Senior Data Scientist

Position Summary

We’re seeking a passionate Senior Data Scientist to be a leader in data science and engineering on IPA’s global research and data science (GRDS) team. You lead meaningful impact on global development through innovative data science. In this role, you’ll collaborate with an international team to drive technical innovation and research methods at IPA. We value your unique perspective and creative problem-solving skills as you work on applied machine learning projects that leverage predictive modelling, natural language processing, and large language models. Your expertise in Python, SQL, and cloud computing will be instrumental in transforming complex data across diverse research projects to generate actionable insights. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment where you can grow, learn, and contribute to data and research projects that matter. We value unique perspectives and offer a supportive environment where team members can grow professionally while contributing to meaningful research and data science solutions.

Responsibilities

60%

• Lead data science and machine learning projects

• Develop and optimize scalable data infrastructure and analytics pipelines

• Drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including NLP and LLMs

• Develop original code for research and data software solutions

• Provide feedback to peers and mentor colleagues through code review and testing

• Mentor research and data science colleagues, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion

• Lead the development of training on data science software solutions, methods, and tools

• Contribute to GRDS research resources on project management

40%

• Collaborate with leadership and international partners on high-impact projects

• Managing complex data science projects, often with a high degree of ambiguity

• Manage Strategic partnership with IPA country offices, sector programs, policy teams, and Right-fit Evidence unit to plan, implement, and ensure timely completion of research and data science projects

• Provide direct technical assistance to IPA research Projects

• Deliver, weekly, monthly and quarterly updates to internal IPA stakeholders on project and product development for research and data science projects

• Represent the organization at conferences and in the broader data science community

Qualifications

Required

• 4+ years’ experience in a data science or data engineering setting

• 2+ years’ experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and analytics databases (Snowflake, Databricks, Redshift, Motherduck, Clickhouse)

• 2+ year(s) customer-facing, project-delivery experience, professional services, and/or consulting experience

• Proven leadership in developing Python data science projects and/or projects

• Proficiency in SQL for database querying and analytics

• Proven experience with version control systems like Git

• Familiarity with working with data APIs and integrating diverse data sources

• Ability to lead and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Data Science, or related discipline)

Preferred

• Technical knowledge of best practices for applied machine learning

• Background in applying NLP techniques and working with LLMs

• Strong understanding and ability to present data analysis through impactful data storytelling and visualization

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

• Experience with project management tools (e.g. Jira, Asana)

• Experience with data engineering tools for ELT (e.g. dlt, SQLMesh, dbt)

• Experience with additional data science and econometrics software such as R or Stata

• Familiarity with research quality standards and best practices in survey data collection and data management

• Experience working with international development organizations or research institutions

• Familiarity with ICT for development concepts and applications

• Ability to work in one (or more) of the following languages: Spanish, French, Swahili

Work Model

Hybrid remote + country office work environment;

International travel at least 1-2 times per year

Reports to

Sr. Director of Global Research and Data Science

Deadline to Apply

December 1st, 2024

Location

Kenya, Ghana, Colombia, Mexico, Nigeria

About IPA 

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide. 

Safeguarding at IPA

At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals,  particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards. By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.

IPA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) 

As an organization, IPA is dedicated to improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable populations through evidence and policy. We also recognize how important it is for our staff to reflect the diversity of the places where we work and the communities we work with. As such, IPA is committed to hiring from a diverse pool of candidates, from a range of backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. We know that this makes our work stronger and more responsive to the challenges faced by those we work with and for and we encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Click here to learn more about IPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Innovations for Poverty Action is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org or via phone at 1-202-386-6200. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the specified position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs@poverty-action.org. Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manager