Senior Food Security Specialist

Join AIR as a Senior Food Security Specialist to provide strategic leadership and high-level project management support to the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub, a critical component of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) project. FEWS NET is a leading provider of early warning and analysis on acute food insecurity, supporting evidence-based decision-making to mitigate humanitarian crises globally. In this role, the Senior Food Security Specialist will translate complex food security concepts into actionable insights and requirements, thereby enabling the team to develop innovative, impactful software solutions.  This position requires a seasoned professional with deep experience in managing large-scale, donor-funded projects, particularly in international development, data systems, or humanitarian response.   

This position has the flexibility to work remote from anywhere in the United States or from any of AIR's U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the effort in updating and expanding FEWS NET sub-national agricultural data, covering a wide range of countries and crops. 
• Expanding the geographic coverage of crop production statistics to achieve global scope, including data collection and processing for new countries. 
• Curate and manage sources of agricultural data, ensuring accuracy and completeness for various countries. 
• Develop and document sustainable methods and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for ongoing data management and updates. 
• Create guides and protocols for efficient data collection and processing, including techniques for extracting data from various formats and standardizing it for upload and analysis. 
• Continuously identify and assess potential data sources for crisis events, ensuring readiness for unforeseen situations. 
• Evaluate the quality of data sources, documenting the rationale for their selection or exclusion in crisis response scenarios. 
• Assist the team in developing, designing and refining analysis tools and visualizations to aid in quick comprehension and decision-making during crises. 
• Work closely with FEWS NET Hub and other partners/stakeholders to plan and inform data management activities of specific FEWS NET regions.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience: 

• A bachelor’s degree with at least 13 years of experience or a master's degree with at least 11 years of experience in a related field such as Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Data Science, or a related discipline. 
• A deep understanding of agricultural statistics including locating data sources, especially with regards to developing countries. 
• Strong familiarity with markets and trade data and how to utilize it for food security analysis. 
• Expertise in creating technical specifications for analysis or visualization tools. 
• Preferred Experience but Not Required: Experience working with USAID or other international development organizations. 
• A good understanding of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network. 

Skills: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a dispersed work environment. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with individuals from all levels. 

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

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