Food Security Specialist - Data Scientist

Key Skills

C Programming, C++, Cloud computing, Data science techniques, Java Programming, Machine learning techniques, MATLAB Programming, Python Programming, PyTorch, R Programming, Scala Programming, SQL, TensorFlow

Job Description

Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location: Yemen-SanaA

Duration: 11 months

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Yemen is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture, and rural development, and effectively increasing the resilience of livelihoods to respond to food and agricultural threats and crises. Through the EU funded Food Security and Nutrition Information Systems (FSNIS) project, FAO Yemen aims to strengthening evidence-based decision making in Yemen through improved food security, nutrition and livelihoods information and analysis, and applied information systems. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

The Data Scientist will work under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Yemen and the direct supervision by the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA). The Data Scientist will lead the Food Security and Livelihoods unit of the FSNIS working in close collaboration with the Nutrition Information Systems Specialist, the Livelihoods Expert and the other technical units of the FSNIS sector.

Technical Focus

Technical and strategic leadership to in food security and livelihoods data collection, analysis, and reporting. The incumbent will also lead the setting up and implementation of a monitoring framework for timely decision support and identifying food insecurity hotspots

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic and technical guidance to the Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Unit within the FSNIS sector including but not limited to design of an implementation plan of the FSL unit
• Design, development, and implementation of a food security and livelihoods monitoring systems using remote technology including near real-time data collection, management, processing/analysis, dashboards, and visualizations
• Lead the design and development of a food security conceptual and analytical framework that is for the processing and analysis of near real-time monitoring data and produce food insecurity triggers
• Develop data quality and validation procedures for automated internal quality checks during data collection, focusing on real time quality assurance and capacity building
• Lead the design and development of dashboards, and other visualization products for automated reporting, data quality checks, etc., focusing on sustainability and scalability in the long run as new indicators are included to the system
• Perform ad-hoc data explorations and analysis, using both traditional statistical analysis as well as advanced data science methodologies
• Lead IPC Food Security Analysis in Yemen and co-chair the IPC Technical Working Group
• Build capacity of FAO staff, external organizations and national governments to conduct analysis on food security and livelihoods analysis to effectively inform policies and programmes
• Enable effective decision-making by guiding the development of the country strategy, programmes and policies
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in statistics, economics, mathematics, computer science, quantitative economics, social sciences, data science or related fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in data analysis and survey methodologies. Field experience is an asset
• Experience in conducting surveys and multiple-sectorial assessments, including the design, data collection and analysis is fundamental
• Experience in managing, supervising and coaching staff
• Working knowledge of English is required and limited knowledge of another FAO official language would be an asset. For PSA working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in implementing near real-time monitoring systems using remote technology such as CATI
• Experience in leading and facilitating IPC analysis with at least IPC Level 2 certification
• Experience in statistical analysis software like SPSS, STATA or R
• Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in the implementation of activities in collaboration with public and private sectors.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Previous experience with FAO or UN agency would be an advantage

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency