Research and Data Analysis Consultant

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

24 June 2026-23:59-GMT+07:00 Indochina Time (Phnom Penh)

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 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).

This vacancy announcement is for non-Cambodian Nationals Only.

JOB TITLE: Research and Data Analysis Consultant

TYPE OF CONTRACT: International Consultant (CST level 1)

UNIT/DIVISION: RAM (Research, Assessment and M&E)

DUTY STATION: WFP Country Office, Cambodia

DURATION: 11 months

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

Cambodia has achieved significant success in poverty reduction and human development. However, a substantial share of the population remains vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition and shocks. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the global food and fuel crisis and recent climate shocks have worsened an already precarious situation for many people, particularly marginalized groups. Human capital development, access to healthy diets and an end to malnutrition are ambitions on the national agenda that have yet to be fully achieved, impairing people’s ability to engage actively as productive members of society.

To that end, WFP launched its Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2024-2028 with an integrated approach across the mutually reinforcing national systems of social protection, food systems and disaster management, promoting healthy diets through nutrition-sensitive approaches in tandem with other investments, including in climate adaptation, that will reinforce food and nutrition security. This CSP supports government priorities and the priorities and guiding principles of the United Nations. Its formulation has been informed by evaluations, assessments and consultations aimed at ensuring that WFP focuses on areas in which it has a comparative advantage as part of concerted efforts.

In this context, high-quality research, data analysis, and evidence synthesis are critical to inform WFP’s strategic positioning, support government-led policy processes, and ensure programmes remain adaptive, cost-effective, and impactful. Strengthening analytical leadership is therefore a priority for the Country Office, especially as it transitions from direct operations to a technical advisory role.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

This position will support the Cambodia Country Office’s research, data analysis, and evidence agenda, ensuring the generation, synthesis, and use of high-quality analytical outputs to inform strategic decision-making, programme design, policy engagement, and capacity strengthening.

The assignment will contribute to the implementation of an evidence agenda aligned with WFP corporate and international standards, while placing stronger emphasis on research design, analytical rigor, learning, and evidence uptake. The consultant will also support government counterparts through technical assistance, joint analytical work, and capacity development in line with the CSP 2024–2028 objectives.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The consultant reports to the Head of Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) and provides technical support on evidence generation, analytical quality, and evidence use across the Cambodia Country Office.

1. Evidence Generation & Research

• Technical lead in the update and implementation of the Country Office’s evidence and research agenda, aligned with the CSP 2024–2028, government priorities, and corporate learning needs.
• Identify priority evidence gaps and translate strategic and operational questions into high-quality analytical work, including primary research, secondary data analysis, thematic studies, and evidence syntheses.
• Lead the production of analytical outputs such as research reports, policy briefs, analytical notes, and dashboards to inform programme design, implementation, and policy dialogue.
• Lead research activities adhere to ethical standards, data protection principles, and good practice in humanitarian and development research.

2. Data Analysis & Quality Assurance

• Provide technical support and oversight to quantitative and qualitative data analysis to ensure analytical rigor, methodological soundness, and consistency across evidence products.
• Conduct in-house quantitative and advanced data analytics, to meet programme and policy needs.
• Review and validate evidence products produced by internal teams, consultants, or partners to ensure accuracy, coherence, and fitness for decision-making.
• Promote the use of standardized analytical approaches, clear documentation, and reproducible methods to strengthen institutional knowledge.

3. Evidence Use, Learning & Knowledge Translation

• Act as the technical lead in the systematic use of evidence in strategic planning, programme adaptation, resource mobilization, and partnership engagement.
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights tailored to diverse audiences, including WFP senior management, government counterparts, donors, and programme teams.
• Support facilitating internal learning processes, including evidence discussions, learning events, and strategic reflections, to promote adaptive management and continuous improvement.
• Support the integration of evidence into corporate reporting, strategic reviews, and external communications, ensuring analytical coherence and credibility.

4. Capacity Strengthening & Technical Support

• Lead in national counterparts’ strengthening institutional capacities for evidence generation and use, including through joint analytical work and tools development.
• Lead and/or support capacity strengthening initiatives for WFP staff and government counterparts on research design, data analysis, evidence interpretation, and evidence-informed decision-making.
• Provide hands-on technical coaching, mentoring, and guidance to staff and partners involved in research and analytical work.
• Contribute to the development of practical guidance, tools, and standard operating procedures related to research and data analysis.

5. Coordination & Partnerships

• Lead coordination of analytical and research efforts across units to ensure coherence, avoid duplication, and maximize the strategic value of evidence.
• Support resource mobilization efforts of the country office, especially in identifying evidence gaps and strategic planning on evidence-based advocacy and programming.
• Engage with government institutions, UN agencies, research organizations, and other partners to promote collaborative research and harmonized evidence approaches.
• Any other tasks required in the scope of ToRs.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in economics, statistics, data science, development studies, public policy, social sciences, or a related analytical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in evidence generation, research, data analysis, or analytical advisory roles in humanitarian, development, or public sector contexts.
• Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, ensuring methodological rigor, data integrity, and analytical coherence.
• Demonstrated experience leading analytical and research work, including study design, analytical frameworks, and oversight of evidence products informing strategy, policy, or programme decisions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present analytical findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in Southeast Asia and/or familiarity with the Cambodia policy and institutional context is a strong asset.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in economics, statistics, data science, development studies, public policy, social sciences, or a related analytical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in evidence generation, research, data analysis, or analytical advisory roles in humanitarian, development, or public sector contexts.
• Strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, ensuring methodological rigor, data integrity, and analytical coherence.
• Demonstrated experience leading analytical and research work, including study design, analytical frameworks, and oversight of evidence products informing strategy, policy, or programme decisions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present analytical findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in Southeast Asia and/or familiarity with the Cambodia policy and institutional context is a strong asset.
• DATA ANALYTICS: Proficiency in data analysis and visualization software (e.g. R, Stata, Python, Power BI, or equivalent)

LANGUAGE: Fluency (level C) in English language.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

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: global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

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.
• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. 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.