About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines fordeveloping countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

Consultancy Title: Data Protection Consultant (Data Protection Awareness)

Division/Duty Station: Chief Data office in the Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring

Duration: 15 December 2025 – 31 December 2026

Home/ Office Based: Remote

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

UNICEF has issued a Policy for Personal Data Protection in 2020 (the “Policy”) which applies to any personal data processing by or on behalf of UNICEF. This involves the data of the children who UNICEF serves, its staff, its individual donors, and others. The goal of the policy is to ensure that UNICEF uses personal data in line with individual’s rights and freedoms and without exposing them to inappropriate risks.  

The Chief Data Office (CDO) is tasked to support offices and divisions with the implementation of the Policy. For that purpose, it is centrally developing a data protection programme, a set tools, guidance, central records and training/awareness measures, to enable the organization to process personal data in compliance with the Policy and in respect of individuals’ rights to privacy. In addition, it is committed to promoting the responsible use of other sensitive data for children in line with the “Responsible Data for Children” principles and toolkit.  

The Data Governance and Strategy unit (DGSU) in the CDO creates and supports implementation of safeguards to minimize risks and potential harms to children, UNICEF staff, beneficiaries, and donors associated with data and digital technology, ensuring a responsible and safe digital and data transformation. The DGSU implements robust governance of all forms of data at UNICEF, enabling the organization to leverage relevant data for better decision-making and outcomes for children. The DGSU supports country offices working with national partners in advancing data governance in national dialogue and policy making.  

The successful implementation of the Policy and its corresponding procedures, guidance and tools requires the engagement of staff and affiliated personnel of all UNICEF divisions/offices and coherent understanding on personal data protection under the Policy. Para. 42 of the Policy states, “UNICEF shall provide training and take appropriate action to raise awareness so as to ensure the effective implementation of this Policy by its personnel, taking into account resource and logistics constraints.” Consequently, training and awareness raising are essential components to develop a common level of understanding of the protection and handling of personal data at UNICEF.

In order to fully design and support the roll-out of the UNICEF data protection programme, in particular to increase awareness and strengthen training and data protection education, UNICEF CDO needs to hire a data protection and privacy expert with strong experience on data protection, awareness raising and capacity building, to support the DGSU team.

The Data Protection and Privacy Specialist (country office support) will supervise the consultancy assignment.

Scope of Work:

This assignment will contribute to the following outcomes:

• Fostering a culture of personal data protection and privacy within UNICEF   
• Support the design and delivery of data protection awareness and training activities for UNICEF staff and affiliated personnel, ensuring that they understand the importance of data protection as well as their roles and responsibilities when handling personal data, thereby reducing risks of personal data incidents that are caused by human error
• Establish regular communications and collaborations with UNICEF Data Protection Champions to implement the data protection program across the Organization. 
• Facilitate communications with senior leadership to obtain support for data protection program implementation, ensuring a culture of privacy within the Organization
• Regular and consistent communications with UNICEF staff and affiliated personnel through the development of global training and awareness raising materials and tools

The consultant is expected to support the implementation of the Policy globally, with specific focus on the development of global training and raising awareness program as part of the data protection programme by UNICEF CDO Data Governance and Strategy unit in consultation with other Divisions and Offices as needed. 

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline

Task 1 – Establish Personal Data Protection event at UNICEF

Work in collaboration with GCA in organizing event to celebrate International Data Protection Day (28 January)

• • Develop an article that will be published internally to raise awareness on data protection
  • Conduct digital campaign with themed content
  • Organize webinar including Q&A session with internal or guest expert
  • Develop visual materials such as infographics and desktop wallpaper with privacy messages can be created for the event
  • Develop data protection knowledge sharing material that can be shared for the event

Jan 31, 2026

Task 2 – Establish communications through various channels with Data Protection Champions

Work and collaborate with Data Protection Champions in implementing data protection program across UNICEF

• Organizing and delivering 5 briefings and/or workshops to Data Protection Champions on selected data protection topics (such as ROPA, DPIA, data subjects requests, assessing third party risks, data breach management and other topics)
• Organize ‘open office hours’ for Data Protection Champions on a bi-weekly basis with alternate time zones.
• Work with Data Protection Champions in developing  a register of data protection and privacy risks and issues in their offices/divisions/regions
• Develop at least five (5) knowledge-sharing materials that can be used by Data Protection Champions in cascading information within their office/division
• Conduct at least four (4) interviews with Data Protection Champions for feedback, lessons learned and input into issues relating to UNICEF field perspectives, risk appetite and culture when reviewing and testing the tools, systems and guidance of the data protection programme

Apr 30, 2026

Task 3 – Coordinate with DPC to include data protection material in the welcome  package/ induction program for new personnel

• Develop data protection information material to be included in the orientation toolkit
• Work with DPC to incorporate data protection information material as part of induction program for new personnel

May 31, 2025

Task 4 – Develop data protection knowledge sharing/communication materials, translating the Policy into more actionable points that will be published on UNICEF intranet

• Development of at least two (2) articles, three (3) information drops, three (3) tips sheets, and three (3) infographics on various data protection topics
• Circulate communications materials developed in accordance with the deliverable above through various UNICEF internal communication channels at least twice per material produced as part of the data protection awareness campaign

June 30, 2025 

Task 5 – Support the establishment of communications with senior leadership and management

Coordinate with HQ divisions that organize DX Board meetings and DED Management annual meetings with the aim of including a briefing or update on personal data protection as part of the standing agenda items on data

• Prepare at least two (2) updates, two (2) presentations, and two (2) briefing materials to be sent to senior leadership and management on data protection

Jul 30, 2026

Task 6 – Prepare and organize two thematic workshops/webinars for UNICEF personnel

• Explore and identify at least two (2) data protection topics for workshops/webinars that will help personnel understand their roles and responsibilities in handling personal data in their daily activities and draft the outline for a presentation for those topics.
• Prepare at least two (2) presentations with relevant content and design materials for the workshops/webinars
• Organize at least two (2) workshops or webinars in a manner to allow for the audience to be actively engaged
• Prepare and send at least two (2)   promotional emails and invitations per workshop or webinar organized in accordance with the deliverable above
• Make notes on the Q&A discussions of the two (2) workshops or webinars organized according to the deliverables of Task 6, and compile them in PDF to be circulated in emails/yammer or other internal channels as part of continuous engagements with personnel
• Coordinate with GCA to publish on UNICEF intranet the recordings of the workshop or webinars organized in accordance with the deliverables of Task 6

Oct 30, 2026

Task 7 – Develop metrics to monitor efforts and identify possible improvements on awareness campaign

• Identify a set of criteria to measure progress on the implementation of global training and awareness raising activities
• Assess and measure the progress on the implementation of global training and awareness raising activities based on the identified criteria
• Create a brief report based on the measured progress
• A brief with recommendations for any improvements to be made based on the results of the metrics

Nov 30, 2026

Task 8 – Draft adjusted strategy based on the result of metrics

• Draft concept note/action plan based on adjusted strategy to continue the implementation of global training and awareness campaign
• Submit the draft concept note for review

Dec 20, 2026

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree in  Data protection and privacy law, data science, computer science or other related field  

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:

• Masters degree in Data protection and privacy law, data science, computer science or other related field  
• At least 7 years of working experience in   personal data protection and privacy with a strong expertise in training and capacity building  
• Good understanding of national and international data protection laws, such as GDPR, and their technical implementation  
• Good understanding of privacy enhancing technology  
• Experience in organizing and conducting data protection training, workshops and other capacity building activities 
• Good understanding of the challenges of  data protection and privacy and trends in reconciling them  
• Experience in developing easily understandable data protection knowledge-sharing materials, tips sheets, information drops, and infographics.
• Prior experience working with a multilateral or UN organization is desirable.  
• Competent in advanced Excel, Word, data analytics and data visualization, including digital data flow.  
• Native or near-native proficiency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.  
• Demonstrated strong writing and presentation skills. Strong analytical and interpersonal communication skills, attention to detail.  
• Ability to translate business needs into technical requirements and translate complex concepts in a simple manner for a non-technical audience is highly desirable.  
• Project management skills including task prioritization, workflow coordination, and results-driven strategies is desirable.  
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.  
• Strong writing and interpersonal communication skills.  

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

- Upload copy of academic credentials

- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability

- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

Remarks:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants. Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.