Job purpose:
To provide a timely and reliable service to the IFRC network through the development and maintenance of quality information management and data collection, collation and analysis tools for disaster and crisis prevention, response and recovery. Specifically, the IM and Data Science Officer is accountable for the development and maintenance of system(s) to use Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing approaches to mine and analyse all types of data to support IFRC operational and strategic decision making at local (national), regional and global levels. The IM and Data Science Officer will mine relevant data from historical datasets, establish new Machine Learning frameworks, and support the analysis of trends and forecasting through the development of new risk models and other tools to inform operational planning and decision-making.
Job duties:
Data and Information Management Services
- Act as technical focal point to IM focal points in each of the five IFRC Regional Offices and support with data science requests as necessary
- Arrange IFRC data using multiple tools and build automation systems and frameworks
- Identify gaps in the use of data science technologies for the IFRC and undertake to address the gaps where necessary
- Extract data from the IFRC GO API and related IFRC data services to solve complex problems through creation of algorithms, indices and probabilistic models
Data and Information Management Capacity Improvement
- Facilitate training and dissemination on data science standards, procedures and tools to IFRC secretariat and National Societies with the view of enhancing data and information management capacities
- Oversee the development and delivery of data science training modules for stakeholders
Coordination and networking
- Build functional networks and coordinate with RC/RC movement partners, NGOs, UN and other organisations, to ensure the IFRC is kept informed and up to date on best practices and emerging trends related to data science and information management, including through relevant IASC working groups
- Work with IFRC colleagues to research and explore partnerships to expand IFRC access to relevant data sources – including historical statistical data, hazard trends and drivers of vulnerability, needs assessments, satellite imagery, remote sensing, media / social media
Technical lead for Data Science
- Support the revision, implementation and monitoring of a workplan to improve and streamline the application of data science frameworks, tools and technologies for the IFRC network
- Investigate and implement technological solutions to improve the collection, storage, and accessibility of data for the IFRC network
- Identify, analyse, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets
- Collaborate with RCRC partners on the harmonisation and alignment of data science frameworks, standards and approaches where appropriate
Education:
Required
- University degree in relevant area or equivalent experience required
- Technical training in information and data science
Experience:
Required
- At least 3 years’ experience in data analytics and statistical modelling
- Independent design and implementation of data science projects
Preferred
- Experience working within the RC/RC Movement
- Experience in strategy development, developing tools and guidance, providing technical assistance and in establishing and maintaining networks
Knowledge and skills:
Required
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods
- Experience in database interrogation and analysis tools, such as Hadoop and/or SQL
- Intermediate to advanced programming skills in Python (arcpy, gdal, geopandas, pandas, scikit-learn) and/or R
- Data schema modelling, database design and management expertise and writing SQL queries within RDBMS
- Strong data editing, analysis and processing skills
Preferred
- Probabilistic risk modelling or other relevant modeling approaches
- Exceptional communication skills, in order to explain your work to people who do not understand the mechanics behind data science
- Strong partnership building skills, demonstrated capacity to build functional networks
How to apply:
If you are interested, please apply on IFRC.org before Saturday 13th February midnight (Geneva time)