Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping (VAM) Officer

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 impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and the organization emphasizes a diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, which underscores its commitment to humanitarian assistance and global food security. The organization continuously invests in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a culture of growth and learning.

Job Overview:
The Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping (VAM) Officer position is critical in addressing the severe food security and nutrition crises in South Sudan. The officer will be responsible for contributing to the VAM evidence base that supports WFP’s food security policies and programs. This role requires strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills to conduct needs assessments, situation analyses, and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design. The VAM Officer will work closely with the Head of VAM to provide technical advice and support to WFP and its partners, ensuring that food security and nutrition strategies are effectively implemented. The position also involves developing systems and tools for monitoring food assistance needs, conducting comprehensive analyses, and preparing reports that inform decision-making processes. The VAM Officer will play a key role in strengthening the capacity of WFP staff and partners to conduct relevant analyses, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of food assistance programs in South Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The VAM Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: providing technical advice and support on food security and nutrition strategies; developing systems and tools for monitoring food assistance needs; conducting food security, nutrition, markets, and resilience analyses; preparing timely reports on assessed needs; contributing to program activities with technical analysis and recommendations; advising on food assistance developments; supporting monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities; coaching and guiding VAM staff; strengthening the capacity of WFP staff and partners; and providing support to relevant partners focusing on food security and nutrition. The officer will also be involved in delivering key outputs such as Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analyses, household assessment tools, quantitative analyses, and capacity strengthening initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced expertise in statistical packages such as SPSS or R, with knowledge of Atlas.ti being an advantage. Proficiency in data visualization products like R, Tableau, or Power BI is desirable, along with strong skills in MS Office applications. A solid understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, particularly in humanitarian settings, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to produce clear analytical reports and present findings effectively to non-technical audiences. Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and under pressure are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Food Security, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Public Health/Nutrition, Geography, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be considered sufficient.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience for those holding a master’s degree, or at least 7 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Experience in food security or vulnerability analysis, particularly using statistical analysis and quantitative methods, is essential. Familiarity with working in emergency operations and with UN agencies, NGOs, or international organizations is highly beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is an International Consultancy level 2 (CST-2) with a duration of 11 months, subject to renewal based on performance and budget availability. The role is primarily remote but will require short missions to South Sudan as operational needs dictate. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.