Predictive
Analytics
HDX is a core
service managed and supported by OCHA ...
Predictive
Analytics
HDX is a core
service managed and supported by OCHA through the Centre. Launched in July
2014, the goal of HDX is to make humanitarian data easy to find and use for
analysis. As of February 2018, over 350 organizations were sharing 6,500+
datasets covering every active crisis. As the reach and use of HDX expands, the
Centre is working to improve the range and depth of data services available to
the humanitarian community.
One area of
emerging interest is predictive analytics: asking “what will happen” in a
particular humanitarian context and using data science to arrive at an answer.
To explore the potential relevance of predictive analytics in the broader
humanitarian data ecosystem, the Centre requires a Predictive Analytics Consultant
with the technical skills and experience to identify and assess available
models for this work and generate recommendations for the Centre on whether
and, if so, how to further develop capacity in this area. While the scope of
inquiry into the potential applications of predictive analytics will be quite
broad and should cut across the different domains of humanitarian response.
We are looking for a candidate who is
self-motivated and can thrive in an international, multidisciplinary team. The
right candidate has the skills and abilities that together comprise various
levels of data science expertise: to develop analytical models designed to turn
data into action, be proficient with the methods of humanitarian data research,
and think strategically about how to use data to create value for humanitarian
emergency and crisis response.
Reporting
Relationships
The Predictive Analytics Consultant will report to the Coordinator for the Data
Fellows Programme.
under the overall direction of the Lead for the Centre for Humanitarian Data.
She or he will be expected to work closely with the rest of the Centre team.
Accountabilities
- Conduct desk and user research to
form a clear problem statement that will form the basis of a project about
humanitarian crises.
- Design and execute a project
related to predictive analytics based on the problem statement including the
development of at least one working prototype utilizing data available via HDX
to help translate insight into action for humanitarian responders.
- Design and deliver two sessions
(in person or online) for the Centre community on an aspect of predictive
analytics.
- Participate in a joint project
with other consultants that advances the goals of the Centre and supports the
work of humanitarian partners.
- Communicate publicly about the
project focus and key outcomes (in the form of a blog and potentially other
related channels).
- Produce a final report outlining
the key insights from the projects and, as relevant, providing recommendations
for further work in the area of focus.
- In liaison with relevant Centre
staff, support ongoing data activities to develop an understanding of HDX, HXL
and related processes and tools.
- Utilize available project
management and office communication tools to effectively track and deliver
expected outputs.
Deliverables
- A briefing note on the initial
desk and user research including a concrete problem statement outlining a
specific challenge related to humanitarian data and existing/available data
services.
- A 2-3 page briefing note on extant
models for predictive analytics and its potential relevance to preparedness and
humanitarian response.
- At least one working prototype of
a data service utilizing predictive analytics and data available via HDX to
generate actionable insight for humanitarian responders
- A 2-3 page briefing note on
outcomes of user feedback and testing exercises, yielding a SWOT analysis of
the prototype model(s) and recommendations for further development by the
Centre and its partners.
- Detailed technical documentation
(method, requirements, development roadmap) for the prototype model(s).
- At least one blog post on the
outcome of the project.
- A final report outlining the key
achievements of the project and, as relevant, providing recommendations for
further work in the area of focus.