Senior Data Analyst - Nairobi

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in WRI Kenya or WRI Rwanda. · About The Program · The Food Program at WRI Africa aims to accelerate food systems transformation in Africa to address food and nutritional insec ...

Job description

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in WRI Kenya or WRI Rwanda.

About The Program

The Food Program at WRI Africa aims to accelerate food systems transformation in Africa to address food and nutritional insecurity for a rapidly growing population, while achieving institution's goals for people, nature, and climate.

The program prioritizes three key areas:
(i) promoting sustainable, nature-positive agriculture practices, including agroecology and regenerative farming to improve soil health and sustainably increase yields for smallholder farmers; (ii) reducing food loss and waste, and (iii) shifting diets toward diverse, nutrient-dense foods to address malnutrition and health issues especially for women and children. The program embraces circularity for food to address the interconnected goals of improving human well-being, protecting nature, and combating climate change.

Job highlights

As a Senior Analyst, you will support WRI's Food Program's by leading data collection, data management and analysis for crop mapping, yield monitoring and productivity trends.

You will gather geo-located field data on crop-types, yields and uses in priority landscapes and work with remote sensing partners to produce time series maps.

You will also manage spatial datasets (e.g., soil, rainfall, temperature, farmer practices, social economic contexts etc) and conduct analyses on.

crop distribution patterns, changes in land management practices and yield dynamics.

The role will serve in key data management workstreams across WRI Africa's Food, Land and Water program and connect with the Land & Carbon Lab for global crop monitoring.

You will also help build a research consortium on crop-type mapping and yield monitoring. The position reports to the Regional Lead for Sustainable Improvement of Food Productivity.

Research and Analysis (70%)

Adapt and implement work plans for collecting crop-type mapping, yield and use data aligned with the WRI Africa Food Strategy.

Develop and lead work plans for gathering related datasets (e.g climate, soil, precipitation, temperature, etc.

Support field data collection, including geolocation of crop-types and yields, and conduct rapid rural appraisals Source relevant data from national research institutions, ministries and other government offices, research partners, and NGOs; organize technical exchanges for mutual benefit.

Lead in cleaning and entering data into GIS databases for analysis across WRI's Food, Land and Water program.
Lead development of dashboards, visualization tools, and intelligent analysis systems to accelerate insights.
Conduct data analysis using GIS, machine learning and other quantitative methods to address research questions, synthesize findings on crop-type mapping, remote sensing, yield modelling, data modelling and best-best practices for sustainable yields improvement; translate results into actionable guidance
Support production of written and visual content for research reports, internal briefs, blogs, presentations, press releases and other communication processes
Assist in editing, peer review, and publication processes
Contribute to implementing WRI Africa's Food Strategy, focussing on sustainable yields, nature and climate.


Program Development and Administration (20%):
Convene and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to strengthen partnerships across policy, research and local implementation

Work closely with Food, Land and Water teams and Land & Carbon lab to develop technical components and deliver quality outputs.

Support development of workplans, systems and procedures to ensure timely execution of activities.

Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with a diverse network of relevant public and private sector actors to advance food systems transformation.

Support implementation of WRI Africa Food Strategy by providing technical leadership training, and project delivery in the priority landscapes.


Fundraising and Engagement (10%):
Contribute to the development of data and research components in fundraising proposals under the Food, Land and Water program.
Draft concept notes, funding proposals, and donor reports, clearly articulating program impact pathways.
Engage potential donors and partners in forums to create opportunities for collaboration.

What Will You Need

Education:
A master's degree in Geographic Information Sciences, Geo-Statistics, Remote-Sensing, Geography, or related area required

Experience:
Minimum of 7+ years of relevant full-time work experience, with the following expertise and skills.

Strong knowledge of food systems transformation in Africa.
Advanced remote sensing, image interpretation, and earth observation, spatial statistics and sampling design,
Excellent quantitative research and writing and data visualization skills
Has proficiency in Microsoft 365, Power BI and collaboration tools (e.g. MIRO and IDEO).
Proficient in GIS software, Machine Learning, and timeseries data analysis.
Strong coding skills in Google Earth Engine, Python, and command-line a plus.
Collaborative problem solver, team-oriented, highly organised, detail focussed, strong interpersonal skills and able to deliver under pressure
Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
Ability to work in Africa field settings and travel internationally with skills in engaging farmers, officials and researchers.
Has additional knowledge on international climate policy, and sustainability challenges related to land and resource management.

Languages:
Verbal and written proficiency in English required; working knowledge of French desirable.

How To Apply

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 27 February 2026. You must apply through the Workday to be considered. We may close applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

What We Offer

Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

If based in the US:
Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution.

About Us

World Resources Institute works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate.

As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities.

Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Our Mission And Values

WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our Culture

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our People team carefully reviews all applications.