Data Protection Specialist

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

16 December 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 extreme weather shocks.

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).

This position is located in the Global Privacy Office (GPO) of the World Food Programme Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The incumbent will be working either in Rome or remotely.
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. Data Protection is at the core of these services to make sure we protect the people we serve.
Under the supervision of WFP’s Global Data Protection Officer (DPO), the Data Protection Specialist will provide technical and operational support HQ as part of the WFP Global Privacy Office and will play a role in the roll out of WFP’s Privacy Program across all division-wide organization.
As Data Protection Specialist, the incumbent will support multiple initiatives, where the development has already taken place; he/she will be expected to manage the day-to-day delivery by working with a broad range of colleagues, partners and internal stakeholders.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support in developing, implementing and operationalizing Data Protection and Privacy policies, governance mechanisms, procedures and tools to maximize program efficiency and comprehensive roll out across WFP different divisions and offices.

2. Review current WFP’s policy and governance framework (e.g. policies, guidelines and toolkits) to adapt them to WFP’s Privacy Program and corporate operational needs.

3. Draft SOPs/ position papers/guidance as well as conduct legal research and documentation activities, with the objective of keeping abreast of key global Data Protection developments, trends and regulations on personal Data Protection and Privacy (e.g. biometrics, digital identities, blockchain, big data) and its impact on the humanitarian environment.

Provide consistent advice to HQ divisions, regional bureaus and field offices on a variety of issues in the context of Data Protection and Privacy, identifying needs and priorities arising out of the interpretation or application of WFP principles, policies, guidelines, relevant international standards, conventions and best practices on Personal Data Protection and Privacy.

5. Support the Data Protection Office in operationalizing the different elements of WFP’s Data Protection and Privacy Program (e.g. privacy notices, PIAs, register of processing, LIAs, training and awareness campaigns, SARs and data breach response mechanisms).

6. Prepare and/or review Data Protection and Privacy agreements and contracts with public and private entities to meet unique client needs.

7. Proactively contribute to continuously improve systems, tools, processes and templates to align them to WFP’s operational needs.

8. Provide support in the development of reporting mechanisms to allow monitoring of Data Protection and Privacy activities and identify related risks and gaps and support remediation.

9. Document, track and report relevant program metrics and milestones on the implementation of the Privacy Program.

10. Prepare Notes for the Record, reports, memoranda, talking points and correspondence on data protection issues as required.

11. Conduct training and awareness activities as required.

12. Perform any other related duties, as required.

Education

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

LLM or Master of Law on data protection, privacy, computer and communications law, compliance, international, digital or media law.

Knowledge of international security management systems industry standards (ISO 27001, ISO 27701, NIST…) desired.

Required Experience

At least 3 years of responsible professional experience in Data protection, Privacy and Information Security, in a law/ consultancy firm and/or large public/private sector organization on Data Protection.

Experience in implementing Privacy and Data Protection compliance programs, operations and/or risk management programs in large corporations.

Experience in conducting PIAs, LIAS, maintaining records of processing activities, of incident response management and SARs mechanisms, drafting contracts, SOPs, policies and guidelines.

Experience working in a global, large-scale, complex, and fast-paced environment.

Experience in roles that demand accuracy and quality, prioritization and execution against timelines.

Experience working autonomously with minimal supervision and as part of a team, well as to cooperate within a team, across different regions and time zones.

Experience working within a law firm and/or the United Nations system, or similar international organization, is highly desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

In depth knowledge of Data protection, Privacy and Information Security regulations, international security standards and specific key legal issues;

Understanding of information technologies and their impact in the protection of personal data (e.g. privacy by design and by default, AI, big data, biometric technologies, digital identities, blockchain, SNSs…);

Ability to identify Data Protection related risks and gaps based on local legal environment, developments and projects;

Ability to contribute to large cross-functional projects;

Strong analytical interpersonal, communications and presentational skills;

Excellent drafting skills with the ability to write concisely and synthetize information from a variety of legal and jurisprudential sources;

Demonstrated, cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills;

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

Ability to plan and organize work programme with pre-defined

reporting lines; Effectiveness orientation and pro-activity; Strong sense of responsibility, confidentiality and accountability.

Languages:

Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate proficiency at level B in an additional UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) and/or the WFP’s working language is desirable.

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.

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Understanding contract types in WFP

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Working with WFP

Our greatest strength is the people working around the world providing access to nutritious food and promoting lasting solutions to those we serve. WFP provides its staff with meaningful and impactful careers, continuous learning and training, and a multicultural and stimulating work environment.

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, physical or mental disability.

About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are 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.

Read more about WFP’s history here, and WFP’s mission here

Hear the voices of WFP

Want to hear what it’s like working for WFP? Check out our newsletter highlighting the career stories of our passionate staff here: Pathway to WFP | LinkedIn

Our values and behaviours

Integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, inclusion. These values inspire everything we do every day, allowing us to work towards a world with zero hunger. You can read more about the values here.

Our behaviour guides us in how we accomplish our mission. All WFP employees are expected to demonstrate the standards of behaviour described in the WFP Leadership Framework. Learn more about the WFP Leadership Framework here.

Beware of fraudulent job offers

WFP is aware of fictitious employment offers being circulated via email or originating from online job boards. Many of these schemes consist of an alleged offer of employment or contract with WFP in return for the payment of fees or providing personal or banking information. Read more.