WFP International Consultant - VAM Officer (Early Warning and GIS Officer)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, focusing on providing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition assistance. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP has a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, aligning with its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, offering opportunities for career advancement across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The position of Early Warning and GIS Officer at WFP Afghanistan is crucial for addressing the complex humanitarian challenges faced by the country, which are exacerbated by climatic shocks, natural disasters, and economic vulnerabilities. The officer will provide technical leadership in the management and analysis of geospatial data, focusing on enhancing the Early Warning (EW) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capabilities of the WFP Country Office. This role involves developing analytical products and models, implementing automated solutions, and maintaining the AF-PULSE platform to support operational planning and humanitarian response. The officer will be responsible for producing geospatial analyses, risk mapping, and developing predictive analytics to inform decision-making processes. The position requires collaboration with various teams to ensure that geospatial outputs effectively support operational needs and contribute to timely, data-driven decisions across WFP operations in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Early Warning and GIS Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the production of geospatial analyses and risk mapping to support early warning and emergency preparedness.
• Developing and maintaining geospatial models and risk-monitoring tools to identify and monitor shocks related to climate, environment, and food security.
• Integrating various datasets into analytical workflows to enhance operational products.
• Supporting emergency assessments and vulnerability analyses through advanced GIS and spatial analysis.
• Managing and enhancing the AF-PULSE platform, including designing and implementing new features and analytical modules.
• Developing automated workflows and data processing pipelines for efficient data management.
• Ensuring the quality and accessibility of geospatial databases.
• Building capacity among national staff through mentoring and knowledge-sharing.
• Coordinating with various teams to ensure that geospatial outputs meet operational needs. 1
• Performing any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems, computer science, or a relevant field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with three years of relevant experience is acceptable. The position requires at least two years of progressively responsible professional experience in GIS, geospatial analysis, or Early Warning, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing web-based geospatial platforms and decision-support systems, as well as proficiency in ArcGIS and QGIS technologies. Strong programming skills in Python and experience with GIS automation are essential. Familiarity with remote sensing, data integration, and managing large geospatial datasets is also required. Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems, computer science, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable if accompanied by three years of relevant experience. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in geospatial analysis and data management, equipping candidates with the necessary skills to perform the duties of the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of progressively responsible professional experience in GIS, geospatial analysis, or Early Warning, ideally within humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing and managing geospatial platforms and decision-support systems, as well as experience in programming and GIS automation. Familiarity with operational decision-making processes in emergency or food security settings is highly desirable, as is experience with data integration and managing large datasets.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of major languages spoken in Afghanistan is considered advantageous, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Consultant (I) role with a contract duration of six months, with the possibility of extension. The duty station for this role is Kabul, Afghanistan. The WFP emphasizes its commitment to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all employment decisions will be based on organizational needs and individual qualifications.