Data Scientist

Job Summary

The Data Scientist will lead the development of appropriate data products for CRS’s program and sector teams, in line with industry best practices. They work as part of cross-functional data science team and will coordinate with data scientists, program and sector staff to identify opportunities to leverage data science within specific programmatic sectors, lead the search and identification of data sources, support the preparation of data, and develop and maintain relevant data products. They also provide technical assistance to project and sector teams in interpreting and using the results of the analyses. The Data Scientist’s expertise, leadership, and influence will be key in determining how effective, adaptive and innovative CRS’ data science practices are across the globe.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the identification of opportunities to apply data science to specific projects and sectors 
• Lead the search and identification of new data sources, the ingestion, preparation, and onboarding of data for operational and programmatic Use Cases
• Engaging with sector teams, review data collected and make decisions on how to transform data, what approaches to apply when analyzing data, and recommendations for data cleansing
• Lead the development of appropriate data products for CRS’s program and sector teams, following industry best practices and through engagement with sector teams
• Lead the maintenance and development of data products for operational and programmatic Use Cases, ensuring both data and models are functioning properly, and cataloged, accessible, and used appropriately
• Share data insights with to sector and project teams and provide technical assistance in interpreting and using results from data analyses.
• Contribute to the knowledge management and learning agenda in data science through helping implement conditions for collective learning that ensure the capturing, documenting, and sharing of key successes, promising practices, and lessons learned.

Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal – Colleagues within the Data Science Centre of Practice; Members of the ICT4D team; Regional, country, and project staff; data science colleagues; Senior Advisor for data science; Director and Deputy Director for MEAL; Global and Regional MEAL Technical Advisors
• External - peers in other NGOs, data science consultants

Basic Qualifications (BQs)

Education and Experience 

• Master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or data science
• Minimum five years of work experience as a data scientist or data analyst
• Demonstrable experience with linear algebra, probability theory, and statistical inference
• Demonstrable programming experience with Python or R
• Familiarity with databases and SQL 
• Familiarity with reporting software such as Power BI, Tableau, or others
• Demonstrable experience with machine learning algorithms and ability to solve complex data problems
• Experience with conducting geospatial data analyses and/or spatial analysis (preferred)

Required Languages - English, French and/or Spanish is a plus.

Travel- Must be willing and able to travel up to 35%. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Very strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment
• Very strong written and oral communication skills, particularly in terms of communicating complex technical approaches to no-technical audiences 
• Very strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications – (If applicable)

• Experience working in international development and humanitarian assistance, ideally with an international NGO
• Experience with matrixed reporting and working in fusion teams
• Understanding of technical principles and concepts in program  data methods and applications, such as research, monitoring and evaluation, or collection and analysis of data. Knowledge of sectors such as agriculture, health, education, humanitarian response, WASH, and microfinance. 
• Experience in the development of data products for project and sectoral teams 
• Demonstrated experience of knowledge transfer to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and informal methods.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. 
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

WHAT WE OFFER

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.