Data Protection and Cybersecurity Expert

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