DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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).

Supply Chain Data Scientist - various locations

Do you want to be part of the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide? This is your opportunity!

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.

Selection is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

With growing humanitarian needs far outpacing increases in funding, better planning is critical to improve WFP’s efficiency and ability to operate in an environment with frequent supply chain disruptions. To that end, WFP has established a team of experts in Supply Chain Planning & Optimization (SPOs) that apply best practices in supply chain management and advanced analytics to humanitarian operations, using their unique expertise to develop integrated sourcing and delivery plans, provide operational foresight in support of data-driven decision-making, and optimize operational design, both for WFP operations and those of its partners. SPOs share a cross-functional knowledge of operations, enabling end-to-end supply chain planning and increased coordination across functions. By automating complex data crunching and reconciliation across units and systems, SPOs allow key staff to better manage their time and focus on more value-added tasks, such as analyzing various planning scenarios, and alerting on issues and potential risks.

Based on the demonstrated impact of this approach to managing humanitarian operations, the SPO function is now being institutionalized across the organization, with new positions being created to support HQs and our field offices. These SPOs are part of a global planning network, equipped with a suite of analytical tools and processes that were created to support efficient supply chain management, and will be responsible for improving operations at global, regional, and country level, either for WFP or its partner agencies and governments (hereafter: “client”). We are now accepting applications for the SPO rosters, allowing us to rapidly respond to new vacancies and requests for analytical support from WFP functions and partners.

The Supply Chain Data Scientist will be embedded in one of WFP’s offices, either its headquarters in Rome, one of six Regional Bureaus, or a Country Office. Independent of the office and client, the role will always revolve around developing data science solutions for supply chain planning, optimization and operational analytics, in support of data-driven decision-making for operations management. Specific responsibilities include but will not be limited to:

Support the maintenance and development of core Supply Chain Planning & Optimization tools, such as Optimus, Prisma, Scout, and Route The Meals. Support the application, rollout, and configuration of analytical solutions to new operations (of WFP or its partners). Develop and maintain new solutions (e.g. dashboards, optimization tools, forecasting tools) leveraging a range of techniques including data transformation and visualization, statistics, machine learning models and optimization algorithms. Deep-dive on business requirements with relevant teams (data owners, field users, stakeholders, etc.) to understand data availability, business drivers (KPIs), and evaluate further optimization opportunities. Coordinate closely with WFP’s Technology division to ensure compliance with corporate guidelines for solution development, and to stay ahead of new initiatives, investments, and best practices that may benefit SPO projects. Prepare in-depth, quantitative analyses to support operational and strategic decision making as needed. Enable the adoption of best practices and advanced analytics in operations management, and strengthen the capacity of the client’s staff in these areas. Other as required.

The Supply Chain Data Scientist position is typically a Level I Consultancy, but may be at Level II in case higher levels of responsibility and accountability are requested by the client, for example when the role involves the supervision of other WFP employees, the management of complex projects, or regular interaction with government officials.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree in the area of Data Science, Operations Research, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Management, or related fields.  

Years of relevant professional experience:

Level I Consultancy: At least three years of relevant professional experience.

Level II Consultancy: At least five years of relevant professional experience.

Competencies:

Supply Chain Management, Planning and Organization, Problem solving, Negotiation, Effective Communication.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

Professional experience is desired (but not necessarily required) in the following areas:

• Experience in using analytics to support operations management (e.g. planning, optimizing supply chain networks, development of KPIs and visualization dashboards) is required.
• Experience with developing analytical solutions (e.g. dashboards, optimization models, data transformation pipelines, machine learning models) is required.
• Experience with software-development (e.g. proficiency in programming languages, agile methodologies, testing and deploying code, system design) is required.
• Experience with typical WFP data science technology (Pandas, Spark, Palantir Foundry, JS, Typescript, SQL, PuLP, PyTorch, XGBoost, DARTS, etc.) is desired.
• Experience with optimization tools and methods (e.g., linear programming, graph algorithms, heuristics) is desired.
• Experience with forecasting and statistical models (e.g. regression analysis, clustering, random forest) is desired.
• Experience in SC-related industry (e.g. supporting S&OP-type processes, material planning, distribution planning, procurement, shipping) is desired.
• Experience with consultancy-type activities (e.g. business analysis, process mapping, data transformation and analysis, presenting conclusions to senior management) is desired.
• Experience working with government or humanitarian agencies (e.g. UN, NGOs) is desired, particularly in the areas of technical assistance and/or capacity strengthening.
• Highly numerate, able to rapidly analyze and interpret data.
• Problem-solving attitude, able to structure ambiguous problems and solve them through a mix of quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Highly developed communication skills, able to use written and verbal mediums to communicate recommendations and influence outcomes.
• Strong time management skills with an ability to plan ahead and anticipate requirements, problems, and obstacles.
• Self-motivated and proactive, able to take initiative and work autonomously to achieve objectives.
• Ability to juggle competing priorities successfully while working under (sometimes) tight deadlines.
• Effective people skills, able to work both individually and in a team in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to interact with senior leaders and a wide range of stakeholders with credibility and tact.
• Fully committed and motivated to achieve the aims of the World Food Programme.

Languages:

• You are fluent in oral and written English and have technical writing skills.

• Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, French, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is desirable and required for some offices.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 30 January 2026.

YOU ARE AT THE CENTER of our process, so we will maintain a fluid communication with you about the overall selection process.

WFP offers a competitive compensation package.

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our values and humanitarian principles. Selection is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• After completing your application, you will receive a communication indicating that your profile has been successfully received.
• All applications received will be reviewed and go through a selection process to assess relevant experience and qualification.
• Applicants who meet the selection criteria may be contacted for further assessment or interviews and to confirm their continued interest and availability for the Roster.
• Applicants who do not meet the selection criteria will be informed about the status of their application.
• Successful candidates will be placed in the Roster for consultancy opportunities. Rostered applicants may be contacted in the next 24 months on a needs basis.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies, and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need. For its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, colour, ethnic group, age, sexual orientation, other affiliation or HIV/AIDS status.

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.making it more explicit about the techniques.

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 committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

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

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.