Aaron Wise
International development data specialist with 15+ years of experience leading food security analysis, survey design, and data pipeline development for WFP, UNICEF, and NGOs across more than a dozen countries in Asia and Africa. Currently deepening software engineering skills through a Computer Science degree at Oregon State University. Available for consulting engagements through A3DI.
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What I Do
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Food Security Analysis
IPC classification, mVAM monitoring, beneficiary targeting, emergency assessments, and joint agency food security surveys.
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Data Pipelines
Python, SQL, PostgreSQL, automated ETL workflows, REST APIs, and reproducible analytical pipelines for large-scale monitoring data.
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Survey Design
ODK, KoboToolbox, mobile and phone-based data collection (mVAM), household surveys, and multi-stakeholder assessment coordination.
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Visualisation & Reporting
Tableau, Power BI, automated bulletin generation, infographics, and data-driven reporting for decision-makers.
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Training & Capacity Building
M&E team development, enumerator training, government capacity strengthening, and knowledge transfer across country offices.
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Software Engineering
Python, R, Flask, Git, HTML/CSS, Bash, and web application development for data-driven tools and dashboards.
Experience
Food Security Analyst (Consultant)
World Food Programme (WFP)
May 2022 – Dec 2025 · Remote · Multiple Offices
- Led data quality assurance, cleaning, and analysis for multiple rounds of the joint FAO-WFP Food Security and Livelihoods Assessment in Myanmar, feeding into IPC classification and inter-agency reporting.
- Led analyses of WFP Afghanistan beneficiary data to develop data-driven recommendations for optimising food assistance targeting strategies.
- Led analysis of a joint WFP-Ministry of Agriculture national food security survey in Timor-Leste, providing strategic recommendations for mitigating food insecurity impacts of price inflation and drought.
- Updated and optimised the Python backend for WFP Pacific’s food security data pipeline, ensuring seamless operations for regional government partners.
- Supported WFP offices across Asia Pacific in the design and operationalisation of remote phone-based food security monitoring systems (mVAM).
Countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Lao PDR, Philippines, Pacific Islands
Regional Food Security Analyst
World Food Programme (WFP)
Aug 2014 – Dec 2020 · Bangkok, Maputo, Rome & other duty stations
- Led the strategic design of a $1.2M DFID-funded project in Bangladesh to strengthen government capacity for generating and utilising data on social safety net programmes.
- Coordinated food security analysis for the Rohingya refugee emergency in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, ensuring effective targeting during the initial influx in 2017.
- Established a remote food security and nutrition monitoring system (mVAM) in Mozambique for areas affected by chronic food insecurity and natural disasters.
- Conceptualised and developed an automated solution to generate monthly mVAM bulletins for Yemen and Syria, including data extraction, storage, analysis, and visualisation.
- Provided technical assistance to COVID-19 remote food security assessments across the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Myanmar.
Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan, Fiji, Mozambique, South Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Philippines
Data Analyst (Consultant)
FHI 360 / Alive & Thrive Initiative
Apr 2022 – Dec 2022 · Remote · Viet Nam
- Analysed disparities in Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) outcomes across Cambodia, Viet Nam, and Lao PDR using MICS and DHS datasets (2000–2021).
- Generated equity-focused recommendations to improve access and utilisation of services for vulnerable populations.
Countries: Cambodia, Viet Nam, Lao PDR
Nutrition Information Specialist
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Jun 2007 – Jul 2014 · Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Liberia, Thailand
- Provided technical and strategic guidance to UNICEF’s emergency-prone offices on developing nutrition information systems and led emergency nutrition surge support in Tacloban City during the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.
- Developed and implemented a therapeutic feeding programme (TFP) monitoring system in Ethiopia in collaboration with Regional Health Bureaus and NGOs.
- Coordinated the Liberia National Micronutrient Survey and analysed blood serum data to produce prevalence estimates of iron and vitamin A deficiencies in children.
- Supported UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Monitoring Survey in Zimbabwe and analysed micronutrient survey data to guide national nutrition policy.
Countries: Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Philippines, Liberia
Various Consultancies
Iodine Global Network (IGN), Concern Worldwide
2010 · 2020
- Analysed the Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey using Python to calculate micronutrient consumption by demographic characteristics, informing national fortification strategies (IGN).
- Coordinated two nutrition surveys in South Sudan, the results of which authorised emergency programme activities (Concern Worldwide).
Countries: Namibia, South Sudan
Education
BS Computer Science In Progress
Oregon State University
2023–Present
MPH — International Health & Development
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Concentration: Nutrition in Developing Countries
2006–2007
BA — Chemistry (Biochemistry)
Washington University in St. Louis
2001–2005
Publications
Prak, S., Dahl, M.I., Oeurn, S., Conkle, J., Wise, A., & Laillou, A. "Breastfeeding Trends in Cambodia, and the Increased Use of Breast-Milk Substitute—Why Is It a Danger?" Nutrients 6 (2014): 2920–2930. doi:10.3390/nu6072920
Sandalinas, F., Wise, A., Baawo, K., Faigao, K., Johnston, R., Thurnham, D., & Kupka, R. "Adjustment of indicators of iron and vitamin A status in a nationally representative sample of Liberian children." Hidden Hunger Conference 2013, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
Looking for data support for your programme?
Through A3DI, I offer consulting in survey design, data pipelines, dashboards, and training for development and humanitarian organisations.