FAO Seeks a Data Protection Specialist – Home-Based Opportunity: Apply By 21 September 2026

Overview

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a Data Protection Specialist for a home-based, six-month consultancy under a Personal Services Agreement. The post is in FAO's Data Protection Unit, an independent function in the Office of the Director-General that supports implementation and monitoring of the organisation's Data Protection Policy. The vacancy number is 2601889. It is a non-staff opportunity and can be performed remotely.

The specialist works under the Head of the Data Protection Unit and gives FAO offices technical advice and practical support on compliance, procedures and risk across the full data lifecycle, from collection and processing to storage, transfer and disposal.

What the role involves

Duties include drafting and updating data protection procedures and guidance, helping FAO divisions apply policies, standards and technical controls, answering requests from data subjects and other data providers, advising internal units, developing training and awareness materials, preparing reports for oversight committees, senior management and governing bodies, and representing FAO in meetings with other UN agencies.

Who can apply

Applicants need an advanced university degree, recognised through the IAU and UNESCO framework, in a field such as law, data protection, information management, information systems, business, information security, computer science or information technology. A bachelor's degree is considered with two extra years of experience. At least five years of relevant experience in data protection, privacy, information security or data ethics is required, along with English at C1 level. Limited Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese or Russian is desirable.

Requirements

Desirable experience includes GDPR, ISO 27701 or other privacy regulations, data breach processes, handling data provider requests, international organisations and their legal frameworks, and writing policies and training. Certifications such as CIPP, CIPM, CIPT or CISSP are desirable. FAO also assesses results focus, teamwork, communication, relationship building and knowledge sharing.

How to apply

Applications are made only through the FAO recruitment portal, with an updated profile and a letter of motivation. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. FAO charges no fees, and checks may apply.

Key dates

The vacancy was posted on 7 September 2026 and closes on 21 September 2026 at 11:59 PM according to the applicant's device time.