Consultant VAM Officer (Team Lead) – Data Science, RAM Ecosystem & Geospatial Analysis

About the role

The World Food Programme is seeking a senior data science professional to lead AI‑driven food security forecasting and RAM ecosystem analysis. The incumbent will act as the focal point for geospatial analytics, supervise a small data team, and collaborate closely with VAM, M&E and programme leads.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of the AI/ML food security forecasting pipeline, including development and validation of a CNN+LSTM and XGBoost ensemble model.
• Design and integrate an NLP module (BERT/GPT‑4o mini) to process qualitative food security narratives and combine them with quantitative outputs.
• Manage multi‑sensor satellite data integration (NDVI, SPI, CHIRPS) for the Karamoja Sentinel Project (70% FTE).
• Supervise two Data Engineer/Data Analyst staff and provide technical guidance.
• Coordinate with VAM Team Lead, M&E Team, and Head of Programme to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Geography, or a related field.
• Proven experience leading AI/ML projects in humanitarian or food security contexts.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to work independently and drive cross‑functional collaboration.

Required skills

• CNN+LSTM modeling
• XGBoost ensemble techniques
• NLP using BERT and GPT‑4o mini
• Satellite data processing (NDVI, SPI, CHIRPS)
• Multi‑sensor data integration

What we offer

• Attractive compensation package
• Inclusive, diverse, and multicultural work environment
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and internal mobility
• Contribution to a Nobel Peace Prize‑winning humanitarian mission