protection, security, innovation and interoperability applied to the humanitarian and development context. As necessary and in conjunction with other Units/Divisions colleagues, provide support, talking points, verbal or written guidance or other input on privacy and data protection matters, as required.

Support the design, draft and roll out of the WFP’s Privacy Program (e.g. register of processing, PIAS, data subjects’ rights, data breach notifications, complaints, privacy by design and by default) from the governance and technical perspective as required.

Conduct training and awareness related activities in personal data protection as required.

Identify and embed appropriate Privacy Controls across WFP.

Support inter-agency relations of WFP in the area of data protection.

Perform other related duties, as required

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

  • Articulate and concise thinking and drafting.

  • Comprehensive research.

  • Provide policy guidance to mainstream privacy by design, including automation of controls points into data management systems and tools.

  • Support the development of any data protection and/or IT security related guidance/policy.

  • Provide policy guidance and keep abreast of Inter-agency practices and normative developments on privacy, data protection, Artificial Intelligence, Digital ID, interoperability and data sharing.

  • Provide support to automation of Data Privacy Impact Assessment, especially prior digital solutions deployment.

  • Contribute to the delivery of regional/local beneficiaries’ personal data protection workshops to WFP staff and provide follow up support to COs.

  • Application of specialized expertise in preparing legal and data protection advice which is easily understandable to staff members not trained in the field of law. Well-organized and coordinated evaluation missions, special reviews and studies.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced university degree in relevant discipline (including but not limited to: law, computer science, information technology, data protection, security) or related field with relevant work experience

Experience:

At least 5 years of post-graduate, progressively responsible experience as a legal advisor/officer in the relevant field of work, with background and interest in international humanitarian and development arena.

Knowledge & Skills:

  • In depth knowledge of Data protection, Privacy and Information Security frameworks, and key legal issues related to data protection within the humanitarian sector.

  • Ability to contribute to large cross functional projects requiring innovative analysis, recommendations and approaches.

  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Ability to write concisely.

  • Ability to plan and organize work programme.

  • Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision as well as to cooperate within a team with pre-defined reporting lines.

  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, communications and presentational skills;

  • Ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;

  • Demonstrated problem solving skills;

  • Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data.

  • Experience in research, policy framing and synthetizing information from a wide variety of sources.

  • First-hand knowledge of WFP operations and processes, including beneficiary management to identity activities related.

Languages:

Working     knowledge (proficiency/Level     C) of English;   

limited knowledge (intermediate/Level B) of another official WFP language i.e., Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Russian.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

 

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

 

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

 

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

 

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

  • All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

  • We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

  • If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

  • At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.


No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.