Data Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist position is situated within the Early Warning and Forecasting Unit of WFP's Vulnerability Assessments & Mapping division. This role is pivotal in addressing food insecurity through innovative, data-driven methodologies. The Data Scientist will leverage advanced analytical capabilities, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to model and forecast food insecurity and its underlying drivers. The position requires the development of a robust early warning model that integrates real-time data, satellite imagery, and various data streams to enhance response capabilities. The Data Scientist will work closely with domain experts to ensure the system's relevance and usability, contributing to proactive strategies that mitigate the impact of food crises on vulnerable populations. This role is essential for facilitating data-driven decision-making for governments and humanitarian organizations, ultimately improving resilience and ensuring food security.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: developing state-of-the-art machine learning inference pipelines that automate data ingestion and produce early warnings; researching, designing, and implementing models for estimating food insecurity; leading interactions with headquarters and country offices to integrate feedback into the early warning platform; coordinating with technical leads to design data platforms for sharing early warnings; measuring and monitoring the impact of the early warning platform on daily tasks in country offices; ensuring compliance with WFP policies regarding data privacy and security; participating in field missions to WFP country offices as required; and performing other related tasks as necessary. The Consultant will also be expected to deliver technical inputs for the development of the Early Warning System, including code and methodology for generating signals, deployment of models in a production environment, maintenance of the code base, and participation in project meetings and dissemination events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a quantitative field and have at least 5 years of professional experience in an analytical role. Proficiency in Python programming and experience with data science libraries are essential. Candidates should have advanced knowledge of machine learning and experience in querying SQL databases. Familiarity with GIT and forecasting methodologies is advantageous, as is knowledge of survey methodologies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse and multicultural team environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in a quantitative field, which may include disciplines such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related area. This educational background is crucial for understanding complex data analysis and machine learning techniques necessary for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in an analytical role, demonstrating a strong background in data science and machine learning applications. This experience should include practical work in developing models and systems that address real-world problems, particularly in the context of food security and humanitarian assistance.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages such as French or Arabic is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a consultant role with a duration of 11 months. It allows for remote work, providing flexibility in the working environment. The role is full-time, and candidates may be required to travel for field missions to WFP country offices as needed. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which is detailed in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.