The Carter Center: Data Scientist, Democracy Program in Atlanta, Georgia

Key Skills

Microsoft-Excel, Java Programming, Python Programming, SQL, Azure, PowerBI, Machine learning techniques, Business Intelligence, Natural Language Processing (NLP), R Programming

Job Description

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Description

The Carter Center is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 in Atlanta, GA, by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University. The Center has helped to improve millions of lives in more than 80 countries by waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope. The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public and private, in carrying out its mission around the world. Current information about the Center’s many programs and activities are available at The Carter Center (http://www.cartercenter.org/) .

DESCRIPTION:

The Data Scientist provides overall leadership and guidance to Digital Threats to Democracy initiative and to wide range of activities focusing on digital and technology issues across the Democracy Program; manages the Digital Threat to Democracy team and leads efforts to design, implement, and evaluate programming that leverages data and technology to provide insights and drive programming across the Democracy Program; provides training for program staff on key concepts, methods, and technology tools; identifies opportunities for cross-programmatic learning and knowledge sharing within the program and across the Center; establishes and maintains relationships with external partners and consultants to support project design and implementation; liaises with IT and program staff to ensure projects are designed, implemented, and managed in accordance with The Carter Center policies and procedures and relevant laws and regulations. The Data Scientist may supervise employees and interns, and work-study students and volunteers. Performs related responsibilities as required. Includes occasional travel. This position will report to the Director, Democracy Program. Due to travel requirement, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) will be required.

FORMAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Develops and guides implementation of data and digital strategies for programs.
• Serves as lead data expert to facilitate knowledge sharing and the creation of a community of practices across program areas.
• As needed, works directly with data scientists, engineers, programmers, and IT support to facilitate project implementation.
• In partnership with IT, provides training and guidance to staff and consultants on data collection, data management, analysis and visualization strategies, tools and techniques.
• Employs excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to discuss technical matters clearly and effectively with people who do not have a technical background.
• Provides technical leadership to facilitate design, implementation, and oversight of projects with consideration to sustainability, maintenance, and reproducibility of code, tools and models.
• Provides leadership, guidance and statistical support to data analysts hired or contracted to implement and manage projects on an as-needed basis.
• In coordination with program staff, may manage data analyst(s) and provide feedback on performance.
• Coordinates with IT and Data Governance committees to facilitate development and management of data literacy materials and data governance policies and procedures.
• Ensures program activities are designed and implemented in compliance with relevant data protection and privacy laws and ethical considerations.
• Maintains professional growth and development of self and staff by identifying educational/training programs, professional organizations, activities, and resources to maintain knowledge of national trends and to promote leading edge expertise.
• Participates in relevant technical and NGO organizations.
• Establishes and maintains strategic relationships with external partner organizations and consultants to support development and implementation of project activities.
• International travel will be required.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A master's degree in data science, statistics, analytics or related areas, and ten years of related experience, OR an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• Prior experience serving as subject matter expert to provide the strategic direction for the programs approach to analyzing and managing its data.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated knowledge and subject matter expertise in digital threats to democracy, democracy and technology, elections and election observation, and civil society support.
• Proficiency in coding languages (e.g., R, Python, and SQL).
• Experience applying statistical methods, Natural Language Processing methods, and machine learning tools and techniques.
• Experience with APIs, business intelligence, and data visualization tools (experience Microsoft Power BI highly preferred).
• Experience with Microsoft Azure Cloud environment and services.
• Familiarity data protection and privacy, data ethics, and data governance issues.
• Strong, demonstrated skills in writing and presentation of findings and analyses.
• Experience working with large structured and unstructured datasets.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any