Evaluation Data Scientist - Senior Associate

We improve lives

The IDB Group is a community of diverse, versatile, and passionate people who come together on a journey to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our people find purpose and do what they love in an inclusive, collaborative, agile, and rewarding environment.

About this position

We are seeking a Data Scientist (Senior Associate) to strengthen OVE’s innovative use of data and in particular the use of artificial intelligence in evaluations.

The Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE) is responsible for evaluating all aspects of the IDB Group's work. OVE undertakes independent and systematic evaluations of the IDB Group’s strategies, policies, programs, activities, delivery support functions, and systems. It disseminates the evaluations' findings so that recommendations for improvement can be used in the design, appraisal, and execution of new operations, providing oversight and support for enhancing the effectiveness of the IDB Group's evaluation system. In addition, OVE independently validates self-evaluation reports (produced by IDG Group Management) of IDB and IDB Invest operations.

What you’ll do

• Support evaluation teams in the use of processes and techniques such as semiautomated portfolio identification, data visualization, text analysis, imagery data analysis for geospatial analysis, and other applications in the field of data science.
• Apply a wide range of data science techniques with both structured and unstructured data, including data acquisition, data preparation and cleaning, developing taxonomies and training data sets, building and iterating models and algorithms, and preparing output formats usable by non-data scientists (including dashboards and data visualizations).
• Advise evaluation teams on the most appropriate data science techniques to apply to answer specific evaluation questions.
• Support individual staff and consultants on how to apply data science techniques to evaluations.
• Advise the OVE Principal Advisor and OVE Management on all matters pertaining to the use and integration of data science applications in evaluation.
• Remain abreast of new developments in the field of data science, in particular the uses of artificial intelligence (generative and discriminative artificial intelligence) in applied policy-oriented research.

What you'll need

• Education:  Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Management, Statistics, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Three years of professional experience in information technology management or data management and analytics, with at least three years of relevant experience in using supervised and unsupervised machine learning /natural language processing models and computational and probabilistic statistics.
  • Extensive knowledge of and programming experience with R and Python.
  • Expertise in using data visualization software to create data presentation solutions.
  • Experience with using geospatial data, including remote sensing data, and knowledge of relevant software packages such as QGIS and ArcGIS.
  • Experience with using relational databases, SQL, and advanced knowledge of MS Excel.
  • Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Analytical skills, ability to think strategically; rapidly analyze, interpret and integrate both qualitative and quantitative data into actionable information that communicates clear conclusions and recommendations.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship building skills with the ability to present and translate complex information to non-technical teams in relevant business terms.
  • Knowledge of operational strategies, processes, and instruments of Multilateral Development Banks.
  • Knowledge of evaluation in the context of international development.
• Language: Proficiency in English is required. Additional knowledge of Spanish, French or Portuguese a plus. Spanish is highly desirable so if you are not proficient, we will ask you to commit to learning the language once you join us, since the skill is essential for long-term success in this role.

Key skills

Requirements

•    Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48-member countries. We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents.
•    Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.
 

Type of contract and duration

• International: International staff contract, 36 months initially, renewable upon mutual agreement.

What we offer

The IDB group provides benefits that respond to the different needs and moments of an employee's life. These benefits include:
 
 

Our culture

At the IDB, we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work while finding their purpose. Our people consistently strive for excellence, and we recognize and celebrate the impact of their contributions.

In our efforts to drive innovation, we intentionally include all voices, cultivate a sense of belonging and champion fairness. We welcome individuals from underrepresented groups to join us and share their unique perspectives.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job interview process. If you require an accommodation to complete this application, please email us at .