CONSULTANT VAM Officer (team Lead) Data Science, RAM Ecosystem, Analytics and Geospatial Analysis. Cstii, Kampala

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. WFP uses food assistance to help people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. We are committed to fostering a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce that upholds our values and works collaboratively to change lives.

Job Purpose

The Consultant VAM Officer (Team Lead) for Data Science will lead the development and implementation of AI-driven food security forecasting models, integrating advanced techniques like CNN+LSTM and XGBoost ensembles, alongside NLP modules for qualitative data analysis. This role is pivotal in managing multi-sensor satellite data integration and ensuring data pipeline integrity. The incumbent will design and deploy automated data visualization dashboards using Tableau, fostering partnerships with national entities for data sharing. Additionally, they will coordinate the RAM Ecosystems team, overseeing the production of high-quality analytical outputs, thematic maps, and ensuring compliance with WFP's data governance and protection standards. This position requires strong leadership to mentor data analysts and represent the unit in coordination meetings, ultimately contributing to evidence-based decision-making for WFP's operations.

Responsibilities

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a lead analyst and focal point for AI-driven food security forecasting and RAM Ecosystems and geospatial analysis. This role involves leading the technical execution of an AI/ML food security forecasting pipeline, including developing and validating ensemble models and integrating Natural Language Processing (NLP) for qualitative data. The position requires managing multi-sensor satellite data integration, ensuring data pipeline quality, and designing automated data ingestion and visualization dashboards. Responsibilities also include maintaining data-sharing agreements, coordinating peer reviews, submitting project reports, and leading government capacity building for system handover. Additionally, the role entails coordinating the RAM Ecosystems team's workplan, prioritizing deliverables, and ensuring the timely production of high-quality analytical outputs, including digitalization of data collection tools and thematic maps. Oversight of existing dashboards, ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining compliance with corporate data management systems are crucial. The position also involves supervising Data Analysts, providing mentorship, representing the unit in coordination meetings, and leading data governance processes, including privacy impact assessments and responsible data management in line with WFP policies. The role emphasizes data integrity, privacy standards, and promoting data stewardship, interoperability, and risk-informed data sharing practices.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Data Science, Information Management, or analytics, preferably in a humanitarian or development context. At least 3 years must be in operational food security, VAM, or climate risk analysis. Proficiency in Python (Pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, PyTorch/TensorFlow), AI/ML pipelines, NLP (BERT), SQL, ETL, and data engineering is essential. Experience with Tableau dashboarding, Power BI, ArcGIS Online, and WFP corporate data systems is also required.

Skills

Data Science, AI/ML, Python, NLP, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, ArcGIS Online, Food Security Analysis, Information Management, Geospatial Analysis, Team Leadership, Project Management, Data Visualization, Data Engineering, Satellite Data Integration, Reporting, Capacity Building, Data Governance, Partnership Management

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