Nutrition Business Analyst Intern at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

The nutrition unit focuses on the following pillars

• Nutrition sensitive programming
• Nutrition specific programming
• Nutrition in emergencies programmes
• HIV specific programmes

A lot of data is generated from the various programmes targeting nutritionally vulnerable groups which include TSFP, BSFP, IFP, FSNMS and MCHN.

A review of the evidence from programme data and small-scale surveys conducted for the last 10 or more years to provide a summary estimate of the magnitude and prevalence from emergency and non-emergency pockets and to examine reasons for variation in prevalence estimates in addition to providing trend maps and hazard analysis will be necessary to inform quality nutrition programming.

We intend to develop datasets by combining data from programmes, Complex Emergency Database, Country Nutrition clusters, MICS and DHS surveys etc. and conduct a meta-analysis of small-scale surveys using a random effects model with known within-study heterogeneity for mapping.

The influence of survey covariates on estimated prevalence will not be investigated. However, we expect the aggregated analysis of project data and small-scale surveys to provide insights into the prevalence of undernutrition and factors explaining its variation over years and areas. It will also guide in survey planning towards areas with limited data availability.

From the Nutrition surveillance projects planned for 2022, we will also conduct analyses on the data collected which will inform programming in the region.

The unit therefore requires the services of an intern under the title of Nutrition Business Analyst to learn and support with the analytical tasks.

Standard Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in the university and have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies; currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master's degree) from a recognized university; or have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme within the last 6 months, preferably in Epidemiology, Statistics, Mathematics, Data science or other closely relevant field or equivalent.
• Currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s degree) from a recognized university, undertaking the programmes mentioned above, and have attended classes in the past 12 months.
• Fluent in English (both oral and written) is a must; knowledge of a second UN language, preferably French, would be an asset.
• Training and/or experience utilizing computers including word processing, spreadsheet, and other software packages.
• Extremely proficient in online dashboard platforms and data visualization tools
• Working knowledge of basic statistics, databases, data mining and analytics

Key Skills & Competencies

• Good knowledge of assessment methodologies, including sampling, data collection and analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in performing data entry, cleaning, statistical analysis, interpretation, and presentation using R, STATA and SPSS.
• Knowledge and experience in machine learning algorithms (KNN, Random Forest, Naïve Bayes, SVM and Logistic Regression)
• Strong knowledge and experience in Python for data analytics and science capacity (using libraries such as pandas, numPy, skylearn, matplotlib and seaborn)
• Knowledge and experience in Deep Learning models such as Tensorflow, keras, CNN and RNN
• Experience in Java and C++ and introductory working knowledge in JavaScript and HTML
• Comprehensive research skills.
• Knowledge with SQL database operations using PostgreSQL.
• Good Knowledge of
• statistical tests and analysis.
• Working Knowledge in using PowerBI or another visualization tool
• Ability to communicate model outputs and analyses to stakeholders at various levels of technical expertise

What You Will Do
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Under The Overall Supervision Of The Head Of Nutrition Unit And The Direct Supervision Of The Nutrition Programme Policy Officer, The Intern Will

• Participate in nutrition surveillance systems activities through integrated data collection and analysis using some existing WFP led methods.
• Learn and support in Improving the consistency of the very provisional regional nutrition database already developed, collecting information from national institutions.
• Learn and Assist in programming and utilization of digital data collection tools and open sources such as Personal Device Assistants (PDAs) and Open Data Kit (ODK) together with the Research, Assessment & Monitoring Unit
• Support in the Collection of nutritional statistical data available at lower administrative level and all accessible data from survey activities carried out in the recent past (last ten years or more);
• Participate and support in the design of research projects in nutrition
• Conduct Standardization and data Entry (harmonization); Data quality control (Quality assessment of data); Data description (metadata); Data modelling for predictive analysis.
• Support in digital innovation activities for nutrition across the region including SCOPE CODA, School Connect e.t.c.
• Investigate the availability of additional sources including identification of geographic aggregation (administrative units or sites) and using it in compiling a separate database in xls format.
• Start to develop a real time Food and nutrition location and event database and map
• Assist in collection and archiving of data, including maintenance and update of databases.
• Perform any other duties when required.

TRAINING & LERANING COMPONENTS

• Active involvement in Nutrition study designs and implementation.
• Complementary Virtual Training sessions on nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific programming and data management tools.
• Data collection, analysis, visualization, and modelling using WFP corporate tools.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP depending on the duty station of assignment (i.e. Nairobi).
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas, and related costs.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognized institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
• The internship duration is 8 months, full-time

Closing Date: 2022-03-14