Senior Data Scientist: Fraud at Vodafone Global Enterprise

Role Purpose/Business Unit:

• Vodacom  is committed to delivering innovative solutions. We leverage advanced analytics, machine learning, and big data technologies to tackle critical challenges and ensure the integrity of our operations. Our dedicated team in the fraud analytics department focuses on protecting our business and our customers from financial crimes and fraudulent activities We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Data Scientist to join our Fraud Analytics team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data science, with specific experience in fraud detection and prevention. This role involves developing and implementing sophisticated analytical solutions to predict, detect, and mitigate fraudulent activities across various platforms and transactions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop predictive models and advanced algorithms to detect potential fraudulent transactions and minimize false positives.
• Analyze large datasets to identify patterns and trends associated with fraudulent activities.
• Work closely with the engineering and product teams to integrate data science models into operational systems and workflows.
• Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in fraud analytics and introduce innovative tools and techniques to enhance the team's capabilities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to understand business needs and provide data-driven insights and solutions.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, providing guidance and support in their projects and professional development

The Ideal Candidate for this role will have:

Must have technical / professional qualifications and experience: 

• 4-7 years’ experience in similar data science role
• Bachelor’s or master's degree in quantitative fields like Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Social Sciences, Data Journalism, or related fields
• Expertise in data manipulation: use of structured data tools (e.g., SQL), & unstructured data tools and platforms (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, NoSQL) 
• Proficiency in at least one relevant programming language: Python, Scala
• Expertise in machine learning libraries (e.g., R, H2O, Scikit Learning, TensorFlow , Pytorch , Xgboost , LightGBM) and multivariate techniques (e.g. k-means segmentation, multiple regression, factor analysis, timeseries forecasting)
• Experience in digital data sets, e.g., social listening, social network analysis)
• Familiarity with visualisation tools (e .g. Tableau, Qlik, D3)
• Exposure/interest in machine learning
• Experience in Deploying Models in Cloud (AWS, GCP , Azure)
• Data Knowledge in Machine Learning , Deep Learning and Predictive Modelling
• Deep Expertise in Big Data Technologies.
• MLOPS understanding and Experience is Advantageous.
• Natural Language Process (NLP)

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

• Development of machine learning models for various areas of the business on the Big Data Platform
• Development of prototype code in e.g. PySpark for automated training and scoring of the machine learning models
• Machine Learning Model performance tracking and reporting using e.g. Qlik
• Uses data visualisation to engage audience in a compelling way, enabling effective storytelling
• Work with lead data scientist to deliver key packages of work to meet the needs of business customers
• Works in partnership with Big Data Engineering for data ingestion to support use cases
• Works in partnership with Big Data Production Data Engineering for model automation and productionising 

We make an impact by offering: 

• Enticing incentive programs, competitive benefit packages, and exclusive 13th cheque
• Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
• Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies