Operational Data Analyst Service Provisions (Remote)
Identify operational data insights and create solutions using DOTS
Overview
Identify operational data insights and create solutions using DOTS
You have:
- University degree in computer science/engineering, data sciences, mathematics, or other relevant disciplines.
- 3+ years of relevant and progressively more responsible data analytics and/or data science work with experience on 2+ relevant projects using agile development methodologies.
- 1+ year direct experience working on a project with data visualization outputs.
- Fluency in English (level C).
- Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese would be an asset.
- Proven ability to analyse business processes and document business needs aligned with strategies.
- Experience engaging with business to design end-to-end process diagrams and user stories.
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WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles
Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance
Who we are looking for: We are seeking to identify an Operational Data Analyst (Service Provision)
What we offer: Consultancy contract of 7 months with possibility of extension depending on the project requirements and funding availability
Workplace: Remote
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. WFP Technology Division (TEC, formerly known as IT) is the digital business engine of the World Food Programme, providing the business with multi-pronged and resilient technical capabilities able to respond with the agility required in humanitarian operations, be they manmade or in a natural disaster setting. One of the key pillars in our digital ecosystem is an operational decision-making platform called DOTS which is powered by the Palantir Foundry solution. DOTS integrates data from multiple sources, transforms data to create a dynamic ontology representing WFP’s operational model and surfaces business insights to support decision-making.
The Operational Data Analyst (or DOTS Workflow Owner as known within the DOTS team) works with WFP business counterparts and end-users to design, implement, and deliver end-to-end solutions on DOTS addressing core business questions and outcomes. Using rapid iteration cycles and eliciting constant feedback from end-users and business stakeholders, the incumbent is expected to push boundaries, challenge the as-is and relish the opportunity to explore problems and find resolutions. Combining knowledge of data analytics, data engineering, data governance, project management, and excellent communication skills, the Operational Data Analyst will be equally comfortable discussing technical issues with developers and presenting DOTS demonstrations to a wider audience.
Reporting to the DOTS Platform Lead, under the Data and Analytics Unit (TECX) in the Technology Division, the Operational Data Analyst will work closely with DOTS team members, the Service Provision Programme Manager, Supply Chain and TEC teams to own the end-to-end process of designing, implementing, and presenting data in ways that help end-users and assist in the continuous improvement of the Service Provision workstream.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Act as Agile product owner.
- Analyse the business problem - the functional and the non-functional requirements and be comfortable arguing for the optimal end solution in case the proposed requirements do not align with the underlying solution to the problem.
- Understand the data domain, the data catalogue definitions (if any) and the data flows.
- Accountable and responsible for the end-to-end process of creating, implementing, and rolling out workflows on DOTS:
- Work with the team and business to model the solution to the business problem in the DOTS platform. You will function as the platform expert, and throughout user interviews also as the end-to-end process expert, owning the overall workflow architecture and implementation scope. Define and detail the information model, the user interface model (which DOTS platform tools to use), the use cases, the integration model, and the reporting model.
- During implementation, work hands-on in the platform to build out the end-to-end workflows together with the data engineers on the team. An ideal candidate will have high technical aptitude, be comfortable picking up technical tasks and using platform tools to complete deliverables.
- Using analytical skills, provide recommendations to business stakeholders on how to use DOTS to derive additional insights.
- Provide resourcing estimates and monitor progress to ensure optimal utilization.
- Interact with the DOTS technical and platform governance teams to discuss, review and endorse the design and final product.
- Together with business owners Identify success metrics and incorporate monitoring of indicators in the design.
- Conduct testing and validation with business stakeholders and end-users to ensure product quality.
- Work with business owners to induce the Change Management needed to roll out the product to end-users.
- Actively use Agile methodology to manage the development cycle, product backlog and retrospectives.
- Ensure documentation of technical specifications and decisions and handover of the workflow to the maintenance team.
DELIVERABLES:
- Demonstrated progress on delivery of DOTS workflows against design and business owner expectations, incl. auxiliary non-platform specific deliverables.
- DOTS data views and analytical components developed using the tools available on the platform (pre-requisite: completion of training on DOTS and DOTS tools).
- Contribution towards usage of DOTS (e.g. usage in workflow design)
- Required technical/non-technical documentation and review/approval processes completed for assigned projects.
- Project metrics established and method for data collection established for each project.
- Change management artifacts (e.g. webinars, presentations) completed.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
University degree in computer science/engineering, data sciences, mathematics, or other relevant disciplines.
Experience:
3+ years of relevant and progressively more responsible data analytics and/or data science work with experience on 2+ relevant projects using agile development methodologies, of which 1+ year should be direct experience working on a project with data visualization outputs.
- Rich experience and proven skills in working towards a common goal in a team of diverse skills, experience, and cultural backgrounds, with heavy emphasis towards business and non-technical team members and stakeholders outside the team.
- Proven record with data analysis, or high technical aptitude and ability to work in highly technical and analytical environments.
- Experience in engaging with the business to design the end-to-end process diagrams, user stories, and to document items for workflows.
- Remote working with geographically diverse teams requiring strong communication skills – both written and verbal – to ensure team members are aligned on the final deliverables and processes to achieve high quality results.
Desirable: 1+ year experience working with Palantir Foundry and knowledge of WFP business processes; 1+ year experience working with Supply Chain processes and data.
Technical Skills & Knowledge:
- High problem-solving skills and willingness to develop any technical skills needed, if any.
- Proven ability to analyse business processes, uncovering, shaping, and documenting business needs and requirements that are aligned with business strategies.
- Strong understanding of project management methodologies and experience in project planning
- Desirable: Experience with data pipeline design and implementation.
- Intermediate knowledge of Python (desirable: basic knowledge of TypeScript, PySpark)
Competencies:
- Takes personal accountability for upholding and delivering upon team’s commitments and provides assurance to stakeholders.
- Utilizes understanding of WFP’s Strategic Objectives to communicate linkages to team objectives and work.
- Can identify, support and encourage focused on-the-job learning opportunities to address gaps between current skillsets and needed future skillsets for WFP.
- Demonstrates ability to adjust to team’s plans and priorities to optimize outcomes in light of evolving directives, while also responding quickly in high-pressure environments, such as in emergency settings.
- Demonstrates ability to adapt engagement approach in the context of evolving partner circumstances and expectations
Language:
Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language, Portuguese, would be an asset
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
WFP offers a competitive compensation package, which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.
http://www.wfp.org Click on: "Our Work" and "Countries" to learn more about WFP's operations.
Deadline for applications: 10 April 2022 at 11:59pm Rome time (CET/CEST)
REF: 160520
Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
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.
Saving lives, changing lives
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to analyze a complex data set? | This question assesses your analytical skills and ability to handle complexity. | Discuss the data set complexity, the tools you used, and the insights you derived. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when managing a product backlog? | The interviewer wants to know your time management skills within an Agile framework. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe an experience where you had to work with a diverse team. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to ensure quality during testing? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you share an instance when you had to present technical information to a non-technical audience? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |