Early Warning and Risk Analyst

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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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.

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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).

JOB TITLE: Early Warning and Risk Analyst (economic risks)
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Consultancy
UNIT/DIVISION: Forecasting and Early Warning Unit of the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Service (PRG-F)
DUTY STATION (City, Country): HQ/Rome
DURATION: 11 Months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
The Forecasting and Early Warning Unit of the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Service (PRG-F) plays a critical role in anticipating and mitigating the impacts of food insecurity worldwide. By leveraging cutting-edge data analytics, forecasting models, and real-time information and providing analytical support on early warnings, the unit supports decision-making processes to preempt crises and ensure timely interventions in vulnerable regions.
The Forecasting and Early Warning Unit also leads the production of the FAO-WFP Hunger Hotspots early warning report on acute food insecurity. The report contributes to issuing early warnings on food crises, and it’s a strong advocacy tool that provides recommendations on anticipatory action and emergency preparedness. Additionally, the Unit also contributes to corporate early warning tools such as the Corporate Alert System (CAS), the Watch list and the Early Action and Readiness (EWEAR) Report process of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).
To fulfil these responsibilities, the Forecasting and Early Warning Unit undertakes research and analysis and collaborates with other units within the Programme division and other WFP divisions, such as the DED-COO, Nutrition service, and other humanitarian agencies, and partners in academic and research institutions, as well as WFP Regional and Country Offices.
To support this effort, WFP is recruiting an economic risk analyst with a proven track record of producing analysis on economic trends and drivers and who also has experience in economic modelling.
The Early Warning and Risk Analyst (economic risks) will report to the head of the Unit.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct systematic horizon scanning, research and analysis on economic risks for specific regions across Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean and issue early warnings on economic events or trends that are likely to lead to humanitarian impact or significant impact on WFP operations
• Contribute to the development of the economic risk early warning methodology, including new data-based analysis and forecasting techniques
• Ensure integration of analysis and research between economic risks and climate risks and conflict/political risks to identify interactions

• Conduct economic risk analysis, in close collaboration with the Economic and Market Analysis Unit, other relevant HQ units and Regional Bureaux; strengthen economic analysis through coordination and data integration with relevant stakeholders (incl. DED-COO, as well as RB VAM advisors
• Support the coordination and production of the Hunger Hotspots report
• Support and provide analytical inputs to the Early Warning Watchlist
• Support and collaborate in the development of an Early Warning Tool and the Google Project

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:
• Production of analytical inputs to the CAS, Early Warning Watchlist, Flash Alerts, Seasonal Outlooks, FAO-WFP Hunger Hotspots early warning report, the IASC EWEAR Report, analytical briefs for WFP senior management, and case-specific thematic research and risk and impact analysis regarding economic and natural hazard risks;
• On-demand analytical and technical support to Regional Bureaux and Country Offices, incl. field missions as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
Advanced University degree in Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics, Political Economics, Agroeconomics, or other relevant fields;

Experience:
• A minimum of five years professional experience in the field of analysis and research on macroeconomics, development economics, monetary economics, financial economics and international political economics;
• Professional experience in risk analysis and early warning, possibly related to food assistance, humanitarian response planning, or humanitarian action;
• Experience in research on interlinks between macroeconomics and food security as well as economic, conflict and natural hazard risk is highly desired.

Knowledge Skills:
• Knowledge of and experience in humanitarian field operations, emergency response, preparedness and planning, ideally incl. WFP operations, is highly desired;
• Excellent research, analytical and communication skills. Capacity to convey effectively complex technical concepts to varied audiences. Strong proven ability to produce high-quality analytical products (reports, briefs, alerts, scenarios)
• Knowledge of basic statistical software (ex. R, Stata)
• Ability to work both with minimal supervision and as part of a team;
• Ability to establish collaborative and fruitful collaboration with colleagues and external partners.
• Resilient to stress and capacity to maintain attention to details under tight deadlines.

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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

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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.