The Opportunity
Waliku is a Save the Children technology team that provides bespoke solutions for digital data capture and analytics on learner education and well-being. Since inception in 2016, Waliku has grown from a proof-of-concept study and pilot to supporting Save the Children projects in multiple sites globally. At Waliku we provide technology for development (T4D) solutions, which include a suite of digital tools, analytics, an accompanying implementation toolkit and value-added services. In doing so, we expect projects and particularly educators, be it in formal or non-formal schooling, can recognize and address gaps in learner attendance, education progression, health and well-being in a timely manner.
End users of our tools include project office staff, frontline workers, or counterparts in the community- district education officers, school supervisors, school principals / administrators, teachers, community educators, parents and caregivers. In connecting various stakeholders digitally, we also facilitate communication and coordination between them to meet children’s right to education, well-being and achieving their fullest potential.
Key Responsibilities
The Waliku team is seeking a Data Scientist to assist with predictive analytics, machine learning (ML) and possible use cases of artificial intelligence (AI).
- The exploration and application of predictive models to Waliku project data
- Identification of suitable platforms for predictive modelling (e.g. SPSS, Excel, AI platforms) that can be integrated with Waliku products.
- Testing of previous predictive modelling approaches.
- Recommendations for deployment of findings (e.g., Jupyter Notebooks, Power BI Dashboards)
- The exploration and application of ML/AI technologies to Waliku project data.
- Explore which ML/AI approaches can best be applied to Waliku data (e.g., random forests, support vector machines, neural networks).
- Summarize and communicate the results of this analysis in written reports, as well as dashboards.
- Assist the team with data modelling, data cleaning and data retrieval
- Data modelling includes star/snowflake schemas, as well as possible use of noSQL databases.
- Data retrieval includes API queries, MS Connectors and SQL queries.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Requirements
- Intermediate experience with SQL queries and basic experience with a relational database management software – such as Microsoft SQL Server or PostgreSQL
- Basic to intermediate project management experience – including diagramming tools such as MS Visio or Mural
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Experience with Python, Pandas, Git, Excel and Google Analytics.
- Experience working with large datasets (including trouble shooting approaches).
- Strong knowledge of ML/AI technologies, predictive modelling and data transformation/cleaning procedures.
- Statistical analysis experience – including linear and logistical regression
- Strong understanding and skills in ethics, data confidentiality, database management and data security.
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Strong task management, communication and organizational skills
- Experience in data science projects, with roles in qualitative and quantitative research and data analytics.
Additional Assets
- Experience researching and developing MEAL indicator frameworks
- Intermediate experience with dimensional data models and basic experience with relational data models
- Contributions to reports and articles
- Data visualization knowledge and skills using software such as Power BI or Tableau
- Experience with Power BI Desktop – including DAX expressions, Power Query and data visualizations (experience with M Formula language also preferred).
- Basic to intermediate experience with web-based Power BI tools – including Dataflows, Datamart, Datasets, Row-level Security and Embedded Reports
- Advanced skills in use of multiple software related to data collection, cleaning and analyses, both for quantitative and qualitative studies
- Knowledge of cloud computing using platforms such as Azure and its analytic capabilities with machine learning/ AI
- Knowledge and/or experience using various digital systems that use old, current or new technology for education and health
Behavioural Competencies:
- A commitment to high quality of work and efficiency.
- Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches.
- Low resistance to change.
- Problem-solving ability
- Concern for detail.
- Interest and passion to develop knowledge and skills in the area of child rights
The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.
We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
- All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
- Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information
Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers
Closing Date for Application: 6 December 2023
We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.