Progamme Policy Officer – Economist

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:

Economic Theory and Analysis:

• Deep understanding of economic principles, especially related to cost-benefit analysis, value for money, and economic impact assessments.

Statistical and Data Analysis:

• Proficiency in statistical methods and data analysis techniques, including experience with software like STATA, SPSS, R, or Python.

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.

Research Methodologies:

• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, data validation, and integrity checks.

Development Economics:

• Understanding of development economics, including the socio-economic factors influencing developing countries.

Collaboration with Academic Institutions:

• Familiarity with academic research standards and experience in collaborating with academic institutions like Harvard University.

Skills:

Data Collection and Management:

• Ability to systematically collect and manage large datasets from diverse sources, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:

• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and derive meaningful insights that inform policy recommendations.

Report Writing and Communication:

• Proficiency in writing detailed, well-structured reports that clearly present findings and recommendations. Ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

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

Attention to Detail:

• High attention to detail, particularly in verifying the accuracy and integrity of data used in the analysis.

Time Management and Organization:

• Strong time management skills to meet deadlines, particularly given the varying time commitments throughout the project.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work efficiently under different time constraints.

Ethical Considerations:

• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data and findings throughout the project.

Languages:

• Fluency in English required.

Source: https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/wfp/job_openings/job/Colombo-Sri-Lanka-DemSocRep-Of/Progamme-Policy-Officer—Economist_JR105233