Programme Policy Officer (Data Scientist M&E)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

14 September 2026-23:59-GMT+04:30 Afghanistan Time (Kabul)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT: The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. Over the years, WFP has made available its supply chain expertise, knowledge and network to governments, donors and UN agencies as a global good. The Data Scientist (M&E) will contribute substantially to WFP’s excellence in the delivery of evidence-based humanitarian and development programmes. The position will also contribute to strengthening the evidence agenda of the Country Office and support innovative and digitalization of WFP achievements in Afghanistan as well as contribute to position WFP as a leader in evidence and knowledge management.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Head of M&E, the consultant is responsible for:

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Drive the standardization of monitoring data collection tools, ensuring alignment with the Corporate Result Framework (CRF) and capturing relevant program performance indicators.
• Design and oversee the development of advanced analytics dashboards to optimize M&E activities and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee the creation of diverse, high-quality analytical products tailored to stakeholder needs, ensuring clarity, actionability, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Capacity building initiatives for national staff, fostering skill development in data collection, analysis, and reporting through comprehensive training and mentoring programs.
• Contribute to new assessment, monitoring and evaluation initiatives.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Digitalization and Innovation

• Support the beneficiary targeting process and its digital transformation across all Strategic Objectives (SOs) and activities, liaising with Targeting Officer, Headquarters (HQ) and Regional Office (RO) to align with the Global Assurance Plan and latest Identity Management Guidance.
• Ensure rigorous implementation of data protection policies in compliance with HQ and APARO guidelines, safeguarding beneficiary and operational data integrity.
• Lead the establishment of AI-driven systems for real-time assessment of monitoring findings including the triangulation of data with other units.
• Support the implementation of a Centralized Planning and Monitoring System (CPMS), ensuring adherence to the WFP minimum monitoring requirements.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process optimization and innovation within the M&E function, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay up to date on emerging trends and technologies in data analytics, early warning systems, and M&E, ensuring the Country Office remains at the forefront of best practices.
• Provide strategic guidance on the integration of new methodologies and tools to enhance the overall effectiveness of WFP's programs and operations.
• Oversee the design and maintenance of analytical scripts, ensuring adaptability to evolving early warning requirements (e.g. GeoAI).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• Master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, information technology, GIS, economics, agriculture, food security, or other relevant subjects; or Bachelor’s degree with years of experience and demonstrated expertise.
• Additional training or certification in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data analytics is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in research, programme, data gathering and analysis, needs assessments, and/or monitoring & evaluation, integrated context analysis, data and geo-spatial visualization.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proficient in Machine learning and AI implementation is desirable.
• Expert in programming language e.g. python, R, Java script and JAVA.
• Proficient with Mobile data collection tool like ODK Aggregate, KoBo Toolbox and MoDa (WFP’s corporate tool)
• Experience in data pipelines development and management and task automations
• Experience with the implementation and administration of SQL databases using tools such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, MSSQL etc;
• Proven skills in managing geospatial information platforms (ArcGIS/QGIS and etc) as well as online publishing (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI);
• Proven skills in authoring and developing analytical products, such as reports or infographics; Ability to tailor such products to a variety of stakeholders;
• Ability to engage audiences in data-driven discussions;
• Strong client orientation and ability to communicate and present abstract subject matter to wide audiences;
• Ability to coach staff and accompany their professional development;
• Proven skills and experience in planning and facilitating trainings.

Languages:

• Fluency (level C) in English. Additional UN language proficiency desir

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

 

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

 

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

 

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

 

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.