Senior Data Scientist at The Career Network

About the job

• Over the last few years, this organisation started with structural changes in client management tools and the introduction of digital health systems and overhauled its entire routine strategic information system that drives programme performance management.
• The purpose of this position is to support this Strategic Information function, through managing data and facilitating data access across multiple data sources and platforms; and through conducting data analytics and modelling as well as reporting & data utilisation, for improved programme management and optimal client outcomes.

Key Performance Areas:

Programme Performance Analytics: 

• Lead the conceptualisation of an integrated data driven approach for Programme Performance Management and Programme Innovation / Expansion (Programme Analytics)
• Construct relevant database(s) from multiple internal and external sources, including undertaking pre-processing of structured and unstructured data.
• Collaborate with Senior Technical Advisors and programme development / in-country programme management teams to improve programme delivery for optimal client outcomes and impact.

Develop and perform bespoke data mining, wrangling & exploration: 

• Lead the development of predictive models and machine-learning algorithms; combine models through ensemble modelling.
• Co-Lead routine updating & automation, including monthly reporting
• Use critical data analytics and investigative skills, as well as an ability to communicate findings, to mine vast amounts of data for insightful programme performance management insights, identification of programmatic innovation and new implementation opportunities.

Lead Data Demand & Utilization automation including data visualizations & feedback automation: 

• Provide/communicate the evidence base and illustrate data driven solutions and strategies to manage programme enhancement challenges, using advanced data visualization techniques.
• Provide/communicate the evidence base for new programme development opportunities (including geographic expansion opportunities and gap analyses) using advanced data visualization techniques.
• Present (and automate appropriately) routine and ad hoc programme performance monitoring information and operations research outputs (RSI outputs) using advanced data visualization techniques, tailored for multiple internal and external stakeholder groups.

Support DPTS team in operations & evaluations research for informed decision-making: 

• In collaboration with the Evaluation and Operations Research Specialist and Strategic Information Lead, lead the analysis of large amounts of information to discover trends and patterns; sift and analyse data from multiple angles, looking for trends that highlight programmatic realities, problems or opportunities.
• Automate data access processes for internal Operations Research, Evaluation and Routine SI Reporting purposes.
• Analyse data to evaluate programme impact over time in terms of changes in attitudes, perceptions, behaviours and health outcomes.
• Liaise with relevant internal stakeholders in support of optimal communication and utilisation of Programme Analytics outputs to strengthen the organisational profile and competitiveness.

Administration and data quality assurance: 

• Keep a re-usable and clearly documented process for all data analytics and software used for decision-making.
• Ensure all data element code is aligned with guidelines and data quality metrics are improved to better outputs.
• Support maintenance of data products and present ad-hoc findings to the department

REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and Experience:

• A Degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Health Science or other quantitative field is preferred.
• Minimum of 6-8 years experience as a Data Specialist / Data Analyst / Data Scientist / Research Analyst applied in a quantitative field of analysis.
• Experience in working in a Health and Development context, in resource constrained settings – with special reference to HIV/AIDS
• Proven experience in data analysis, database querying, data mining, data analytics, reporting and effectively communicating data to stakeholders.
• Proven experience of routine Strategic Information and Operations Research (including Evaluation Research)
• Understanding of / experience with data visualisations & artificial intelligence is a strong recommendation.
• Experience in using STATA or a similar statistical tool is a must.
• Experience using business intelligence tools (e.g. Tableau) and data frameworks (e.g. Hadoop, Azure) is a strong recommendation.
• Experience in using R, SQL and Python, Cloud Technology; familiarity with Scala, Visual Studio, Java or C++ is an asset.
• Strong experience in time management
• Strong experience in analysing and managing risk
• Strong communication skills and ability to negotiate and resolve conflict

Competencies:

• Highly analytical with an aptitude for data analysis, mathematics and statistics.
• Innovative, critical thinking.
• Data utilisation, storytelling and visualisation.
• Problem-solving / investigative skills.
• Passion for predicting trends and identifying patterns.
• Passion for research and machine learning.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• The ability to work in a team as required.
• Excellent presentation/data visualisation skills.