The FAO Remote Data Protection Specialist 2026 opportunity is now open for qualified professionals seeking a remote international consulting opportunity with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The position is home-based, offers a six-month engagement, and focuses on data protection, privacy, information security, compliance, and risk management.
Applications for the FAO Data Protection Specialist job must be submitted by 1 October 2026. This opportunity may interest experienced professionals with backgrounds in law, data protection, information management, cybersecurity, information systems, computer science, information technology, and related disciplines.
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FAO Remote Data Protection Specialist Job 2026
The FAO Data Protection Specialist will work within the Data Protection Unit (DPU), an independent function located in the Office of the Director-General. The unit supports and monitors implementation of FAO’s Data Protection Policy across headquarters, regional offices, country offices, and other decentralized locations.
The FAO Data Protection Specialist job 2026 is a non-staff opportunity under a Consultant / Personal Services Agreement arrangement. The primary location is listed as Home-Based, meaning the selected professional is not required to work from FAO premises.
The specialist will report to the Head of the Data Protection Unit and provide technical expertise supporting data protection compliance throughout FAO.
FAO Job Location and Contract
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Position: Data Protection Specialist
Job Reference: 2601889
Location: Home-Based / Remote
Contract Type: Consultant / Personal Services Agreement
Duration: 6 months
Job Type: Non-staff opportunity
Posting Date: 24 September 2026
Application Deadline: 1 October 2026 at 11:59 PM
The FAO remote job 2026 provides an opportunity to contribute to an international organization’s data protection framework while working remotely.
What Will the Data Protection Specialist Do?
The successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of data protection procedures, guidelines, standards, and controls across the entire data lifecycle.
Key responsibilities under the FAO Data Protection Specialist vacancy include drafting and updating operational data protection guidance and procedures. The specialist will also support FAO divisions in establishing organizational processes, standards, and technical controls that comply with the organization’s data protection policy.
Other responsibilities include responding to requests from data subjects and data providers, providing advice to FAO offices on data protection matters, and developing training and awareness materials.
The specialist may also prepare updates and reports for the Data Protection Oversight Committee, Advisory Oversight Committee, senior management, and FAO governing bodies.
Consultants may also represent FAO in meetings with counterparts from other United Nations organizations and collaborate on approaches relating to data protection and intellectual property.
FAO Data Protection Specialist Requirements
Candidates applying for the FAO Data Protection Specialist job should have an advanced university degree from a recognized institution in a relevant discipline.
Relevant academic fields may include:
- Law
- Data protection
- Information management
- Information systems management
- Business
- Information security
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Other relevant disciplines
Applicants should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in data protection, privacy, information security, data ethics, or a related field.
Consultants holding a bachelor’s degree may qualify with two additional years of relevant professional experience.
Candidates must have working knowledge of English at C1 level. Limited knowledge of Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is desirable for consultants.
Technical Skills and Experience
The FAO Data Protection Specialist 2026 role requires the ability to explain complex technical issues in clear and understandable language. Candidates should also be capable of developing practical guidance and process documents.
Experience with data protection frameworks such as ISO 27701, GDPR, or other national or state privacy regulations is relevant to the position.
FAO also seeks experience involving data provider requests and concerns, data breaches, compliance, and data protection risk management.
Experience working in more than one location or area of work can also be relevant. Previous experience with international organizations and understanding the legal frameworks in which they operate are listed among the technical and functional skills.
A data protection certification is desirable. Examples listed by FAO include CIPP, CIPM, CIPT, and CISSP, as well as other relevant professional certifications.
FAO Core Competencies
Applicants for the FAO Data Protection Specialist vacancy should demonstrate FAO’s core competencies, including:
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Candidates are also expected to uphold FAO’s values of commitment, respect, integrity, and transparency.
How to Apply for the FAO Job
To apply for the FAO Data Protection Specialist job 2026, candidates must create or complete an online profile through the official FAO recruitment system.
Applicants should ensure their profiles contain accurate and complete information covering employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills.
A letter of motivation should also be attached to the online application.
FAO states that only applications submitted through its recruitment portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
Academic qualifications must come from institutions recognized through the relevant IAU/UNESCO and WHED frameworks.
Important Information for Applicants
FAO does not charge applicants any fee during recruitment. Applicants should therefore be cautious of anyone requesting payment for an application, interview, processing, or recruitment service.
Selected candidates may be subject to reference checks, background verification, security clearances, and other required verification procedures.
The FAO Data Protection Specialist job 2026 is particularly relevant to professionals who want to apply their privacy, cybersecurity, compliance, and data governance expertise within the United Nations system.
FAO Data Protection Specialist Deadline
The application deadline for the FAO Data Protection Specialist vacancy is 1 October 2026 at 11:59 PM, based on the job posting’s stated time settings.
Interested professionals should review all eligibility requirements carefully and submit a complete application before the closing date.
