Senior Data Protection Officer (Head of DPU)

Organizational Setting

The Data Protection Unit (DPU) is an independent function in the Office of the Director-General (ODG). It oversees and supports implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy closely working with FAO headquarters and Decentralized Offices and assists the Data Protection Oversight Committee. The Senior Data Protection Officer heads the DPU.

The position is located in the Office of the Director-General (ODG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Data Protection Officer (Head of DPU) reports to the Director-General.

This reporting line is without prejudice to the functional independence of the incumbent in the performance of his/her duties.

Technical Focus

Lead the Organization's efforts to strengthen data protection in the context of all its activities and operations.

Key Results

The planning, management and delivery of multidisciplinary data protection related activities.

Key Functions

• Promotes and strengthens the data protection culture in FAO, supporting the formulation of procedures, internal guidelines, tools, rules and other instruments, taking into account the practical realities of FAO's operations in the field and at headquarters, as well as new trends in the field of data protection.

• Plans, manages, and leads the work of the DPU to ensure efficient discharge of the functions of the DPU, including monitoring the implementation of the FAO Data Protection Policy, assessing and promoting compliance with the policy in all FAO units and offices globally, and maintaining robust mechanisms for monitoring, recording and reporting.

• Acts as Secretary and coordinates and manages secretariat support and advice, to the Data Protection Oversight Committee to enable it to discharge its functions as set out in the Data Protection Policy.

• Takes a lead role in identifying and coordinating responses to organizational data privacy needs, relevant risks, and formulating the necessary capabilities.

• Leads the Organization's responses to requests and complaints from data providers, including their assessment, and coordinates with relevant FAO units to ensure prompt action in respect of such requests and complaints.

• Plans and ensures delivery by the DPU of training and sensitization activities to promote compliance with the policy and the capacity of all FAO personnel to correctly address data protection matters.

• Coordinates with, and provides inputs to, the Data Coordination Group to ensure that data protection issues are fully considered in the broader context of data management.

• Prepares and presents reports and briefings to the Governing Bodies and Senior Management, including recommendations for updating FAO data protection policies and rules, as may be required.

• Monitors international developments and new trends in the field of data protection to ensure that FAO's Data Protection Policy, its internal policies, rules and tools, remain fit for purpose and reflect internationally recognized good practice.

• Represents FAO in UN system and other international fora relevant to the DPU's area of competence and strengthens collaboration with other UN system organizations to promote coherence of FAO's data protection framework and mechanisms with broader UN System developments in this context.

• Performs other duties, as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (such as, but not limited to, law, information science, business, public administration, records and information management, computer science, information systems, information technology).

• Data protection certifications, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT).

• Ten years of relevant experience in various data protection disciplines (such as, but not limited to, data protection and privacy policy, data protection laws, information governance, incident response, data ethics, privacy by design, information security, training and awareness, etc.).

• 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).

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Leading, Engaging and Empowering

• Communication

• Partnering and Advocating

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

• At least three years of work experience in supporting operations in diverse locations, such as decentralized offices, in addressing data protection issues.

• Familiarity with international organizations and the legal framework within which they operate.

• Integrity, adherence to the highest ethical standards and the capacity to deliver independent and objective advice and maintain confidentiality.

• Extent and relevance of experience in management and leading cross-functional teams in an international environment.

• Extent and relevance of experience in developing innovative data protection solutions, including in emerging areas of data protection.

• Demonstrated knowledge of current good practices in personal data protection.

• Demonstrated expertise in matters relating to international data protection rules and practices in the UN system, as well as national or regional laws and practices.

• A working knowledge of how to design and implement a data protection policy and related programme, managing data providers' requests and concerns, experience and knowledge on managing data breaches.

• Experience in leading training and raising awareness activities on data protection.

• Ability to communicate effectively with the highest levels of management and decision-making within an organization.

• Experience of working with, or in, an intergovernmental organization, is desirable.

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of another FAO official language is considered a strong asset.