Data Scientist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The main aim of the FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes 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 be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Sudan, the direct technical supervision of the Senior Food Security Analyst/ Coordinator, the technical guidance of the international M&E Specialist and the Senior Advisor M&E, and in collaboration with the project managers.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide expertise in data science, information management, and data visualization to support both the FSAU's analytical agenda and the MEAL unit's data management needs. The focus will be on managing data flows from primary and secondary sources, ensuring data quality and security, conducting analysis, and developing accessible visual products (dashboards, reports, infographics) for decision-making.

Tasks and responsibilities

Core FSAU Support (Approx. 60%):

•     Database Management: Set up, manage, and maintain robust and easily accessible database systems (e.g., SQL-based) for storing Food Security, market, livelihoods, and early warning datasets.
•     Data Compilation & Analysis: Compile, analyse, and interpret Food Security data from diverse sources (government, partners, assessments, remote sensing). Identify trends and patterns to support products such as the Crop and Livestock assessments, the Food Security and Livelihoods Analysis (FSLA), and the Agriculture Sector People in Need (Agri-PiN) estimates.
•     Geospatial & Remote Sensing Support: Collaborate with specialists to integrate geospatial data and remote sensing analysis into FSAU products for crop monitoring, damage mapping, and climate impact analysis.
•     Product Development: Develop and disseminate high-quality FS information products (dashboards, reports, briefs, charts, infographics) for internal and external audiences.
•     Collect secondary data to enable comparisons and triangulation.

MEAL Unit Support (Approx. 40%):

•     Serve as the administrator for FAO Sudan's KOBO Toolbox platform. This includes form development, user management, server maintenance, and providing training to staff and partners.
•     MEAL Data Management & Quality Assurance: Collect, compile, and verify beneficiary and MEAL study data from various sources. Implement data cleaning and quality checks to ensure data integrity and consistency.
•     Data Security and Protection: Ensure compliance with data privacy and security policies (e.g., GDPR) to safeguard sensitive beneficiary and program information.
•     Dashboard Development and Maintenance: Design, develop, and maintain interactive dashboards (using Power BI, Tableau, or similar) to visualize MEAL data, track program indicators, and present results to management and stakeholders.
•     Support the setup and maintenance of other information management systems and digital repositories as required by the MEAL unit.
•     Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as requested by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or a related field. 
•     At least 5 years of relevant experience in data management, statistical analysis, database administration, and information management
•     Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Arabic
•     National of Sudan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

Essential:

•     Experience with geospatial analysis software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) and remote sensing data.
•     Experience in using statistical software such as R, STATA, Python or similar.
•     Strong skills in database management, including experience with SQL.
•     Demonstrated expertise in data visualization tools such as Tableau.
•     Advanced computer skills in MS Office applications (especially Excel and PowerPoint).
•     Experience in managing mobile data collection platforms, specifically KOBO Toolbox.
•     Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.

Highly Desirable:

•     Previous working experience with UN agencies, international organizations, or NGOs in a similar capacity.
•     Knowledge of food security and agriculture indicators, assessment methodologies.
•     Ability to work effectively in a team, under pressure, and to meet tight deadlines.
•     Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work harmoniously with people of diverse national and cultural backgrounds.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION