Information Security and Privacy Specialist

Your job

Would you like to contribute to a safe and responsible approach to data within WUR?

Due to the diversity of employees, clients, and partners within Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the need for secure data and information management is growing. That’s why we are giving an extra boost to information security and privacy protection. We are looking for an Information Security and Privacy Specialist who is committed to safeguarding these aspects within our education and research institutes.

What will you do?

As an Information Security and Privacy Specialist, you play a crucial role in protecting data, including personal data, within WUR. You will work closely with researchers, educators, and IT professionals as an advisor to raise awareness and improve processes. Your responsibilities include:

Information Security and Protection

• Acting as a local point of contact and advisor for security-related issues.
• Promoting awareness and providing education on information security and privacy.
• Coordinating and supporting data classification efforts and advising on secure data storage.
• Identifying risks related to software and hardware and advising on appropriate security measures.
• Mapping out scientific equipment/hardware that is not connected to the WUR network.
• Collaborating with the Corporate Information Security Officer, IT teams, and Product Owners to effectively implement security measures.
• Coordinating potential security incidents and escalating them when necessary to the Data Protection Officer, Corporate Privacy Officer, and the Corporate Information Security Officer.

Privacy Protection and Compliance

• Acting as a local point of contact and advisor for privacy-related issues.
• Conducting privacy assessments for new processes, projects, and applications.
• Identifying and analyzing privacy risks and advising on mitigating measures.
• Advising, supporting, and overseeing the SmartPia process (data processing register) and ensuring follow-up on measures from DPIAs (Data Protection Impact Assessments).
• Coordinating requests from individuals regarding their personal data.
• Coordinating potential data breaches and escalating them when necessary to the Data Protection Officer, Corporate Privacy Officer, and the Corporate Information Security Officer.

Additionally, you will be responsible for initiating, developing, and implementing policies and strategies in the areas of architecture and information security within the organization. You will tackle integrated challenges while considering the interaction between various policy domains and administrative interests. Furthermore, you will assess and analyze risks, advising key decision-makers on measures to mitigate them—always with a long-term perspective and in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.

All of this takes place in a dynamic work environment within a leading knowledge institution, with opportunities for professional growth in privacy, data compliance, and information security—alongside a network of specialists within WUR.

Your qualities

We are looking for enthusiastic colleagues at various experience levels (junior, medior, senior) who want to develop themselves in the field of data compliance. You recognize yourself in the following profile:

• A completed bachelor's (HBO) or master's (WO) degree, preferably in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Law, Data Science, or Security Management.
• Basic knowledge of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR/AVG).
• Basic understanding of information security principles (such as ISO 27001, NIST, or CIS).
• You are CIPP/E certified or willing to obtain this certification soon.
• CIPM and/or CIPT certification is a plus.
• You are CISSP certified or have a comparable certification—or are willing to obtain one soon.
• Affinity with IT.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Organizational sensitivity.
• Proactive and solution-oriented attitude.

Are you the Information Security and Privacy Specialist we are looking for? Apply now and help us enhance information security and privacy awareness within WUR!

We offer you

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of maximum €5.273,- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 10). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.

Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Laura de Graaf, Head Liaison Office SSG: 06-28377019 or laura.degraaf@wur.nl .

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Jeanine van 't Veer-Drost, Corporate recruiter ; recruitment.ssg@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until April 14th 2025

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!


We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.