DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

30 September 2024-23:59-GMT+05:30 India Standard Time (Colombo)

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.

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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).

BACKGROUND:
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is a leader in the global movement to achieve zero hunger. In 2020, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger, its contribution to bettering conditions for peace and for acting as a driving force to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict. In Sri Lanka, WFP works every day to help improve the nutrition status and food security amongst vulnerable communities, particularly women and children. We take pride in knowing that our day-to-day work makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve. WFP is on the lookout for multifaceted individuals to join our dynamic team in pursuing our mission of changing lives and saving lives.
The project the economist officer would be working on aims to conduct a comprehensive Value for Money (VfM) study in collaboration with various governmental bodies and academic institutions. The study will provide a detailed analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the Sri Lankan National School Meals Programme, with particular emphasis on contextualizing findings to local circumstances.
The VfM study will be a key advocacy tool for the sustainable financing dialog with the Government. Therefore, the study must be done by a consultant who has necessary expertise at the highest level but also with credibility and acceptance at the highest level with the stakeholders.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Data Collection and Collation: Gather information, with the support of WFP, from various governmental sources, ensuring the quality of comprehensive datasets for analysis.
• Data Analysis: Perform thorough analysis of the collected data, identifying key trends, cost-effectiveness, and overall value for money.
• Data Integrity Verification: Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data collected, using appropriate verification methods.
• Collaboration with the VfM Working Group: Work closely with the Value for Money Study working group to align the analysis with the project’s goals.
• Collaboration with Harvard University: Partner with Harvard University to incorporate contextualized inputs necessary for the study.
• Final Output Writing: Contribute to the writing of the final report, ensuring that all findings are clearly articulated and aligned with the study’s objectives.

Deliverables

• A comprehensive dataset collated from various governmental sources.
• A detailed analysis report highlighting the cost-effectiveness and VfM aspects.
• Verified and validated data ready for integration into the final study.
• Contributions to the final report in collaboration with Harvard University.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: PhD in economics, health economics or related field

Experience:
Over 10 years of experience in statistical analysis and building economical models. An experience in health economics is desirable. Experience working with governmental stakeholders is desirable. Experience working with the research consortium of the global school meals coalition and being involved in the writing of the Sri Lankan case study is an advantage.

Knowledge & Skills:
Knowledge:
1.Economic Theory and Analysis:
oDeep understanding of economic principles, especially related to cost-benefit analysis, value for money, and economic impact assessments.
2.Statistical and Data Analysis:
oProficiency in statistical methods and data analysis techniques, including experience with software like STATA, SPSS, R, or Python.
3.Public Policy and Governmental Processes:
oFamiliarity with governmental structures, public finance, and policy-making processes, particularly within the context of Sri Lanka or similar regions.
4.Research Methodologies:
oKnowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, data validation, and integrity checks.
5.Development Economics:
oUnderstanding of development economics, including the socio-economic factors influencing developing countries.
6.Collaboration with Academic Institutions:
oFamiliarity with academic research standards and experience in collaborating with academic institutions like Harvard University.

Skills:
1.Data Collection and Management:
o Ability to systematically collect and manage large datasets from diverse sources, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

2.Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:
o Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and derive meaningful insights that inform policy recommendations.

3.Report Writing and Communication:
o Proficiency in writing detailed, well-structured reports that clearly present findings and recommendations. Ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.

4.Collaboration and Teamwork:

o Effective collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams, including governmental bodies, academic researchers, and international partners.

5.Attention to Detail:
o High attention to detail, particularly in verifying the accuracy and integrity of data used in the analysis.
6.Time Management and Organization:
o Strong time management skills to meet deadlines, particularly given the varying time commitments throughout the project.
7.Adaptability and Flexibility:
o Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work efficiently under different time constraints.
8. Ethical Considerations:
o Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data and findings throughout the project.

Languages: Fluency in English required.

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 dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at global.inclusion@wfp.org. Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.

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

• 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.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• 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
• Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• 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.