Data Privacy Specialist P3 at World Food Programme in Rome, Lazio, IT

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 25 May 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).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The position is based in HQ, Global Privacy Office and reports to Director of the Global Privacy Office. Under the direct supervision of the Global Data Protection Officer (DPO), the incumbent provides technical, and operational support to strengthen WFP’s global data protection frameworks, AI governance, and emerging technologies oversight across Headquarters, Regional Offices (ROs), and Country Offices (COs).

THE ROLE

The job purpose is to contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of WFP’s Data Protection, Privacy, and Emerging Technologies governance frameworks. The incumbent will provide specialized technical guidance on data protection, privacy, AI systems, and digital solutions, supporting the effective operationalization of WFP’s Data Protection and Privacy Programme. This includes conducting risk assessments, enabling privacy by design, and fostering responsible and innovative use of data and technology across HQ divisions, regional and country offices.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Under the guidance of the Data Protection Officer (DPO), the incumbent will:

Governance:

• Develop, implement and operationalize Data Protection and Privacy policies, governance mechanisms, procedures and tools to maximize program efficiency and comprehensive roll out across WFP divisions and offices.
• Design, enhancement, and continuous improvement of governance frameworks/ directives, guidelines, and governance mechanisms covering privacy, AI systems and digital tools.
• Conduct legal research and documentation activities, with the objective of keeping abreast of key global Data Protection developments, AI technologies, trends and regulations on personal Data Protection and Privacy.

Technical Advisory & Risk Management:

• Provide expert advice to HQ divisions, regional bureaus and field offices on a variety of issues in the context of Data Protection and Privacy, AI, digital solutions, PETs (privacy enhancing technologies), identifying needs and priorities arising out of the interpretation or application of WFP privacy principles, policies, and guidelines.
• Assess digital platforms, AI models, and automated decision-making systems to ensure privacy compliance through appropriate risk management tools targeted at risk mitigation to foster responsible innovation.
• Operationalize the different elements of WFP’s Data Protection and Privacy Program (e.g. privacy-by-design, Records of processing activities, PIAs, training and awareness campaigns, SARs and privacy incident response mechanisms).
• Facilitate alignment of emerging technology initiatives with WFP’s privacy standards, corporate strategies, and international best practices on responsible AI.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination:

• Coordinate with HQ divisions, regional bureaus and field offices to ensure consistent adoption of privacy governance mechanisms across WFP.
• Prepare and/or review Data Protection and Privacy agreements with public and private entities to meet unique organizational needs.

Knowledge Management & Capacity Strengthening:

• Develop and deliver training, awareness materials, and guidance on privacy, AI governance, and emerging technologies.

Privacy & Emerging Technologies Programme Implementation:

• Conduct and oversee Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), AI Risk Assessments, and algorithmic impact evaluations.
• Other duties: Perform any other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Advanced university degree in relevant discipline (including but not limited to law, computer science, information technology, data protection, privacy, computer and communications law, compliance, international, digital or media law) or First University degree with additional years of related work experience.
• Certifications in Privacy and Data Protection such as CIPP/E/U and CIPM, CIPT.
• Knowledge of international security management systems industry standards (ISO 27001, ISO 27701, NIST…) is desired.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in Data protection, Privacy and Information Security, and AI governance, in a law/ consultancy firm and/or large public/private sector organization on Data Protection.
• Proven experience in building and implementing global Privacy and Data Protection compliance programs and risk management tools in large corporations.
• Experience working in a global, large-scale, complex, and fast-paced environments.
• Experience in roles that demand accuracy and quality, prioritization and execution against timelines, managing a high volume of project milestones.
• 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.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English language.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

MORE ABOUT YOU:

• Strong understanding of Data protection, Privacy and Information Security regulations, international security standards and specific key legal issues;
• Solid 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;
• 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;
• Demonstrated problem solving skills; client focus and results oriented;
• Ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Effectiveness orientation and pro-activity;

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• This is an International Professional position and is open to all nationalities.
• Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.
• The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year.
• This position is open to both internal and external candidates.
• WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel, visa and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. For more information, visithttps://icsc.un.org/.
• The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy to take up this assignment.

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 http://global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is 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.