Data Protection and Cybersecurity Expert

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative and work to implement the corporate Strategic Framework at the country level, provide policy advice and technical assistance to countries to develop policies, programmes, and projects aimed at achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable agricultural sector development.
The FAO Representation in Bangladesh (FAOBD) is providing technical assistance to conduct the ‘e-Voucher Feasibility & CSA Practices with Sustainable Food Systems’ under Component 1 of the “Technical Assistance for Repurposing of Agricultural Public Support Towards a Sustainable Food System Transformation in Bangladesh (TARAPS)” project, funded by the International Development Association of the World Bank (IDA). FAO will work closely with the project officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), alongside other institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture, stakeholders associated with agricultural input value chain to inform future policy repurposing of agricultural public expenditure, in support of a more sustainable and efficient agricultural production system.
The main objective of the project is to assess the feasibility of farmers’ e-registry and e-voucher systems for the provision of subsidies on fertilizer, as well as other inputs and systems, including Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) incentives. The comprehensive study will aim to assess the viability and potential for implementing an e-voucher system based on three envisaged pilot approaches, provide evidence-based recommendations for the design and implementation of the system, as planned under Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 5 of the World Bank- and IFAD-funded “Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience in Bangladesh (PARTNER)”, analyze the current adoption and potential for scaling up CSA practices among different farming communities in Bangladesh, and explore the synergies and opportunities for integrating the e-voucher mechanism with the promotion and adoption of CSA practices within the context of building more sustainable and resilient food systems in Bangladesh.

Reporting Lines

The Data Protection and Cybersecurity Expert is a SC10 position. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), as well as in close collaboration with the Agricultural Economist and Subsidy Management Specialist.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the position is expertise in data protection laws, cybersecurity frameworks, and risk management. The expert will review reports on in-country digital legislation, as well as global digital infrastructures and best practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the TARAPS team in reviewing the technical data protection and cybersecurity requirements for the design of the KYC-enabled beneficiary registry of over 500 000 beneficiaries, to ensure appropriate security controls over demographic, behavioral, and transactional data.
• Support the TARAPS team in reviewing whether the proposed e-voucher delivery models, including closed-loop prepaid smartcards, PSP/bank-issued financial smartcards, and QR-based mobile wallet vouchers—incorporate adequate data protection and cybersecurity safeguards, from a technical and operational perspective.
• Review whether digital solutions proposed by the project team are aligned with FAO's internal ICT and CSI security standards and policies.
• Provide supports to the Agricultural Economist and Subsidy Management Specialist of the TARAPS on data protection and cybersecurity risk mitigation measures for the e-voucher system.
• Perform other related technical tasks within the scope of the assignment as requested by FAO, limited to data protection and cybersecurity matters.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems or a related field.
• 8 years’ experience in driving digital financial services and innovative payment infrastructures.
• Working knowledge of English (level C)
• National of Bangladesh or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven track record of leading large-scale e-payment platforms, mobile financial services, and digital banking solutions from concept to nationwide launch.
• Strong understanding of digital systems, data protection, and cybersecurity, with experience in designing secure digital platforms that support financial inclusion and digital agriculture initiatives
• Strong expertise in assessing and benchmarking digital infrastructures and e-voucher ecosystems against global best practices, including FAO-led implementations in countries such as Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
• Proven capacity to evaluate national digital ecosystems, including mobile network coverage, internet and smartphone penetration, digital payment readiness, fertilizer retail digitization, and digital and financial literacy levels in Bangladesh.
• Demonstrated competency in stakeholder identification and mapping, engaging mobile network operators, fintech providers, banks, payment service providers, government agencies, and technology partners for large-scale digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks related to digital financial services, electronic transactions, data privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to identify digital implementation barriers, operational risks, and technical requirements for scalable and inclusive e-voucher deployment.
• Expertise in assessing and comparing digital payment delivery models, including closed-loop prepaid smartcards, financial smartcards through central bank-licensed PSPs/banks, and QR-based mobile wallet voucher systems, with emphasis on scalability, interoperability, security, cost-efficiency, and user experience.
• Advanced knowledge of data protection, cybersecurity, and KYC-enabled beneficiary registry systems, including management of large-scale demographic, behavioral, and transactional datasets to support credit profiling and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience in developing implementation roadmaps, SOPs, governance frameworks, MIS integration mechanisms, digital risk management strategies, and capacity development plans tailored to agricultural and rural development ecosystems.
• Strong familiarity with international development operational standards and compliance requirements, including adherence to FAO policies, regulations, CSI guidelines, and institutional standards.
• Excellent coordination, analytical, documentation, and advisory skills, with the ability to undertake additional technical assignments and provide strategic support to senior management and programme leadership.

Selection Criteria

• Experience with digital public infrastructure (DPI)
• Experience with e-voucher systems
• Experience with cybersecurity and data protection compliance
• Experience working with international organizations
• Experience in Bangladesh agricultural sector

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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