WFP : Cybersecurity Consultant – Policy and Data Protection – Rome

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    CONTRACTOR
  • Posted:
    23 hours ago
  • Category:
    Information and Communication Technology, Research and Data
  • Deadline:
    25/12/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

19 January 2025-23:59-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).

JOB TITLE: Cybersecurity Consultant – Policy and Data Protection

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Regular CST – level I

UNIT/DIVISION: TECI (Cybersecurity Branch), TEC

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Remote

DURATION: 11 months (renewable)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Under the general supervision of the Chief Information Security Officer and direct supervision of the Head of Cyber Advisory Services, the consultant will ensure the Organisation relies upon state-of-the-art, risk-based controls over IT systems and data.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Develop, Implement, and Oversee Cybersecurity Policies and Governance Framework:
    • Draft and review cybersecurity policies, standards, and procedures that align with organisational objectives and reflect new threats and latest regulatory and industry standards, and technology advancements.
    • Establish a framework for continuous improvement in cybersecurity governance, risk management and policy adherence, aligned with Zero Trust principles.
    • Develop and advise on the development of new policies and/or best practices with regard to data sharing and data security, participating in cross functional committees and panels as needed.
    • Conduct and participate in regular tabletop exercises to test the effectiveness of cybersecurity policies and SOP, identify gaps, enhance policy understanding, and improve response coordination.
  • Be the primary liaison between the Cybersecurity branch and the Global Privacy Office (GPO), ensuring data protection requirements are appropriately implemented through cybersecurity technical and administrative controls:
    • Guide the organisation on data classification and data security.
    • Coordinate cybersecurity responses to third-party breaches impacting the organisation, facilitating cross-divisional collaboration to evaluate and mitigate associated risks.
    • Engage in any official activity on behalf of TEC that relates to personal and sensitive data disclosure.
    • Thoroughly review legal agreements, partnerships, contracts, and related documentation, identifying potential risks related to data sharing and cybersecurity.
  • Perform risk assessments of solutions presented to the TEC division for review, applying WFP policies, frameworks, zero trust principles, and best practices.
  • Coordinate responses for all audits and evaluations that have a cybersecurity component, organizing specific tasks for various focal points across TEC and collating responses to satisfactorily address all findings and recommendations.
  • Produce feedback and responses to assessments performed by other bodies relating to WFP’s cybersecurity position and programme.
  • Collaborate across WFP divisions to analyse the security posture of third parties.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

  • Contracts and agreements reviewed for data sharing and cybersecurity risks.
  • Cybersecurity related policies, standards and procedures continuously updated and disseminated, reflecting emerging threats and regulatory changes.
  • Elevation of cybersecurity risk management and third-party security posture, incorporating zero trust principles.
  • Coordinated responses to audits, evaluations, breaches and assessments.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

University Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Protection, Law, or other related field.

Experience:

  • 3 years of experience in either Data Protection, Governance, Compliance, Privacy or Assurance initiatives in IT related environments.
  • Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision, manage multiple tasks, as well as to cooperate with different teams.
  • Good understanding of data security and applying relevant security controls and protocols
  • Experience with cybersecurity audits and assessments is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills:

  • General knowledge of WFP Business Process Areas or baseline IT Security knowledge is desirable.
  • Ability to evaluate agreements, contracts, policies and frameworks related to data sharing, data protection and cybersecurity.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and regulations (e.g., GDPR, NIST, ISO, COBIT, Zero Trust) and their practical application in day-to-day work.

Languages:

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

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 dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at global.inclusion@wfp.org. Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.

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

  • We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
  • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
  • Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
  • Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
  • Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
  • Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements