Job Description
The Senior Data Scientist is a Manager level role in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) team and positioned within the Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA) business unit. VCA primarily provides data driven consulting services to Visa clients globally. We are seeking an innovative and analytical thinker to execute on our data-driven strategies for the SSA sub-region. As a Senior Data Scientist, you are expected to participate in business development, develop descriptive analytics, predictive and prescriptive models and develop context-based proto-types and high impact storyboards to promote a data-driven strategy and solutioning approach for the company and our clients. The role does not currently have any direct reports or line management responsibility.
Principal Responsibilities
Conducting transactional data analysis and developing advanced statistical models within our distributed computing environment using big data technologies for internal and external clients and stakeholders.
Identify strategic and tactical innovation opportunities around data and data-related processes that will promote fact-based decisioning processes and scalable solutions.
Execute and support the strategic direction and the roadmap for the Data Science group in Sub-Saharan Africa
Work with regional and global Data Science teams to develop high-quality analytic products and solutions that promote growth and business development for the region
Contribute to keeping us at the forefront of technical advancement in Data Science by using cutting-edge tools and techniques for generating business insights
Develop next-generation analytic methods where existing techniques are not adequate to address business challenges
Collaborate with technology partners to build an Analytics Technology Ecosystem that supports advanced modelling and decisioning.
Develop, share, and build global best practices and knowledge management within the team
Socialize innovative new ideas and approaches that are scalable and have market demand
Communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audiences including developing and delivering effective client presentations.
Qualifications
Minimum of 5+ years of analytics expertise in applying statistical solutions to business problems
Post-graduate degree (Masters or PhD would be an advantage) in a Quantitative field such as Statistics, Mathematics, Operational Research, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, or equivalent.
Professional Experience
Experience working in one or more of the Card Payments markets around the globe is an advantage
Good understanding of the Payments and Banking Industry including aspects such as consumer credit, consumer debit, prepaid, small business, commercial, co-branded and merchants.
Good knowledge of data, market intelligence, business intelligence, and AI-driven tools and technologies
Experience planning, organizing, and executing multiple projects with diverse cross-functional teams
Demonstrated ability to incorporate new techniques to solve business problems
Demonstrated resource planning and delivery skills
Technical Expertise
Expertise in distributed computing environments / big data platforms (Hadoop, Elasticsearch, etc.) as well as common database systems and value stores (SQL, Hive, HBase, etc.)
Ability to write scratch MapReduce jobs and fluency with Spark frameworks
Familiarity with both common computing environments (e.g. Linux, Shell Scripting) and commonly-used IDE’s (Jupyter Notebooks); proficiency in SAS technologies and techniques
Strong programming ability in different programming languages such as Python, R, Scala, Java, Matlab, C++, and SQL
Familiarity with solution architecture frameworks that rely on API’s and microservices
Familiarity with common data modeling approaches, and ability to work with various datatypes including JSON, XML, etc.
Ability to build data pipelines (e.g. ETL, data preparation, data aggregation and analysis) using tools such as NiFi, Sqoop, Ab Initio; familiarity with data lineage processes and schema management tools such as Avro
Proficient in some or all of the following techniques: Linear & Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests, K-Nearest Neighbors, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Gibbs Sampling, Evolutionary Algorithms (e.g. Genetic Algorithms, Genetic Programming), Support Vector Machines, Neural Networks, etc.
Expert knowledge of advanced data mining and statistical modeling techniques, including Predictive modeling (e.g., binomial and multinomial regression, ANOVA); Classification techniques (e.g., Clustering, Principal Component Analysis, factor analysis); Decision Tree techniques (e.g., CART, CHAID)
Deliver results within committed scope, timeline and budget
Very strong project management skills and experience
Business Experience
Results-oriented with strong problem solving skills and demonstrated intellectual and analytical rigor
Good business acumen with a trackrecord in solving business problems through data-driven quantitative methodologies. Experience in payment, retail banking, or retail merchant industries is preferred
Team oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible style
Very detailed oriented, is expected to ensure highest level of quality/rigor in reports and data analysis
Proven skills in translating analytics output to actionable recommendations and delivery
Experience in presenting ideas and analysis to stakeholders whilst tailoring data-driven results to various audience levels
Exhibits intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning
Leadership Competencies
Demonstrates integrity, maturity and a constructive approach to business challenges
Role model for the organization in showcasing core Visa Values
Respect for the Individuals at all levels in the workplace
Strive for Excellence and extraordinary results
Use sound insights and judgments to make informed decisions in line with business strategy and needs
Leadership skills include an ability to allocate tasks and resources across multiple lines of businesses and geographies. Leadership extends to ability to influence senior management within and outside Analytics groups
Ability to successfully persuade/influence internal stakeholders for building best-in-class solutions
Change management leadership
Additional Information
Ability to travel within CEMEA Region on short notice once the COVID situation has improved
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