Data Scientist

TechnoServe; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 600 000 - 850 000; Full time

Job summary

An international nonprofit organization is seeking a Data Scientist to support various projects by customizing MEL technology to meet specific requirements. The role involves developing data platforms, providing training, ensuring data integrity, and collaborating on global initiatives. Ideal candidates have a strong technical background, soft skills in communication, and a proactive approach. Knowledge of languages like French or Spanish is a plus. This is a remote position aiming for candidates in East and Southern Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of systems administration experience emphasizing real-time data use for analytics.
• Fluency in business English; speaking French, Spanish, or Portuguese is an advantage.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and prioritize requests.

Responsibilities

• Develop MEL tech for new projects with the project team and Senior MEL Manager.
• Support effective adoption of MEL tech through training and system modifications.
• Verify key performance results and institute data quality checks.

Skills

Database development and administration

No-code app building for data tools

Data visualization tools

Mobile data collection tools

Advanced proficiency in Google Suite

Communication

Teamwork

Active listening

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in technical major

Master’s Degree preferred

Tools

Google BigQuery

SQL

AppSheets

Looker

CommCare

Job description

Title: Data Scientist
Reporting Unit/Supervisor: Impact team
Location: Remote. Preferred in Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Nigeria
Grade: 9
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Travel: Possible International up to 10%

TechnoServe Background

Founded over 50 years ago, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty. A nonprofit organization operating in 29 countries, we work with enterprising men and women in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. By linking people to information, capital and markets, we have helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities.

Team Overview

The Global Impact team has the mandate to make TechnoServe an industry-leader in the responsible use of data to manage effectively, generate insight, and drive innovation for fighting poverty. Specifically, the team integrates with project teams to provide advanced direct technical assistance, deploy best‑in‑class data platforms, provide objective backstopping, and connect projects to global learning initiatives. The team also runs TechnoServe’s global results reporting systems, leads working groups, and ensures data and results across the organization are valid.

The team has two components: a Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) leadership team, and a MEL Technology team. The MEL Leadership team comprises Senior MEL Managers who support a portfolio of 10‑20 projects. The MEL Technology team comprises Data Scientists who work hand‑in‑hand with the Senior MEL Managers to develop and deploy data platforms and support effective use of data throughout the life of each project.

Position Description

The Data Scientist will support a collection of projects (mostly clustered within their region) by customizing TechnoServe’s standard MEL technology approach to each project’s requirements and operational context. This iterative process requires strong communication skills and a user‑centered design approach. After deployment, the Data Scientist will manage effective reporting, analysis, and dashboards that allow project teams to engage their data. The role also involves advancing global best practices, standardizing MEL systems, investigating emerging technologies, and participating in global working groups. Success hinges on integrating with projects, understanding their context, collaborating effectively, and delivering an excellent customer experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop MEL tech for new projects, working with the project team and Senior MEL Manager to identify appropriate data structure, ICT tools, and use cases; configure the standard MEL Tech platform and integrate other technology as needed.
• Support effective adoption of MEL tech by providing onboarding and ongoing training to project teams; modify the system as projects evolve and develop data utilization tools such as dashboards that respond to emerging needs.
• Provide strong backstopping support to project‑level MEL staff in data management, data quality, and data privacy.
• Verify key performance results and institute data quality checks.
• Perform regular file archiving and manage Google Team Drive folders in collaboration with MEL Managers and Regional MEL Manager.
• Collaborate on global initiatives: refine and roll out MEL tech standards and best practices, and participate in the MEL tech community of practice to capacity‑build and elevate emerging talent within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree with a technical major (engineering, computer science, information technology, software engineering) and at least seven years of systems administration experience emphasizing real‑time data use for analytics, monitoring & evaluation, or business needs; or Master’s degree with five years of relevant experience.
• Required technical skills:
• Database development and administration (Google BigQuery, SQL)
• No‑code app building for CRM‑style data tools (AppSheets)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Looker)
• Experience with mobile data collection tools (CommCare)
• Advanced proficiency in Google Suite and/or MS Office
• Strong soft skills: communication, teamwork, active listening.
• Experience with MEL field work and/or implementation of economic development projects similar to TechnoServe’s work.
• Strong attention to detail; expertise in data quality/cleaning techniques.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently, prioritize requests, and work remotely.
• Proactive problem‑solving that addresses end‑user needs.
• Ability to explain complex technology to all user levels in a respectful and engaging manner.
• Strong cross‑cultural skills; deep respect for diverse backgrounds and collaborative spirit.
• Fluency in business English; speaking French, Spanish, or Portuguese is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel regionally up to 10% of the time; flexible work schedules with staff in other countries.