Consultant - Data Science at Bioversity International

The Consultant-Data science will support KALRO in managing and analyzing large datasets, contributing to the development of a data stack, Federated Learning and performing various data science tasks necessary for the successful implementation of project activities. This role is critical in ensuring that the data-driven insights generated by the project are effectively used to inform policy and practice in agricultural innovation and resilience.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Data Management and Development:

• Assist in developing and maintaining the KALRO data stack, including data pipelines, databases, and cloud-based tools to achieve a single identity across multiple databases.
• Harmonize diverse data sources, including databases, APIs, and external services.
• Participate in the development of federated learning technologies and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes for data ingestion, data stewardship, transformation, and storage.

Data Analysis:

• Conduct data cleaning, enrichment, and transformation for analysis and reporting.
• Perform statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis to generate farmer typologies.
• Develop and deploy data visualization tools and dashboards to support decision-making processes.
• Machine Learning & Predictive Modeling:
• Assist in the development and application of machine learning models for predictive analytics, classification, and anomaly detection.
• Contribute to the evaluation and optimization of these models for use in agricultural decision-making processes.

Collaboration & Coordination:

• Work closely with KALRO, CGIAR and University of Leeds scientists, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and application of data science tools.
• Participate in workshops, meetings, and other collaborative activities to support the co-development of advisory services and the review of ISRA metrics.
• Facilitate the dissemination of data-driven insights to smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in the region.

Research Support:

• Support field research activities, including household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga, and Busia counties.
• Assist in the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, and academic publications based on data analysis results.

Requirements

• The candidate should have completed a Master's degree (Preferably an MBA or MSc) with specialization in Finance, Marketing, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Agribusiness.
• 5+ years of professional experience supporting the start-up of commercial agribusiness production, sales, and marketing operations.
• Experience promoting the introduction and adoption of new agriculture technology in Rwanda and East Africa.
• Experience advising small and medium private agribusinesses involved in agri-food systems and/or circular ventures.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience related to SMEs, access to finance, the private sector, and entrepreneurship development.
• Experience in successful engagement with public sector institutions.
• Excellent communication skills, able to interact with a multi-cultural and interdisciplinary team of scientists and development partners in layman language. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and working proficiency in French, and Kinyarwanda.
• Affinity with multi-stakeholder approaches
• Proactive and independent problem solver, and excellent team player.
• A good understanding of the circular economy theories, approaches, and policy landscape in Rwanda is an advantage.
• Proven capacity in publishing technical, and/or scientific documents such as journal articles, and policy briefs are an advantage.
• Proven project management skills.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation of research for development interventions is considered an advantage.