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Enhance Optimization Consultant

Applications are closed

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Data
    Research & Development
  • Rome

Requirements

  • Master in the field of Operations Research, Management Science, Business Analytics, or Data Science.
  • At least 3 years of work experience in the area of data science is required.
  • Work experience related to linear programming.
  • Previous experience with consultancy-type activities (e.g., business analysis, process mapping, data extraction and analysis, presenting to senior management, etc.)
  • Prior experience with the development of data pipelines (e.g. ETL, APIs, etc.)
  • Previous experience with research and/or academic work
  • Prior experience working with governments, UN agencies, and/or NGOs desirable.
  • Prior knowledge and understanding of mathematical optimization methods such as linear programming
  • Strong and proven coding proficiency in Python.
  • Ability to work in a team with Agile SCRUM methodologies.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to perform in a multi-functional and multi-cultural team.
  • Strong analytical abilities (quantitative and qualitative), with the ability to think outside the box.
  • Ability to evolve fairly independently and take initiatives where relevant.
  • Committed and motivated to achieve the objectives of WFP.
  • Prior experience with the use of PuLP, Git and AWS is a plus.
  • Prior experience with Tableau.
  • Prior experience with R.
  • Verbal and written fluency in English

Responsibilities

  • Support the development and rollout of the Enhance optimization algorithm, including:
  • Incorporating new features to the web application and its mathematical optimization algorithm based on WFP and additional external use cases;
  • Testing and validating new features to ensure quality, consistency, and the alignment with best practices on agile development;
  • Developing and maintaining the data pipeline of the platform, and contributing to the development of the data infrastructure to facilitate data input and output processing for Enhance;
  • Supporting the maintenance of the Enhance Tableau dashboard;
  • Supporting WFP teams during analyses to ensure the outputs are correct, and to diagnose and resolve issues that may arise;
  • Improving the user experience and interaction with the algorithm by supporting the development of a graphical user interface;
  • Contributing to deep dives on WFP business requirements to evaluate further optimization improvements and opportunities. To the extent possible, recommend system and/or process enhancements to further improve the performance of Enhance;
  • Collaborating with external developers working on Enhance to plan work, determine approach for technical aspects of software development, and troubleshoot issues;
  • Producing documentation, guidance materials (user manual) and peer-reviewed publication as it relates to the optimization algorithm, platform, and its uses.

FAQs

What is the application deadline for this position?

The deadline for applications is 16 January 2025 at 23:59 GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome).

Is there a focus on diversity and inclusion in the hiring process?

Yes, WFP celebrates and embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees, encouraging qualified candidates to apply regardless of various backgrounds and identities.

What are the main responsibilities of the Enhance Optimization Consultant?

The main responsibilities include supporting the development and rollout of the Enhance optimization algorithm, testing and validating new features, developing and maintaining the data pipeline, supporting analyses, improving user experience, and producing documentation and guidance materials.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A Master's degree in Operations Research, Management Science, Business Analytics, or Data Science is required, along with at least 3 years of work experience in data science and related experience in linear programming.

What coding languages or tools should the candidate be proficient in?

Candidates should have strong coding proficiency in Python, and familiarity with tools like PuLP, Git, AWS, Tableau, and R is desirable.

Is prior experience in governmental or UN work preferred?

Yes, prior experience working with governments, UN agencies, and/or NGOs is considered desirable.

Will the consultant need to work closely with a team?

Yes, the consultant is expected to be an active member of the development team and collaborate with external developers and stakeholders.

What languages are required for this position?

Verbal and written fluency in English is required.

What are the expected deliverables at the end of the contract?

Expected deliverables include an updated Enhance software platform backend, updated Python (or R) script, updated Enhance Tableau dashboard, documentation and guidance for users and developers, and a peer-reviewed article on Enhance.

How does WFP support the professional development of its employees?

WFP invests in personal and professional development through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities.

Non-profit
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1961
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are 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.