Specialist: Data Science – Remittance at MTN

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
The role of the Data Science specialist  is to structure datasets, leverage internal and, where applicable, external datasets to build and evolve, Group Finco’s Remittance Services capabilities using “best practice” methodologies and statistical techniques.

Responsible to structure the datasets at both OPCO & Group level, to design and provide insights based on analytics, to structure & deliver through OPCOs the necessary reporting, to develop decision models & data based rules in support of the strategy & plans of the Remittance product portfolio.

Additionally, the  Data Science specialist is responsible to support the Remittance Products & Services strategy and the associated product/roll-out roadmap, taking direction and guidance to ensure prioritisation and standardisation of deliverables.

The  Data Science specialist is also responsible to contribute towards operational performance, for both product portfolio and Opco localisation

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's) 
Strategy Development and Implementation

• Support strategy execution in line with the overarching business and functional goals within area of specialisation
• Support the execution and development of data mining and analysis frameworks

Operational Delivery

• Develop and manage models to ensure business and customer growth
• Develop and Manage models in the areas of machine learning and data sciences in building the various components of the semantics layer
• Develop advanced quantitative modules using a variety of programs/software to support predictive assessment
• Produce intelligent, scalable, and automated solutions by leveraging Data Science skills
• Perform complex analyses, including optimization, text analytics, machine learning, social-science modeling, and statistical analysis, parametric and non-parametric statistical models and techniques
• Work with Technology teams on the development of new data capabilities & architecture to define requirements and priorities
• Develop, continuously improve, and execute an efficient framework to identify, organize, structure, and make available data attributes and information relevant for digital advertising
• Define and continuously optimize targeting approaches for Remittance Products & Services
• Support where required in developing product specification documents, scope of Work documents, Code of Conduct document with regards to data management needs for the Remittance portfolio
• Source, organise and analyse data to support the Remittance Products & Services strategy
• Analyse and support plan to improve performance and productivity targets through data led insight
• Enable all Opcos in the implementation of key data analytics initiatives relating to Remittance
• Work with relevant functions within Group Finco (CVM, Finance, Technology etc. ) to define opportunities of increase data to be collected to enhance targeting capabilities and generate new inventory opportunities
• Tracks websites and other platforms in the form of dashboards that are contextual and visual to teams and the organisation
• Participate and provide inputs to project status meetings and sprints
• Provide analytics and decision support for the Remittance portfolio
• Implement best practice pipeline framework adhering to (KDD,CRISP) and deployment of use cases identified in Remittance products & Services by using ML techniques
• Manage Tag management implementations for the various teams

Governance

Ad-hoc Meetings

• Participate and provide inputs in ad hoc meetings
• Execute day-to-day operations

Reporting

• Report to the Manager as applicable relating to day-to-day operations
• Generate ad-hoc Operational Delivery report

Escalations

• Resolve operational issues in area of specialisation
• Escalate issues that will result in severe time, scope, productivity, and cost or resource or reputational impact
• Provide input into solutions to management that can be addresses through stakeholder consultation where required

Function Tactical

• Comply with project management and risk/ governance processes
• Performance
• Consistent execution of work against goals and targets set out between you and leadership, alignment to the business objectives while cognizant of the execution constraints
• Develop and maintain cordial relationships with all stakeholders for continuous buy-in and support to achieve sustained performance

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies) 
Education:

• 3-year Bachelor’s Degree / Diploma in Computer Science/ Information Systems/ Information Technology/ Engineering or related field required

Experience:

• 2 – 3 years of experience in data structuration, data management, analytics, big data, and a similar environments
• Minimum of 1 -2 years’ experience in an area of Data Science, at a specialist level within the financial /banking industry or telecommunications industry
• Experience working in a medium to large organization
• Experience of working in an Agile/DevOps environment
• Proficiency in working with Python (Numpy, Scikit-learn, Pandas, Scipy, Matplotlib, Tensorflow, Keras, Seaborn, Bokeh), SAS or R / Scala for data clean up and advanced data analytics
• Working knowledge in Hadoop, Apache Spark and related Big Data technologies (MapReduce, PIG, HIVE)
• Demonstrated experience utilizing software tools to query and report data: SAS (Enterprise Guide and/or programming), tableau, Power BI,D3 VBA, SQL, and Business Objects
• Highly proficient in database management systems like Postgres, Oracle, Mongo, MSSQL
• Experience working across global locations/ regions and have a grasp of political, social, infrastructure and integrity challenges

Competencies:

Functional Knowledge:

• Data Science
• Machine learning and predictive modelling
• Data analytics
• Data mining and modelling
• Data management systems
• Data Visualization and Dashboards
• Advanced Analytics

Skills

• Strong Analytics/data interpretation and presentation skills
• Financial and Numerical acumen
• Analytical thinking
• Continuous improvement
• Dealing with ambiguity and complexity
• Delivery focused
• Digital mind-set
• Organizational agility
• Presentation

Behavioural Qualities

• Adaptable
• Complete candour
• Culturally aware
• Emotional Maturity
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Team Player