Research Analyst
Pubblicato il 18-09-2026 - World Food Programme in Roma
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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).
JOB TITLE: Research Analyst Consultant TYPE OF CONTRACT: Regular Consultancy
UNIT/DIVISION: Office of Evaluation (OEV)
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Rome
DURATION: 22 October 2026 – 21 September 2027 (11 months)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
The WFP Evaluation Policy (2022) and its amendments aims to contribute to global knowledge and support decision-making and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) achievement at the global, regional,
and national levels. It ensures that evaluation evidence consistently and comprehensively informs decisions on WFP policies, strategies, plans, and programmes.
The Evaluation Policy and its amendments mandate the Office of Evaluation (OEV) to commission and manage a range of evaluation types—including Country Strategic Plan, Corporate Emergency, Policy,
Strategic, and Synthesis evaluations—to generate evidence that assesses performance and informs decision-making on WFP policies, strategies, plans, and programmes.
Each centralized evaluation is managed by an evaluation officer and, where possible, supported by a research and data analyst. The analyst provides essential analytical and operational support across the evaluation cycle, including data analysis; process management; knowledge management of evaluation data and documents; preparation of terms of reference; quality assurance of evaluation deliverables;
and coordination of the evaluation process and stakeholder engagement.
The current and projected OEV programme of work and evaluation portfolio require the existing workforce of Research Analysts within OEV’s Analytics and Research Unit (ARU). Research Analysts operate with a high degree of autonomy, reporting to the Head of ARU and functionally to the evaluation managers responsible for the evaluations to which they are assigned.
The Research Analyst that OEV envisages to hire under the present terms of reference is expected to work with a high level of independence. He/she will be assigned to report formally to one of the ARU,
while he/she in addition will report functionally to various others, who manage the evaluations for which data management and analysis is undertaken.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Centralized evaluations: research and data analysis (aprox 80%)
The Research Analyst will conduct research and data analysis in support of centralized evaluations,
including Policy and Strategic Evaluations, Country Strategic Plan Evaluations (CSPEs), Corporate
Emergency Evaluations (CEEs), and Synthesis Evaluations. Specifically, the consultant will provide research and analytical support for the evaluations of the Pacific Multi-Country Strategic Plan, the
Lebanon Country Strategic Plan, the Afghanistan Country Strategic Plan, The Gambia Country Strategic
Plan, and the Philippines Country Strategic Plan. The portfolio of evaluations may be adjusted during the consultancy period, and additional evaluation assignments may be identified and allocated based on OEV priorities and needs.The portfolio of work for the research analyst will comprise:
i. Data management:
This includes identifying and assessing relevant datasets for each evaluation question; proactively collecting qualitative and quantitative data from a range of sources, including WFP corporate data systems; systematically managing and documenting data sources; assessing data quality and reliability; analyzing datasets to ensure consistency and coherence; and producing data analyses and visualizations for use in various evaluation products.
ii. Knowledge management: This includes establishing and maintaining the evaluation document library, ensuring that all relevant documentation is collected, organized, and made accessible to the evaluation team in a timely manner. The Research Analyst will also be responsible for maintaining evaluation-related documentation in relevant teamwork spaces and ensuring the timely and accurate updating of the WFP Evaluation Management Information System.
iii. Support to evaluation’s deliverables: This includes contributing to the preparation of evaluation
Concept Notes and or Terms of Reference; developing and maintaining comment matrices;
reviewing and providing substantive comments on draft inception reports and evaluation reports; supporting the preparation of Summary Evaluation Reports; assessing the quality,
reliability, and appropriate use of data derived from WFP corporate systems and presented in draft evaluation deliverables; and, as required, supporting the development of evaluation communication and dissemination products, including briefs, presentations, videos, seminars,
and other knowledge-sharing materials.
iv. Support to management of evaluation process: This includes tracking the evaluation process,
identifying and liaising with relevant stakeholders across Headquarters, Regional Offices, and
Country Offices, and providing administrative and logistical support for evaluation activities,
including meeting coordination, evaluation briefings, workshop arrangements, and other stakeholder engagement events.
- Data analytics (aprox 10%)
OEV is committed to the continuous improvement of its research, analytics, and information management systems to support the efficient and effective delivery of its evaluation programme. In this context, the Research Analyst will contribute to the implementation of the Analytics and Research
Unit (ARU) workplan and serve as the designated data champion for transfer- and output-related data.
The incumbent will also act as the alternate data champion for supply chain and process monitoring data.
The Research Analyst will further serve as a focal point for the TEC/DOTS, systems cluster and ARU information management, ensuring the effective organization, maintenance, and accessibility of knowledge and information resources. Responsibilities will include maintaining technical knowledge and skills through continuous learning; updating relevant guidance notes, tools, and procedures; and providing ad hoc training and technical support to ARU and OEV colleagues as required.
The he/she will monitor developments in research, analytics, data management, and evaluation methodologies, proactively identifying opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and partnership with external organizations and institutions. He/She will explore potential synergies and contribute to initiatives that strengthen OEV's analytical and evaluative capabilities.
In addition, the Research Analyst will provide timely and high-quality backup support to colleagues across ARU and OEV, contribute to team knowledge-sharing and collaboration, and actively participate in weekly and bi-weekly ARU meetings and other relevant unit activities3. Contribute to effective functioning of OEV (aprox 10%)
Contribution to OEV’s priorities, through:
i. Participation in planning, coordination and attendance of meetings and learning events ii. Supporting data processing, data quality assurance and data visualization for any possible need beyond the aforementioned support to assigned centralized evaluations iii. Supporting OEV for the undertaking of any other activity relevant for the development or continuation of the evaluation function
Most activities will be carried out in Rome. However, the analyst may be required to travel to other
WFP sites on an ad-hoc basis to streamline data analytics as part of specific evaluation missions.
DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:
For accountability 1 and 2:
- All tasks assigned, completed on time and to professional standards as per the detailed TOR for support to centralised evaluations.
- Contributions to the ARU provided in a timely and professional manner as requested by the head of the ARU over the contract duration.
ccountability 3: Overall, the Research Analyst is expected to ensure the timely and highquality delivery of assigned tasks and responsibilities,
thereby contributing to the effective implementation of evaluations and the continued strengthening and successful development of WFP’s evaluation function.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education: University degree in academic discipline(s) relevant to evaluation in WFP
Experience: • At least three years of relevant professional working experience preferably related to humanitarian or development work
- At least two years of professional experience in evaluation, research, data analysis
- Experience using a variety of quantitative and qualitative analytical tools and methods
Knowledge
& Skills:
- Fully computer-literate, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint, and strong skills in database management.
- Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, including statistical/econometric abilities
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Excellent communication skills, including strong written, verbal, and visual communication abilities
- Knowledge of WFP’S operations is an advantage
Functional competencies
- Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, quality assure, and effectively communicate quantitative and qualitative data
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple Evaluation Managers simultaneously, including the capacity to plan, prioritize, and coordinate competing workstreams while managing multiple deadlines and delivering highquality outputs in a timely manner
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally and diplomatically with diverse evaluation stakeholders, including Headquarters,
Regional Offices and Country Office staff, as well as external evaluation teams and consultants
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, evolving evaluation needs, and dynamic working environments.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work proactively, effectively planning and managing own workload with limited supervision, while identifying and escalating issues, risks, and challenges to functional and line managers in a timely manner
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion, together with a sound understanding of the ethical principles and standards underpinning evaluation practice.
Languages: Fluency in English and intermediate level of Arabic, French and/or Spanish are required.
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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
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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.