Research Analyst Consultant

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

22 November 2026-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

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 extreme weather shocks.

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

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 Consultant (Level 1)
UNIT/DIVISION: Office of Evaluation (OEV)
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Rome, Italy
DURATION: 6 months with possible extension up to 11 months.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
The WFP Evaluation Policy (2022) 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.
Centralized evaluations (commissioned by OEV) serve a dual purpose of accountability and learning and are conducted in accordance with UNEG norms and standards to ensure independence, credibility, and utility.
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.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Centralized evaluations: Research and data analysis
The research analyst will conduct research and data analysis for a minimum of four Centralized Evaluations (CE) comprising of policy, strategic and country strategic evaluations at varying stages of implementation including the partnership strategic evaluation; corporate emergency evaluation of WFP’s response in Palestine and the evaluation of Egypt and Haiti CSPs. The allocation of evaluations may be subject to changes during the course of the consultancy. The research analyst will lead data analytics and support information management; and quality assurance of evaluation’s draft deliverables; he/she will also support the evaluation manager in managing the evaluation process through the different phases of the evaluation:
i. Preparation phase: Set up electronic evaluation library and conduct a desk-review of key documents; extract and analyze key datasets; provide inputs to and draft some sections of the evaluation concept note and Terms of Reference; provide substantive inputs to the evaluability assessment. Support the evaluation manager in the evaluation team’s selection. Support the evaluation manager in defining the composition of Internal and External (as relevant) Reference Groups. Support the evaluation manager to identify key informants within and outside WFP.
ii. Inception phase: Update and manage the e-evaluation library as needed; support the evaluation manager in the preparation and delivery of inception briefings to support the onboarding of the evaluation team; conduct data sessions for the evaluation teams and guide them through the evaluation library. Support the evaluation manager to coordinate the planning of inception meetings (in-person or virtual). Support the planning of the inception mission and participate in the inception mission if required. Document newly available information, documents, datasets and issues arising from the inception interviews. Critically review the proposed evaluation methodological approach and other sections of the inception report to ensure that available data is considered and evaluation questions are addressed. Consolidate comments from the reference group and OEV on the draft inception report and support the evaluation manager in quality assuring the various iterations of the draft inception report. Support the finalization of the data collection field mission schedule(s) coordinating with country offices and the evaluation team.
iii. Data collection phase: Support the organization of the data collection mission by liaising with the Country Office. Address data queries from the evaluation team.
iv. Analysis and reporting phase: Support the preparation and delivery of the evaluation stakeholder workshops. Support in quality assurance of the evaluation report to make sure that data has been used to shape the evaluation storyline. Review all data tables/figures/visuals in the report and ensure they are consistent with the data used by OEV in the TOR phase and Inception phase. Consolidate the reference groups’ and OEV comments on the draft evaluation report, and share with the evaluation team. Support the evaluation manager in quality assuring the various iterations of the draft evaluation report.
v. Dissemination phase: Support the evaluation manager in drafting the summary evaluation report and addressing comments from OEV and policy committee; contribute to the preparation of communication products including presentations, briefs, talking points and ED memo for the Round Table/Executive Board sessions. Support the evaluation manager and OEV management in addressing questions and comments from Board members.
In addition, the research analyst also supports the evaluation manager on knowledge management of the evaluation including ensuring that all OEV calendars and other tracking tools, such as the MIS, are updated on a timely manner.
For some evaluations, OEV is currently exploring scope for embedding research analysts in evaluation team. Subject to positive results, the duties of the research assistant might encompass in the future a more substantive role in evaluation delivery. The nature and specific tasks will be defined in specific evaluation terms of reference.

2. Data championship and focal point roles OEV believes in the continuous improvement of its research and analytics systems to support the efficient and effective delivery of its evaluation plan. The research analyst will contribute to the workplan of the ARU, acting as a data champion and alternate for geo spatial and transfers and food security, respectively. In addition, the analyst will be assigned to be ARU focal point for the LTA liaison and data visualization. He/she will ensure self-training, update relevant guidelines, and provide ad hoc training (to ARU and OEV) on assigned data champion areas. He/she will keep up with new developments and reach out to potential external partners, identifying synergies and ways of mutual collaboration. The research analyst will provide timely and quality stand-in support to colleagues within ARU and OEV and will participate in weekly and bi-weekly ARU meetings.

3. Contribute to other OEV priorities
The Research Analysist will also contribute to OEV’s effective team and corporate performance, by:
i. Participating in the review and update of OEV guidance and tools related to the engagement with evaluation firms with whom OEV has established long-term agreements.
ii. Contributing to the knowledge management of data products for global and synthesis evaluations.
iii. Participating in planning and coordinating meetings/retreats and learning events.
iv. Supporting the preparation and delivery of evaluation events such as EvalXchange and GLOW with the aim to promote the use of evaluation evidence.
v. Supporting data processing, data quality assurance and data visualization for any possible need beyond the aforementioned support to assigned evaluations.
vi. Supporting OEV for the undertaking of any other activity relevant for the strengthening of WFP evaluation function.

Most activities will be carried out in Rome. However, the analyst may be required to travel to other WFP sites to support evaluation work as required.

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 of specific centralized evaluations.
• Contributions to the ARU provided in a timely and professional manner as requested by the head of the ARU over the contract duration.

For accountability 3: Overall, the key results will contribute to the overall effectiveness of WFP’s evaluation function.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:
• University degree in academic discipline(s) relevant to evaluation in WFP.

Experience:
• At least four years of relevant professional working experience preferably related to humanitarian or development work.
• At least two years of professional experience in monitoring & evaluation, performing research and data analysis roles.
• Experience using a variety of quantitative and qualitative analytical tools and methods.
• Prior experience with WFP and solid knowledge of its corporate results framework, as well as key corporate data sources (budget, funding, transfers, beneficiaries, and supply chain), are considered an asset.

Knowledge & Skills:
Functional competencies
• Fully computer-literate with excellent skills in Word, Excel, Power Point and database management.
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, including strong statistical and econometric expertise, combined with a rigorous and systematic approach.
• A keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to accuracy in all outputs.
• Excellent communication skills, with strong abilities in written, verbal, and visual presentation formats.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, clean and present data effectively.
• Ability to work with multiple evaluation managers simultaneously, effectively managing work planning and competing deadlines, and alerting functional and line managers when needed.
• Ability to engage professionally with evaluation stakeholders and evaluation teams.
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to changing context.
• Experience in supporting bodies coordinating multi-lateral humanitarian or development action.
• Understanding of UN/NGO engagement at field level.
• Commitment to confidentiality and sound understanding of key ethical principles and issues associated with evaluation.

Languages:
Fluency in English and intermediate level of French and/or Spanish are required.
 

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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  [email protected]

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

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• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

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.