Programme Associate (Data Analyst)

Providing thought partnership and technical assistance to the government is a central pillar of the WFP Philippines current CSP. To advance this objective, the Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) unit undertakes studies and assessments on WFP programmes and projects, as well as broader issues related to food security, vulnerability, and social protection in the Philippines. 

The Data Analyst will be working under the supervision of the Research Coordinator programme policy officer, receiving guidance from the Head of RAM and regular feedback from the Deputy Country Director on work performed. The job holder will be involved in programme or policy activities or similar nature and analytical work of limited complexity. 

The Data Analyst is expected to augment the WFP PH CO’s ability to work with, process, and analyze large datasets for its own programming and technical assistance to the government. They will also be expected to support the development of research designs/methodologies, data collection instruments and data collection plans. They may also support the management of field data collection – including troubleshooting data collection problems and other issues that may arise. They must conduct data analysis with a clear understanding of the needs and perspectives of the WFP and the intended research audience. 

The Data Analyst will also support the research coordinator in building the capabilities of the RAM team by supporting the development of: (1) data collection protocols, (2) data management plans, (3) data processing/data analysis templates/code, and (4) output templates for reports and presentations. 

Within delegated authority, the Programme Associate will be responsible for the following:  

• Support research and evidence-generation activities of the CO using quantitative and qualitative tools; 

• Support research and evidence generation initiatives under technical assistance provided to government partners such as the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development; 

• Ensure robust data gathering and monitoring systems are in place with rigorous quality standards maintained; 

• Contribute towards the development of projects, plans, and processes, ensuring data availability and alignment with wider programme policies and guidance; 

• Provide project management support to the country strategic plan activities by ensuring that the data gathered for the CO is available on consolidated platforms contributing to effective decision making; 

• Actively monitor and review current food security developments and issues, assessing their potential impact on WFP activities, to ensure that RAM Unit members remain informed and able to guide timely and appropriate programme evolution and intervention; 

• Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners and national government to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs, e.g. through data collection, data availability and analysis. 

• Any other business as required by the Research Coordinator or Head of RAM. Survey set up and development of data collection tools

• Develop analysis plans and undertake necessary data analysis; 

• Participate, as and when needed in the design and analysis of Vulnerability Analysis (VAM) and M&E surveys (i.e. distribution monitoring, post distribution monitoring, outcome monitoring); 

• Support the preparation of questionnaires/checklists and field materials for data collection for Food Security, Nutrition, Climate Change Monitoring Systems and other VAM/M&E surveys. Database set up, maintenance: 

• Lead design and implementation of various visual products (such as using R, Python, Tableau, and/or PowerBI) and link them to the databases for real time reporting and visualization; 

• Establish CO database converging all CO key data overlaying food security and other operational information in line with the data needs from every unit; 

• Ensure the PHCO Data Library page is actively maintained through regular updates and uploads of documents, datasets, analysis scripts, and other knowledge products; 

• Ensure quality and consistency of collected data, lead database management, the maintenance of clean datasets and follow up any inconsistencies/discrepancies; 

• Liaise with relevant colleagues in and outside WFP, and consult various references on knowledge base on unresolved technical problems when the needs arise; 

• Support geospatial data management, maps production and GIS analysis. 

• Has proven experience in data management and has been exposed to modern data management tools 

• Strong in statistical analysis, including econometrics 

• Strong knowledge and skills in using R or Python in statical analysis and data management 

• PowerBI, Tableau Desktop and Server skills are an asset 

• Mapping and GIS skills (i.e. ArcGIS, QGIS) are an asset 

• Has managed project and provided input into designing operations. Has provided input into policy discussions and decisions 

• Demonstrated technical knowledge and understanding of WFP vulnerability mapping systems     and emergency assessment standards. 

• Previous experience with UN agencies in the country is a plus, with demonstrated ability in partnership building 

• Experience working in public health/food security/nutrition related activities 

• Experience of analyzing local political situations and assessing risk accurately 

• Ability to quickly learn how to do new tasks 

• Experience working in multi-cultural work settings 

Education: Completion of secondary school education. A first-level university degree or an advanced university degree in economics, statistics, or other relevant fields is an advantage. 

Experience: Minimum six (6) years of professional experience in data analysis, database development/management, or a closely related area or focus. 

Knowledge: Strong skills in R, Python, and/or Stata; Good knowledge of databases and SQL Server database in particular. 

Language: Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Filipino. 

- Monthly salary starting from approximately PHP 69,000.00++

- Medical coverage, extendable to eligible dependents.

- Leave benefits and other applicable entitlements.