About the opportunity
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a Data Scientist for an 11-month Regular Consultant (CST) contract within the Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) Individual Fundraising Team. As WFP expands its individual fundraising programs across WFP.org and ShareTheMeal, the Data Scientist plays a critical role in leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, predictive modeling, and AI solutions (including NLP, LLMs, and RAG) to optimize fundraising performance and donor engagement. Reporting to the Head of Insights and Strategic Enablement, the consultant will design, build, and deploy data science models and maintain analytical infrastructure in an agile, multicultural setting.
Salary and benefits
- Attractive compensation package offered for this 11-month Regular Consultant (CST) role.
- Fully remote work arrangement with administrative duty station at WFP Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
- Opportunity to work within a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate organization on impactful global humanitarian initiatives.
- Access to personal and professional development through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities.
Who can apply?
- Minimum of six years of relevant professional experience working with large-scale datasets and building machine learning or AI solutions.
- University degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
- Proficiency in English (read, write, speak).
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R and solid understanding of statistics (hypothesis testing, regression analysis, probability distributions).
- Expertise in traditional machine learning techniques (supervised and unsupervised learning, segmentation, clustering, classification, feature engineering) and modern AI workflows (NLP, LLMs, prompt engineering, RAG, agentic AI).
- Working knowledge of cloud platforms and modern data science tooling is considered an advantage.
- Open to qualified candidates of all backgrounds and nationalities; WFP celebrates diversity and equal opportunity.
- Ineligible if currently serving as a member of UN oversight bodies (ACABQ, ICSC, FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, JIU) or within three years of ceasing such service.
Required documents
- CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Cover Letter
- Note: Additional documents (passport, academic certificates, recommendation letters) may be requested later in the process.
When to apply
- Application deadline: September 8, 2026 at 23:59 GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome).
How to apply
- Create or log in to your account on the official WFP Workday recruitment portal.
- Ensure your Workday profile is complete and accurate across all sections, including employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable).
- Upload your required CV and Cover Letter.
- Submit your application online prior to the stated deadline. Applications sent via email, LinkedIn, or other channels are not accepted.
Additional information
- Contract Type: Regular Consultant (CST)
- Duration: 11 months
- Unit/Division: Private Sector Partnerships (PSP), Individual Fundraising Team
- Supervisor: Head of Insights and Strategic Enablement
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
- Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities can be requested via global.inclusion@wfp.org.
- The United Nations does not charge any application or recruitment fees at any stage.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Data scientists with 6+ years of experience in machine learning, AI, and predictive modeling.
- Professionals proficient in Python or R who are comfortable working in an agile, remote environment.
- Individuals interested in applying advanced analytics to global humanitarian fundraising.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is an 11-month consultancy contract, not a permanent staff position.
- The role is fully remote but requires alignment with the administrative duty station in Rome, Italy.
- Applicants must be prepared for rigorous reference and background checks.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy offers a unique chance to work with a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization on high-impact fundraising initiatives. It is ideal for a data scientist looking to apply modern AI workflows like LLMs and RAG to solve complex global challenges while working remotely.
Our take
Experienced data scientists looking for a high-impact, short-term remote project should apply; those seeking permanent, long-term employment or who are currently serving in specific UN oversight bodies are not eligible.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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