Unveiling the Power of Data in Humanitarian work

‘Pathway to WFP’ is the LinkedIn career series by the World Food Programme investigating the professional backgrounds and life choices that led our staff to the world’s largest humanitarian agency. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive new episodes directly in your inbox!

Step into the realm of data-driven humanitarianism with Magan Naidoo , Chief Data Officer at the World Food Programme (WFP). In this interview, Magan shares his remarkable journey from the private sector to the forefront of data innovation in the UN system, offering profound insights into the transformative power of data in tackling global challenges.

Join us as we uncover Magan's pioneering efforts to harness the potential of data and emerging technologies to reshape the landscape of humanitarian aid. From overcoming challenges to fostering a culture of data literacy, Magan's experiences pave the way towards a more resilient and impactful future for WFP and the communities we serve.

Please introduce yourself - what is your role at WFP? Where do you work and where are you from?

Hello, my name is Magan Naidoo, and it's an honour to introduce myself as the World Food Programme's inaugural Chief Data Officer, and notably, the first in such a role within the wider United Nations system. Coming from Southern Africa, I feel a profound connection to the WFP's mission, knowing the unique challenges and opportunities in regions where our work is most vital.

My responsibility is to give direction to how WFP can best use data, and emerging technologies built on data such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to maximize limited resources and become more efficient and effective in our mission to end hunger.

My affinity and passion for technology and data has been a cornerstone of my career. Despite the novelty of the environment at WFP, the problems seem familiar, and there is a palpable enthusiasm and readiness within the organization to support data initiatives that can further our mission.

Tell us about your professional journey: how did you start your career? What is your academic and professional background?

Tracing my professional path, I've been driven by an innate curiosity about science and the vast potential of technology. My foundational years in computer science and physics led to an early career as a software developer during an era when bespoke solutions were the norm.

In recent years, my initial roles were concentrated in the IT sector, where I led and deployed large-scale projects, including extensive data migrations for multinational corporations in the banking, finance, and chemical industries. These projects were not only based in my home country, South Africa but were also spread across various parts of the globe including the USA, Singapore, Australia, and Germany.

My most recent roles have involved leadership positions, where I've provided guidance and direction for organizational data strategies. This included foundational work in building data systems from the ground up, with a new focus on enterprise-level data management. Previously, I worked with major cloud service providers like Amazon Web Services, where I led initiatives in emerging technology and data intelligence platforms.

How did you make the jump from private sector to the humanitarian sector and what skills supported this transition?

Technical skills are vital and transferable across both the private and public sectors. However, soft ?skills are crucial when making the transition. Understanding the dynamics of people within the often technical and abstract nature of our work is essential.

It's about being able to grasp the needs of those you interact with and effectively communicate complex technical concepts in a manner that's easily understood.

When moving into the humanitarian sector, it’s important to appreciate how to apply your knowledge and experience to achieve positive outcomes. The focus here is less on financial profit and more on contributing positively to the world.

What brought you to WFP? Please expand on how you joined the organization, and how your experience has been so far.

After many years in the private sector, I started to reflect on the direction of my career. I was drawn to the idea of utilizing my qualifications, skills, and experience to effect positive change in the world. My focus shifted away from mere profit margins towards a greater goal to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and leave behind a legacy of significance.

For me, the pursuit of meaningful work that truly makes a difference became paramount.

Can you tell us about WFP’s new and first-ever data strategy??

This is the time we need to do more, for more, with less! The data strategy serves as a catalyst for the World Food Programme, providing us with a direction for how we can use data to respond faster and more effectively in emergencies and build stronger, more resilient food systems for the longer term. Initiating action is critical, and with this strategy, we can progress methodically and with focus, allowing us to see improvements and successes at a more rapid pace.

With a clear strategy now in place, I envision a future where our data foundations are not just robust and scalable but also form the backbone of our work with Artificial Intelligence, advanced analytics, and other emerging technologies that may not even exist today, preparing us for the next five years and beyond.

Moreover, within the United Nations system, I see the World Food Programme as a potential frontrunner, setting the standard for other UN agencies and even industries beyond.

It's imperative that everyone embraces the data strategy. When asked about the size of my team, I like to say that it encompasses the entire organization. Data management should be an integral part of everyone's role, akin to how privacy and security are non-negotiable aspects of our work.

Making data a non-negotiable element of everyone's job is essential, as it has profound downstream effects on operational efficiency, cost savings, and the ease with which we can realize our goals.

Why is well-managed data so important for WFP’s operations??

Having well-managed data is critical for governance and privacy, especially when it involves sensitive information such as personal data of those we serve. It is imperative that we maintain the security and proper management of this data, ensuring its accuracy and completeness.

Understanding the profiles of those we assist enables us to deliver the desired outcomes and provide our partners, donors and the communities where we work with the assurance they seek — that their contributions are reaching the intended recipients.

A well-managed data system underpins these objectives and conveys to our supporters the confidence they need in our operations.

What is the most rewarding part of working at WFP?

One aspect I would emphasize is the extensive collaboration behind our data strategy — a defining moment came when I had the opportunity to present it to the decision-making body for the organization’s use of technology. The strong support and confidence in the strategy, its direction, and the vision I laid out were incredibly affirming.

I received positive feedback and heartfelt appreciation for my decision to join the organization. Apart from reflecting the appreciation of the role of data in enabling WFP to work more effectively, this also reflected the genuine support for the knowledge and expertise that I bring to the table. I felt humbled by it.

The critical takeaway is the need for collective understanding and participation; the data strategy serves as a tool to help us achieve our organizational goals, but it isn’t the sole solution — it requires the concerted effort of the entire organization to truly succeed.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your job and how did you overcome them?

I find the challenges in the realm of data to be particularly intriguing because, as I often mention to people, the core issues related to data management are universal across industries and organizations; however, the solutions are invariably unique.

With an organization as established as the World Food Programme, we frequently encounter legacy systems and longstanding practices that were once effective but may not align with today's more holistic, enterprise-focused approach. We're tasked with figuring out how to modernize these practices efficiently.

A significant challenge in this process is bringing people along on this journey, encouraging them to embrace new methodologies, and shifting their mindset away from legacy practices. This cultural shift has proven to be one of our greatest hurdles.

To address this, I've moved away from a defensive stance regarding these existing systems. Instead, I advocate for what I call a 'data offense' strategy—focusing on what we can accomplish moving forward. By taking proactive steps towards modernization, I've observed that many of the issues associated with legacy systems tend to resolve naturally over time.

Can you share 3 tips on how to pursue a similar career?

To build a career akin to mine, especially transitioning from the private sector to a humanitarian role with a technological focus, I suggest the following:

1. Firstly, allow yourself time to grow into such a role—it doesn't happen overnight. Build your skills, expertise, knowledge, and network steadily.?
2. Secondly, embrace continuous learning and growth within the IT and data sectors. Stay open to collaboration and knowledge sharing.
3. Thirdly, remember, perfection isn't the goal—start with what you know and expand from there. Achieving technical excellence and establishing a solid foundation is crucial, but equally important is bringing people along on this journey.

Not everyone will immediately see the value in what you're doing, so focus on building a supportive community around data literacy and transformation.

Lastly, in roles like this, it's important to have self-belief, surround yourself with capable individuals, and prioritize execution over mere planning. Focus on collaborators who share a vision for progress and avoid those who may hinder momentum.

Do you have anything to add??

My ultimate goal is to foster a culture where data is not just an abstract concept but a tangible asset that each member of the WFP values and understands.

I will continue to advocate for and work towards embedding data into the DNA of our organization, ensuring that it becomes a critical element in our mission to fight hunger worldwide.

Thank you Magan!

Let us know your thoughts and questions and share these career tips with the future humanitarians in your LinkedIn connections. Subscribe to our ‘Pathway to WFP’ newsletter to receive the next episode in your inbox!