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- 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
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
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 agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The main aim of the FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Reporting Lines
The Data Scientist will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Sudan, the direct technical supervision of the Senior Food Security Analyst/ Coordinator, the technical guidance of the Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning MEAL Specialist, and in collaboration with the project managers.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will provide expertise in data science, information management, and data visualization to support both the FSAU's analytical agenda and the MEAL unit's data management needs. The focus will be on managing data flows from primary and secondary sources, ensuring data quality and security, conducting analysis, and developing accessible visual information/knowledge products (dashboards, reports, infographics) for decision-making.
Tasks and responsibilities
Core FSAU Support:
• Database Management: Set up, manage, and maintain robust and easily accessible database systems (e.g., SQL-based) for storing Food Security, market, livelihoods, and early warning datasets.
• Data Compilation & Analysis: Compile, analyse, and interpret Food Security data from diverse internal and external sources (government, partners, assessments, remote sensing). Identify trends and patterns to support products such as the Crop and Livestock assessments and the Agriculture Sector People in Need (Agri-PiN) estimates.
• Geospatial & Remote Sensing Support: Collaborate with specialists to integrate geospatial data and remote sensing analysis into FSAU products for crop monitoring, damage mapping, and climate impact analysis.
• Product Development: Develop and disseminate high-quality FS information/knowledge products (dashboards, reports, briefs, charts, infographics) for internal and external audiences.
• Collect secondary data to enable comparisons and triangulation.
MEAL Unit Support:
• Dashboard Development and Maintenance: Design, develop, and maintain interactive dashboards (using Power BI, Tableau, or similar) to visualize MEAL data, track program indicators, and present results to management and stakeholders.
• KOBO Toolbox Support: Provide technical guidance and support to FAO Sudan staff and partners on KOBO Toolbox form development and data collection. Provide basic training to staff on mobile data collection best practices.
• Web and Humanitarian Information Platforms: Support the communications team in updating and management of relevant web-based and programme information platforms and ensure that published information remains accurate, current and consistent with approved programme data.
• Digitalization and Real-Time Reporting: Support the transition from manual reporting processes to digitalized, automated, and real-time reporting systems. Streamline data flows, automate routine data collection and reporting, and improve the accessibility and usability of MEAL information.
• Technical Documentation: Develop and maintain relevant SOPs, user guidance, data-flow diagrams, dashboard documentation and technical notes to support consistent use, maintenance, and institutionalization of the digital data and reporting system
• FAO corporate/programme reporting systems: Support data management, updating, validation, analysis and reporting requirements related to UNINFO, IMiS, PIRES, COIN, PAID, 5Ws and other FAO corporate/programme reporting systems, ensuring timely and accurate information.
• Data Quality Assurance: Support in compiling MEAL study data from various sources, including data cleaning and quality checks to ensure data integrity and consistency.
• Data Security and Protection: Ensure compliance with data privacy and security policies (e.g., GDPR and applicable national data protection regulations) to safeguard sensitive beneficiary and program information.
• Other Data-related Support Work
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in data management, statistical analysis, database administration, and information management
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Arabic
• National of Sudan
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Essential:
• Demonstrated expertise in data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI
• Experience with mobile data collection platforms, including KOBO Toolbox, for form development and data management
• Experience with geospatial analysis software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) and remote sensing data.
• Experience in using statistical software such as R, STATA, Python or similar
• Strong skills in database management, including experience with SQL
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office applications (especially Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills
Highly Desirable:
• Previous working experience with UN agencies, international organizations, or NGOs in a similar capacity.
• Knowledge of food security and agriculture indicators and assessment methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, under pressure, and to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work harmoniously with people of diverse national and cultural backgrounds
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 additional employment opportunities 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.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
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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