Data Science Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent research organization that works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature, and stabilize the climate. Established with a mission to influence policy and catalyze change across various systems, WRI operates in more than a dozen focus countries and collaborates with partners in over 50 nations. With a workforce of over 2,000 staff, WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity, ensuring that all qualified applicants receive equal consideration for employment regardless of their background. The organization emphasizes values such as Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership, and Care, fostering a culture that prioritizes diversity and inclusion in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Data Science Associate position at WRI involves managing and building the information system that supports the Green Legacy and Degraded Landscape Restoration Special Fund in Ethiopia. This hybrid role requires the candidate to be present in the office at least 8 days per month and to live within a reasonable commuting distance from the office. The associate will engage with various government partners and project sites across Ethiopia, contributing to the goals of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100). The role encompasses a blend of geospatial analysis, software problem-solving, and collaboration with government entities to prioritize restoration investments and ensure transparency and accountability in the restoration fund. The associate will report to both the Senior Technical Advisor & Ethiopia Lead and the Senior Manager of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification, working closely with experts across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Science Associate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including co-managing the information system for the Green Legacy and Degraded Landscape Restoration Special Fund, which involves investment prioritization, structured project-level data collection, and progress reporting. The associate will work with the product team to design system architecture and data workflows, ensuring that the system meets the needs of both national and sub-national stakeholders. They will build effective relationships with Ethiopian government counterparts, providing training and technical support to ministry staff. Additionally, the associate will oversee the quality of geospatial data, manage project and monitoring data across various platforms, conduct statistical and geospatial analyses, and produce maps and dashboards for reporting. They will also conduct research on geospatial data tools, develop training materials, and contribute to internal and external communications regarding the Green Legacy Initiative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography, forestry, environmental science, computer science, data science, or a related field. They should have at least 6 years of professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, and/or data science, including experience in designing and launching data analysis projects and developing data pipelines for complex geospatial datasets. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and experience with GIS software like ArcGIS Pro or QGIS are essential. Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and project management tools is also required. Experience working with international and national NGOs in relevant fields is preferred, along with the ability to travel within Ethiopia for project engagement.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography, forestry, environmental science, computer science, data science, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the technical and analytical tasks involved in the role, particularly in geospatial analysis and data management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, and/or data science. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with non-specialists to utilize geospatial or data tools effectively. Experience in designing and launching data analysis projects, as well as developing data pipelines for large and complex datasets, is crucial. Additionally, candidates should have experience in scoping the development of online systems for geospatial data collection and monitoring.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Amharic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional Ethiopian languages is considered desirable, enhancing communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence at least 8 days per month. The role involves periodic travel within Ethiopia, approximately 15% of the time, to engage with government partners and visit project sites. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a workplace that emphasizes diversity and inclusion, along with generous leave days that increase with tenure. The organization is committed to a hybrid working model with flexible working hours, providing opportunities for professional development and engagement in various working groups.