Climate Data Analyst

Develops and validates drought-prediction and impact-based forecasting methods for FAO’s anticipatory-action work in Sri Lanka. The analyst harmonises climate and drought datasets, evaluates statistical and AI models, produces one- to three-month forecasts, and translates outputs into web tools, automated updates and technical guidance for earlier action against agricultural and livelihood losses.

• Clean and harmonise rainfall, climate, vegetation, soil-moisture and drought datasets
• Conduct correlation, seasonality and predictor-importance analysis
• Develop and validate ARIMAX drought-forecast models
• Compare AI and machine-learning models for drought prediction
• Integrate model outputs into the web portal
• Automate monthly model updates
• Prepare methodology notes, validation reports and source-code documentation
• Develop user manuals, technical manuals and operational guidance

• University degree in Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Climate Science, Meteorology, Environmental Science or a related field
• At least four years of professional experience in statistical analysis, climate data analysis, drought modelling, predictive modelling or data science
• Working knowledge of English and Sinhala and/or Tamil
• Sri Lankan nationality or valid work permit

• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes
• Experience preparing reports and presenting information visually

• Climate Data Analysis
• Drought Modelling
• Predictive Modelling
• Data Cleaning
• Statistical Analysis
• Data Visualisation
• Machine Learning
• Forecast Validation
• Spatial Visualisation
• Anticipatory Action

• R
• Python
• SAS
• SQL
• ARIMAX
• SPI-3
• Random Forest
• Artificial Neural Network
• Microsoft Excel