Data Scientist

World Data Lab (WDL) is a fast-growing data science B2B DaaS scaleup that takes strategic insights and data-driven decision-making to the next level by developing the most credible, global, and granular demographic and consumer spending forecasts.

Our insights help governments, businesses, and organizations make better decisions – from shaping effective labor market policies to identifying the next million consumers in emerging markets. Everything we do is driven by one goal: creating meaningful, data-powered impact.

Your mission is to contribute to advancing youth employment analytics through the Mastercard Foundation partnership by integrating diverse data sources, applying innovative methodologies, and supporting stakeholders in using data to achieve the goal of creating 30 million meaningful jobs for African youth by 2030.

Please note that this role is based in Nairobi, Kenya and requires candidates to have 3–5 years of relevant experience. Applications from candidates with less experience or those not based in this location will not be considered.

As an Associate Data Scientist, you will contribute to the full lifecycle of data analysis, from data scoping to delivering actionable insights that inform decision-making. You will collaborate with data scientists within and outside Africa to drive impactful, data-driven solutions that support youth employment initiatives.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Data Preparation and Analysis:
  • Conduct data scoping to identify, gather, and evaluate relevant datasets.
  • Clean, preprocess, and analyze labor market and demographic data from diverse sources, including national statistics offices and international organizations.
  • Design and implement statistical and predictive models to generate actionable insights.
• Visualization and Communication:
  • Develop dashboards, charts, and other visualizations to effectively communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences, including policymakers and private sector stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the creation of blogs, reports, and academic papers to highlight insights and findings from the analysis.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Work closely with senior data scientists to refine methodologies and ensure the quality of outputs.
  • Engage with stakeholders to understand their data needs and ensure that insights are tailored to meet their objectives.
  • Support the development and maintenance of user-friendly data tools that enhance accessibility and usability of insights.

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field. Master’s degree is preferred but not required.
• 3-5 years of proven experience in data analysis, data science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and modeling.
• Experience with data visualization libraries (ggplot2, seaborn, or matplotlib) and advanced proficiency in MS Excel for data processing and visualization.
• Familiarity with statistical methods, machine learning techniques, and predictive modeling.
• Experience working with survey data.
• Strong attention to detail across all aspects of data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Excellent technical communication skills to translate complex insights into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work in diverse, multi-disciplinary environments.
• Strategic thinker with problem-solving abilities and capacity to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Fluent in English.

Additional Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of labor market trends and challenges in Africa, particularly the youth employment landscape.
• Familiarity with working in startup / scaleup or high-growth environment, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

• The opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects addressing critical challenges in Africa, including youth employment and economic development.
• A dynamic, mission-driven, and supportive team environment where your ideas and initiative are valued.
• Professional development opportunities (annual education budget), including access to advanced tools, training programs, and global networking.

• Initial Screening: A quick chat with our People & Culture Manager to understand your background and expectations.
• 1st Interview: Meet the hiring manager and showcase your skills.
• 2nd Interview: Meet the SVP of Strategic Engagements.
• Final Steps: Receive feedback and, if successful, an offer.