Programme Policy Officer (Disaster Risk Modeling Analyst)

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 nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• The organization emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. For more information about WFP, visit their official website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Disaster Risk Modeling Analyst) will play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) by developing and implementing advanced early warning systems aimed at predicting and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters such as landslides and storms. This position requires a strong analytical background, as the officer will be responsible for coordinating extensive data collection efforts, analyzing historical and real-time data, and ensuring the integration of various data sources to improve disaster response strategies. The officer will also be tasked with designing dashboards for decision-making, conducting model calibrations, and disseminating early warning messages to relevant stakeholders. The role is pivotal in ensuring that communities are better prepared for natural disasters, thereby reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include:

• Data Collection, Processing, and Analysis: Coordinate field data collection across regions for model verification, analyze historical data, geological surveys, and meteorological data to understand hazard patterns.
• Data Analysis, Integration, and Management: Ensure integration of data from stakeholder APIs, assess data flow processes, and analyze hazard risk mapping.
• Model Calibration, Thresholds, and Exposure Analyses: Conduct calibrations of disaster prediction models, enhance system calibration, and organize calibration review meetings with experts.
• Dashboard Development: Design and implement dashboards for strategic decision-making, update features to reflect real-time data, and explain system functionalities.
• Model Enhancement: Innovate improvements to existing disaster models, stay updated on technological advancements, and collaborate with modeling experts.
• Dissemination and Communication of Warning Messages: Generate system messages, oversee early warning dissemination, and collect feedback from emergency responders.
• Training and Mentorship: Coach and mentor department staff and stakeholders on early warning system functionalities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a relevant field such as mathematical modeling, engineering physics, natural sciences (including geology and meteorology). Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of extensive GIS skills and demonstrated work experience in data/numerical modeling. Experience in disaster risk management, meteorology, or environmental sciences is highly valued. Advanced data analysis skills, experience with predictive models, and proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial data analysis are essential. Familiarity with geospatial technology, particularly ArcGIS, and solid Python coding skills for model development and data automation are also required.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. Relevant fields include mathematical modeling, engineering physics, natural sciences such as geology and meteorology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of disaster risk modeling and analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in data/numerical modeling, particularly in the context of disaster risk management, meteorology, or environmental sciences. Experience with GIS and predictive modeling is highly advantageous, as is familiarity with geospatial technologies and data analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Kinyarwanda and/or French is highly desirable. Knowledge of all three languages is considered an advantage, as effective communication is essential for collaboration with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Kigali, Rwanda. The World Food Programme offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits such as professional development opportunities, a multicultural working environment, and the chance to work with passionate colleagues dedicated to humanitarian assistance. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the WFP online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.