Data Science Associate – Ethiopia

About the role

The Data Science Associate will help build and manage the information system that underpins Ethiopia's Green Legacy and Degraded Landscape Restoration Special Fund. Based in the WRI Country Office, the role blends geospatial analysis, software development, and partnership with government agencies.

Key responsibilities

• Co‑manage the information system for the Special Fund, translating government needs into technical requirements for developers and data engineers.
• Design and scope monitoring strategies, ensuring data sharing and interoperability across national and sub‑national stakeholders.
• Oversee quality and integrity of geospatial data, correcting errors, and managing data across platforms such as RestorationWorks and Airtable.
• Conduct statistical and remote‑sensing analyses to prioritize investment areas and produce maps, dashboards, and progress reports.
• Provide training and technical support to Ethiopian ministry staff and represent WRI in national monitoring forums.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, geography, forestry, environmental science, computer science, data science or a related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience in GIS, remote sensing, and data science, including work with non‑specialists.
• Proven experience designing and launching data analysis projects and building data pipelines for large geospatial datasets.

Required skills

• Python programming (NumPy, Pandas, GeoPandas) and/or Google Earth Engine.
• AI‑enabled coding tools such as GitHub Copilot.
• GIS software: ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, GRASS GIS.
• Remote sensing and satellite imagery interpretation.
• Vector data editing and manipulation.