[Hiring] Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Strategy and Portfolio Project Manager @World Food Programme

Role Description

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Strategy and Portfolio Project Manager to drive the development and implementation of an AI/ML strategy at the WFP Innovation Accelerator. The incumbent will oversee project portfolio management, focusing on internal WFP processes and program delivery in emerging and developing countries.

• Develop an AI/ML strategy and set focus areas and priorities to explore where AI can impact humanitarian response and food systems transformation.
• Identify and drive the development of promising AI/ML-based solutions from idea to scaling through the core Accelerator program.
• Define key performance indicators and milestones for AI projects and overall portfolio, ensuring implementation, impact measurement, and reporting.
• Build collaborations around AI technology and work with AI Technical Solutions Consultants to develop, prototype, and iterate new AI/ML solutions quickly.
• Support Country Office AI/ML pilots related to emergency response, small-holder farmer support, supply chain management, and other areas.
• Provide Technical Advisory & Thought Leadership Services to WFP Country Offices on AI/ML initiatives and project advisory.
• Design and execute AI/ML knowledge sharing events for WFP staff and industry experts.
• Support overall Innovation Accelerator operations, including analysis and content preparation for corporate priority topics and management meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, marketing, analytics, or related quantitative discipline preferred; Master’s degree is a plus.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible international experience in technology strategy and portfolio management, product development, project, and partnership management.
• Technical understanding of AI/ML applications and methodologies including computer vision, natural-language processing, chatbots, neural networks, etc.
• Experience in innovation project life cycle from ideation to implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues for a non-technical audience.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to conduct independent research.
• Experience working cross-functionally and in an agile manner.
• Proven track record of driving and implementing projects effectively.
• Excellent communication/presentation skills, with the ability to write strategy documents and develop business plans.
• Collaborative spirit, able to partner with a wide range of people across different cultures.
• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required; intermediate knowledge of another official UN language is advantageous.

Requirements

• Experience in piloting and scaling AI/ML solutions in WFP presence countries desired.
• Able to generate new solutions to complex problems and design new product ideas.
• Strong conceptual thinking to develop new strategies and innovative projects.
• Able to interact with a broad range of stakeholders with maturity and tact.
• Sets a high level of ambition for the project and own work to achieve impact for the hungry people served.
• Fully committed and motivated to achieve the aims of the UN World Food Programme.

Benefits

• 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 various training and mentorship programs.
• Exciting opportunities to work across various country, regional, and global offices.
• Attractive compensation package.

Company Description

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 extreme weather shocks.