We are seeking an innovative and experienced Senior Data Scientist with strong project expertise to grow with REEEP.
About REEEP
The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) invests in clean energy markets in low- and middle-income countries, to generate energy access, improve lives and economic opportunities, build sustainable markets, and combat climate change. REEEP is a Quasi-International Organisation under Austrian law and is rapidly expanding in influence and impact. Core values for REEEP, both for the way programmes are set up and the way the team operates, include innovation, cooperation and commitment to impact. REEEP has a young and results-oriented team at its International Secretariat in Vienna, Austria and closely cooperates with international partner organisations.
About BGFA
The Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa (BGFA) is a Swedish government-funded multi-annual market-based energy access programme covering Zambia, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Mozambique. The program is based on the successful implementation of this approach in Zambia (https://www.bgfz.org/) which has shown that innovative results-based financing can be a powerful instrument in incentivising private sector early movers to scale business ventures in frontier off-grid energy markets.
BGFA is managed by the Nordic Environment Finance Company (NEFCO), based in Helsinki, Finland, and implemented by REEEP.
REEEP’s work culture is shaped by its focus on start-ups and other dynamic market players. The REEEP team is lean and team-oriented, open and sharing, emphasizing learning and development. Working collaboratively with the team in a highly dynamic environment is one of the main requirements of this position.
About the role
Embedded in the BGFA Programme and reporting to the Head, Energy Analytics, the Senior Data Scientist will focus on collecting, processing, analysing and contextualising related data from multiple sources. Starting with analysis from ongoing implementation in Zambia, s/he will support the generation of actionable intelligence to inform and influence decision making within and beyond the Programme. S/he will contribute to accurate, comprehensive and sound
- sophisticated energy data analysis based on statistical and machine learning techniques as a basis for practical intelligence outcomes
- development and implementation of energy data analytics projects, utilising data from multiple sources and, based on predictive statistical and machine learning data analytics, contribute to in-depth market analyses for REEEP’s clean energy market development services in low-income countries
- strategic development, design, testing and implementation of approaches, processes and systems to collect, process and analyze energy related data from multiple sources
- energy data management, processing and storage compliant with legal, notably GDPR and regulatory provisions
- guidance for the development of REEEP’s next generation software system EDISON (Energy Data and Intelligence System for Off-Grid Networks). In this context, independent and proactive collaboration with other REEEP Programme and Operations departments, particularly Information Systems and Digital Innovation, to ensure compliance with financial, legal and technical requirements
- gap analyses and scenario development for systems and approaches to continuously improve and optimise REEEP’s existing data collections and energy analysis efforts
- liaising, outreach and support to internal and external partners and stakeholders with focus on intelligence-gathering, need and gap analyses, capacity building and technical assistance on energy data projects, including field visits to BGFA programme areas (notably to sub-Saharan Africa)
In addition to the above data analytics responsibilities and in close cooperation with the Head, Energy Analytics and the entire REEEP team, s/he will contribute to a high-quality programme implementation within time and budget by
- reviewing, assessing and refining above deliverables in order to identify best practices and lessons learned and regularly share them with all relevant stakeholders to stimulate continuous improvement at all levels
- budget monitoring for above activities and pro-active contribution to project progress reporting and documentation in line with donor requirements, as well as organizational reporting (notably Governing Board, Annual Report etc.)
- coordinating and monitoring of external experts, consultants and contractors to ensure top service delivery, avoiding underperformance, and budget overspending
- identifying of new funding opportunities and contribution to the development of related projects and proposal writing
Who we are looking for
The Senior Data Scientist’s set of qualifications and experience shall include
- A Master’s degree related to the area of work, i.e. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Sciences or similar; Degrees in other fields with relevant professional experience are considered equivalent
- At least five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in developing and executing big data analytics, particularly in the financial services’ sector
- Track-record of working with large volumes of data in SQL-databases and performing statistical analyses using R
- Demonstrated experience with application programming languages, particularly Python
- Sound expertise in conceptualising and executing complex machine-learning data analyses techniques
- Experience using geospatial techniques and software programmes is an advantage
- Exposure to project cycle management as well as to procurement, preferably in an international context
- Experience working with and in Sub-Saharan Africa, is an advantage
- Exposure to clean energy technologies and financing models; specifically in the context of off-grid energy solutions in low income countries is an advantage
- Experience in setting priorities, in designing, coordinating and implementing complex activities in a pro-active, responsible, self-organized manner
- Strong ability to work under time and budget pressure, managing competing deadlines
- Stakeholder relationship management experience involving a high degree of intercultural sensitivity
- Willingness and ability to travel
- Solid command of MS office
- Excellent written and spoken English (REEEP’s working language), other languages would be an asset
What we offer
For this 40h/week full time position, REEEP offers a minimum monthly salary of EUR 3.500,- (gross, paid 14 times per year, subject to Austrian social security deduction, currently free of income tax due to REEEP’s status as “Quasi-International Organisation”). It further includes five weeks paid leave (pro-rated to part-time) as well as an average of 14 Austrian and UN holidays per annum. The envisaged starting date is as soon as possible, ideally in the third calendar quarter 2019.
The work location is the Vienna International Centre (‘UNO City’) in Vienna, Austria. REEEP is not in the position to cover relocation expenses or any other travel costs incurred, e.g. for job interviews.
Due to REEEP’s special legal status, applicants must have a valid residency permit for Austria/EU, but do not require a work permit.
REEEP is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard for age, gender, race, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.
About the application
Applicants are kindly requested to address their CV, motivation letter and any supporting documents to jobs@reeep.org. Please note that only complete and timely submitted applications will be considered and that only short-listed candidates will receive individual communication. The selection procedure may include a written test. Please be informed that the project funding for this position is limited to one year, extension subject to alternative or additional funding sources.
Application deadline: 20 June 2019 (midnight CET)
Privacy notice for job applicants
By sending us your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data indicated in your application documents and related correspondence. Your application is treated strictly confidentially and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your personal data and application documents are only shared with REEEP staff directly involved in the application process. In exceptional cases, recruitment processes include panel interviews which involve external members. If you are invited to such a panel interview, your application documents will also be shared with external panellists to allow them to prepare for the interview. REEEP will store your personal data and documents until six months after the application process has been completed, unless you consent to REEEP keeping your application in evidence for future job openings. Please see our Privacy Statement (link: https://www.reeep.org/privacy-statement) for further information on your rights under the GDPR and REEEP’s contact data.