Data-Pop Alliance is looking for a part time or full-time (min. 60%) National Project Coordinator & Data Scientist consultant based in Amman, Jordan to collaborate on a joint project with UN-ESCWA. 

We are an international nonprofit created in 2013 out of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI), the MIT Media Lab and ODI. We bring together researchers, experts, practitioners, and activists to change the world with data through three pillars of work: diagnosing local realities and human problems with data and AI; mobilizing capacities, communities, and ideas towards more data literate societies, and transforming the systems and processes that underpin our societies and countries. 

Context and background

Data-Pop Alliance and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (hereinafter referred to as “DPA” and “UN-ESCWA”) are co-developing a pilot research project to develop analytical approaches and policy systems utilizing new data sources to respond to future challenges such as COVID-19 in a more agile and targeted manner. Within the framework of the project, the analysis and compiling of multiple data sources- including data collected by the Lebanese Central Administration of Statistics (CAS), Jordan Department of Statistics (DOS), UNHCR, other UN agencies,  telecom operators and other service providers will be undertaken to shed light on the COVID-19 crisis management and response.

This project takes place against the backdrop of COVID-19 crisis that struck the world amidst an economic and political crisis taking place in Lebanon and Jordan. It also comes in the context of the ‘Data Revolution’ of the past decade, which has created expectations that new data sources and analytical techniques may yield useful insights to address complex human challenges—including those related to conflict and displacement.

Grounded in the Lebanese and Jordanian context, the project is expected to show how these types of approaches may help national, international and local organizations to develop, implement and monitor policies and responses in a more agile and targeted manner to meet the needs of the population. 

In this context, DPA is looking for a Jordan-based National Project Coordinator with Data Science background as a Consultant to join the project over the period of August 2020-December 2020, full or part-time (60% minimum). 

Scope of work

Working with DPA’s Project Lead and Senior Data Scientist, the Consultant for this project with UNESCWA and UNHCR on “Leveraging new data and analytical approaches to implement and monitor policy responses and impacts” is expected to fulfill the following duties: 

Skills/Qualifications

The applicant for the Project Coordinator and Data Scientist Consultant position has to meet the following requirements:

• Masters degree in statistics, applied mathematics, physics, computational finance, economics, computer science, engineering or other related technical disciplines. 
• A first degree and 3+ years relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• At least three years of experience in analysis and data visualization.
• Familiarity working with quantitative and qualitative data.
• Experience with scripting, coding, and web design required for data access, analysis, and presentation.
• Familiarity and experience working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) or other cloud services to safeguard the information collected from data sources. 
• Experience working with Big Data and AI (Machine Learning and Deep Learning, including Convolutional Neural Networks, Short and Long Term Memory algorithms).
• Experience analyzing Call Detail Records and/or Satellite Imagery is desired.
• Work in Python, R and any other programming language suggested by Data-Pop Alliance and UN-ESCWA.
• Be familiarized with Auth0 and 0Auth 2.0, and other data security measures. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to provide advice in a language that is appropriate and respectful to policymakers and the public in general.
• Demonstrated experience presenting work to both technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail. 
• Excellent cultural understanding of Lebanon and Jordan. 
• Experience working in the fields of global development or crisis management.
• Fluency in English and Arabic; French is an asset.
• Academic background in public policy and sustainable development is appreciated. 

Payment

Competitive compensation based on experience.

Duration, Workload & Location

The work shall be carried out from August 20th, 2020 to December 30th, 2020, and the selected candidate shall be based in Amman, Jordan. Most of the work will be performed remotely liaising with an international team and occasional meetings and workshops with the project stakeholders (UN-ESCWA, UNHCR, Jordanian government agencies) will be held locally. 

The work requires a commitment of at least 3 working days per week. One working day is equivalent to 8 working hours.

The candidate must have a valid work permit in Jordan by the time of the application and throughout the duration of the project. 

Reporting & Communication

The Consultant will report to Emmanuel Letouzé, Director and Co-Founder of Data-Pop Alliance. The consultant will also be supervised by the project manager and coordination team. The Consultant will keep the Organisation informed of progress on the project by e-mail and attending check-in meetings when appropriate.

Recruitment process

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a CV to jobs@datapopalliance.org with the subject line “National Project Coordinator & Data Scientist DPA – UN ESCWA” by August 19th, 6:00pm EST. Please include in the body of the email: languages spoken, two references and your salary range in monthly terms.