VAM Officer (Economic Market & Food Security Analyst) Consultant Level II

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 extreme weather. 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.

Job Overview:
The VAM Officer position at WFP is crucial for providing robust security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security analysis and strategic guidance to support the implementation of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) in Somalia. The incumbent will be responsible for assessing and monitoring food security, informing preparedness and response activities, and providing oversight and technical advice on assistance planning and targeting. This role will also lead the market and economic analysis pillar within the Country Office Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) team. The position requires a deep understanding of the food insecurity situation in Somalia, which is characterized by fragile conditions due to various factors such as poor rainfall, limited income opportunities, high food prices, and ongoing conflict. The VAM Officer will play a key role in transitioning WFP Somalia’s CSP for 2026-2030, ensuring that the organization effectively addresses the needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The VAM Officer will be responsible for guiding and supervising teams in food security assessments, survey design, sampling methodology, and statistical data analysis. Key responsibilities include strengthening the market and economic monitoring system, providing oversight for data-driven beneficiary targeting, managing food security assessments, and ensuring data quality assurance. The officer will also analyze market price databases, provide technical guidance for monitoring the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB), and collaborate with various stakeholders to address market-related issues. Additionally, the VAM Officer will participate in training programs, contribute to food security assessments, and lead discussions on establishing a single registration system for referrals. The role requires a proactive approach to managing competing priorities and effectively coordinating teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong knowledge and experience in database and statistical software (such as SPSS, STATA, R script) and data visualization platforms. They should demonstrate strategic thinking, analytical skills, initiative, problem-solving abilities, and strong interpersonal skills. The position is open to qualified international candidates, particularly encouraging female applicants. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working independently with minimal supervision and managing teams effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Economics, Econometrics, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Food Security, Nutrition, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training is acceptable. Academic qualifications focusing on market analysis, food security, vulnerability assessment, and related disciplines are highly desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required for candidates with an advanced university degree, or at least seven years for those with a first university degree. Experience should include market and economic analysis, vulnerability assessment, food security analysis, and early warning systems. Candidates should have a background in humanitarian and development programming, providing analytical products and decision-making support, and demonstrate the ability to manage competing priorities and coordinate teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region is considered an asset. Candidates should possess strong communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a focus on full-time engagement. WFP Somalia is committed to creating female-friendly spaces in the workplace and encourages applications from women. The organization offers an attractive compensation package and invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. All applications must be submitted through the WFP online recruiting system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate.