Data Scientist

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

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

 

Terms of Reference:

 

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the United Nations frontline humanitarian agency addressing hunger and malnutrition worldwide. WFP tackles poverty and hunger through a range of interventions: saving lives and protecting livelihoods in emergencies; investing in the prevention and mitigation of disasters; restoring and rebuilding lives and livelihoods in post-conflict or post-disaster situations; and other interventions to tackle hunger. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in over 80 countries.

With a strong focus on end-to-end planning, visibility, and optimization, the Operations Cross-functional Analytical Group works intensively with colleagues in the field and headquarters to make sure everyone has a holistic view of each operation, from Logistics to Resource Management and from Nutrition to Donor Relations. Once everyone agrees on what is going on, analytical tools are deployed to anticipate issues down the line and support the creation of supply chain plans and what-if scenarios to address them. Through this pro-active approach, WFP decision makers can make more integrated, evidence-based decisions that improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.

Achieving this level of integration and alignment requires continuous investments in WFP’s data assets, ensuring that cross-functional analytical outputs are accessible, clear, and digestible for a diverse audience (internal and external to WFP). The Consultant will support the unit's activities in this area, maintaining and improving a variety of data pipelines and working closely with the various functional areas to maximize the impact and accuracy of analytics.

 

 

Accountabilities/Responsibilities:        

 

1. Support the maintenance and development of cross-functional data pipelines in WFP’s data integration platform (DOTS), in particular for the Optimus project.
2. Deep-dive on business requirements with relevant teams to understand data availability, business drivers (KPIs), and evaluate further optimization opportunities.
3. Coordinate closely with WFP’s Technology division to ensure compliance with corporate guidelines, and to stay ahead of new initiatives, investments, and best practices.
4. Prepare and analyze data to support strategic action items of the Operations Cross-functional Analytical Group, as required.
5. Support progress against project milestones to help ensure timely completion of project deliverables.
6. Recommend system and/or process enhancements to further improve operational performance.

 

 

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

 

 

Education:

 

Master’s degree or equivalent in the field of Data Science, Business Analytics, Operations Research, Management Science, or Engineering

 

 

Experience:

 

 

At least one year of working experience in the area of data science is required

Prior experience with the development of data pipelines (e.g. ETL, APIs, etc.) is required

Prior experience with consultancy-type activities (e.g. business analysis, process mapping, data extraction and analysis, presenting to senior management, etc.) is preferred

Prior experience in SC-related industry (e.g. supporting S&OP, material planning, warehouse management, distribution planning, etc.) is preferred

Prior experience working with governments, UN agencies, and/or NGOs is preferred

 

 

 

Knowledge and skills:

 

 

 

Proficiency in an object-oriented programming language is required, with a strong preference for Python.

Familiarity with typical WFP data science technology (Pandas, Spark, Palantir Foundry, JS, Typescript, SQL, etc.) is preferred.

Proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, PowerBI) is preferred.

Strong analytical abilities (quantitative and qualitative), with the ability to think outside the box.

Ability to balance complexity and idealism with pragmatism.

Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to perform in a multi-functional and multi-cultural team.

Strong time management skills with the ability to plan and anticipate requirements, problems, and obstacles.

Preserve focus and commitment to generate content on short notice, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Committed and motivated to achieve the objectives of WFP.

 

 

 

Languages:

 

 

Verbal and written fluency in English is required

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terms and Conditions

 

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

 

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.

http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

 

Deadline for applications: 31 May 2022

Ref.: VA No. 163087

 

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

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of 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.