Senior Data Scientist

Responsibilities

Data Modeling and Advanced Analytics:

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical and machine learning models to forecast labor market trends and identify key employment opportunities.
• Integrate diverse datasets, including demographic, economic, and labor market data, to produce granular insights at national and subnational levels.
• Evaluate and refine existing forecasting methodologies to ensure accuracy, scalability, and relevance.

Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance:

• Lead and guide the team in data preprocessing, validation, and analysis to ensure high-quality outputs.
• Review and enhance code quality and analytical rigor, ensuring adherence to best practices in collaborative coding (e.g., GitHub).
• Establish and maintain robust data pipelines and workflows.

Visualization and Reporting:

• Create compelling data visualizations, dashboards, and presentations tailored to diverse audiences, including policymakers, private sector leaders, and NGOs.
• Lead the production of blogs, reports, and other publications showcasing project findings and insights.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Capacity Building:

• Engage with partners and stakeholders to align project deliverables with strategic goals and local needs.
• Mentor junior data scientists, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Represent WDL at high-profile conferences, webinars, and workshops, showcasing thought leadership in data science and labor market insights.

Skillset

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or a related field.
• Fluency in French to support collaborations in West Africa is necessary.
• Fluent in English as company communication language.
• Proven track record of delivering complex data-driven projects and actionable insights.
• Knowledge of African labor markets, policies, and socio-economic dynamics.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for advanced data modeling, analysis, and visualization.
• Expertise in statistical and machine learning methodologies, including forecasting models, clustering, and regression analysis.
• Experience with data visualization tools and advanced proficiency in MS Excel.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex data insights into actionable strategies for diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive mindset and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.