Overview

Consultant role focused on data science techniques, particularly in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), for agricultural and food security statistics.

Tasks Summary

• Contribute to methodological development in statistics and data science methods, including AI and NLP techniques.
• Design and implement advanced methods, data collection processes, and analytical frameworks using R, Python, SQL, and NoSQL databases.
• Drive analysis, validation, and dissemination of complex datasets using traditional or AI/ML methods.
• Utilize text mining and/or LLMs to extract insights from unstructured data.
• Translate analytical and policy-relevant questions into statistical and data science approaches.
• Critically assess analytical results and model outputs.
• Prepare clear analytical narratives for non-technical audiences.
• Assess model performance, robustness, and risks.
• Ensure reproducibility, documentation, and quality control of analytical workflows.
• Collaborate with subject-matter experts.
• Engage in statistical capacity development and training.

Experience Requirements

• At least 1 year of relevant experience in data science, machine learning, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
• Demonstrated proficiency and extensive experience in performing the above-mentioned tasks and responsibilities in relevant statistical or data science fields.
• Experience in data exploration, preprocessing, and transformation techniques for diverse data types.
• Experienced in a variety of machine learning classification models and clustering algorithms.
• Strong foundation in deploying, fine-tuning, and customizing Large Language Models (LLM) for NLP tasks.
• Proficient in Python (with extensive use of libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow) and R for data manipulation, model development, and deployment.
• Skilled in data collection methods, including web scraping, API integration, and working with distributed data processing tools like Spark, Hadoop, and Dask.
• Knowledgeable in SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Experienced in creating and optimizing ETL pipelines and understanding big data principles.
• Skilled in cloud computing platforms like GCP (preferably), AWS, or Azure.
• Previous working experience with FAO and its partners in the above-mentioned domains and tasks would be an asset.
• Experience in the provision of technical assistance to countries and/or professional experience in national statistical services.

Qualification Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in data science, statistics, economics, computer science or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization.
• Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.

Other Details

Languages Required: • Working knowledge of English (level C).

Languages Preferred: • Knowledge of a second FAO language will be considered an asset.

Contract Duration: 11 months (with possibility of extension)

Work Modality:

Remuneration: