Aaron Wise

Food Security & Data Specialist

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.

aaron@a3di.dev LinkedIn GitHub a3di.dev
Download Full CV (PDF)
Aaron Wise

What I Do

Food Security Analysis

IPC classification, mVAM monitoring, beneficiary targeting, emergency assessments, and joint agency food security surveys.

Data Pipelines

Python, SQL, PostgreSQL, automated ETL workflows, REST APIs, and reproducible analytical pipelines for large-scale monitoring data.

Survey Design

ODK, KoboToolbox, mobile and phone-based data collection (mVAM), household surveys, and multi-stakeholder assessment coordination.

Visualisation & Reporting

Tableau, Power BI, automated bulletin generation, infographics, and data-driven reporting for decision-makers.

Training & Capacity Building

M&E team development, enumerator training, government capacity strengthening, and knowledge transfer across country offices.

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 optimizing 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 optimized 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 operationalization 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, and 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 utilization 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

For the complete list of individual engagements, download the full CV (PDF).

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 services in survey design, data pipelines, dashboards, and training for development and humanitarian organisations.

Visit a3di.dev