Data Scientist for Climate Services and Agronomy Decision Support(Re-advertised)

5 days ago

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year
Data Scientist for Climate Services and Agronomy Decision Support.

Position Responsibilities
  • Apply state-of-the-art data science methods to extract insights from trial, survey and external data sources to provide climate smart and tailored agronomic recommendations at scale
  • Lead specific activities to modularize "white label" data analysis framework applying (but not limited to) process-based and empirical models to conduct research on yield prediction, improved technology targeting and impact modelling
  • Work closely with climate information service experts and software engineers to integrate seasonal crop forecasts to optimize planting dates and dynamic agronomic advisories
  • Contribute to conceptualization and development of robust yet practical decision support tools (DST) for the deployment of climate services and agronomic advisories within partners' existing extension platforms
  • Collaborate effectively with all iSPARK project partners, providing guidance and building capacity around crop modeling and its applications for generating agronomic gain
  • Contribute to building and nurturing key partnerships in Africa working closely with NARS, Agricultural Services, Digital Partners, Farmer Organizations, and other CGIAR centers
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of APIs to ensure seamless integration with partners' systems and adherence to industry standards and best practices
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify technical requirements, design robust architectures, and implement efficient deployment pipelines, facilitating the timely dissemination of climate-informed agronomic advisories to end-users in diverse agricultural contexts
  • Contribute to and lead reporting and scientific paper writing
  • Participate in grant proposal writing and project management to secure funding for research projects deemed necessary and relevant

Requirements

Educational Qualifications
  • The candidate should ideally have a PhD degree in data science, crop or climate modeling, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or agronomy/soil science with strong computational skills. However, highly qualified candidates without a PhD but an MSc degree and relevant work experience are strongly encouraged to apply

Core Competencies
  • At least two years of data analytics and decision support tools development experience in agricultural applications
  • Demonstrated proficiency in statistical modeling techniques
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets, identify patterns, and derive actionable insights to inform decision-making
  • Expert knowledge in applying ML/DL algorithms (including random forest, gradient boosting, support vector machines, neural networks) and ensemble methods to solve agronomic problems and optimize decision support systems
  • Strong R and Python programming skills, with demonstrated experience in designing, developing, and deploying automated and generic data analysis pipelines using these programming languages
  • Strong demonstrated ability to implement best practices in documenting and sharing code, including use of version control systems (e.g., Git)
  • Extensive experience of handling and processing gridded datasets relevant for spatial modeling such as weather, climate data, soil with sound understanding of climate science and demonstrated expertise in developing agronomic decision support tools to inform better farm management strategies
  • Experience with making use of agile development methodologies, including iterative development, sprint planning, and continuous integration to maintain code integrity and documentation
  • Experience working with partners from academia, NGOs, CGIAR centers, and national agricultural research centers in the context of smallholder farming systems in lower-and middle-income countries
  • Strong knowledge of cloud computing platforms, API development and version control systems to effectively deploy agronomic advisories on partners' platforms while ensuring scalability, reliability, and security
  • Experience with or domain knowledge of agriculture and agricultural data and the ability to apply these in developing decision support highly desirable
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French would be a plus

Benefits

Duty Station:

General information:

Applications: must

Closing Date:

IITA is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.

While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

  • Data Scientist for Climate Services and Agronomy Decision Support(Re-advertised)

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Position ResponsibilitiesApply state-of-the-art data science methods to extract insights from trial, survey and external data sources to provide climate smart and tailored agronomic recommendations at scale. Lead specific activities to modularize "white label" data analysis framework applying (but not limited to) process-based and empirical models to...

  • Data scientist

    3 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya Amara Capital Limited Full time $104,000 - $130,878 per year

    Company DescriptionAmara Capital Limited helps businesses craft a message, design and brand products and services, automate the marketing process, and build multiple sources of income. We specialize in developing innovative solutions to enhance brand identity and drive business growth. Our approach is client-centric, ensuring that each solution is tailored...

  • Data Scientist

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya SWATX Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    SWATX is looking for a talented and driven Data Scientist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling to extract insights from complex datasets and drive data-driven decision making within the organization. You will work closely with business stakeholders to identify...

  • Research Support Officer I

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya International Livestock Research Institute Full time $40,000 - $60,000 per year

    Key Responsibilities:In close collaboration with the Principal Scientist - Climate Change Adaptation, edit and prepare for publication outstanding deliverables Assist in the organization of workshops, take notes and prepare workshop reports and other documentation of activities Assist in communications with partners and other stakeholders Aid in...

  • Senior Data Scientist

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya BURN MANUFACTURING Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    About the role BURN is looking for a Senior Data Scientist who will spearhead the design, implementation, and scaling of AI and machine learning solutions, driving innovation, and delivering measurable impact across the organization. This role integrates strategic vision, hands-on technical expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to solve business...

  • Data Scientist

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya KenyaMOJA Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    Job Description/RequirementsJOB SUMMARYRequirementsBachelors or master's in computer science, machine learning, or related field  5+ years of industry experience working on data scientist with a focus on data modelling, stakeholder management and data mining., Proficiency using machine learning frameworks like keras, pytorch, Tensorflow, sckit-learn,...

  • Expert Data Scientists on Credit Scoring

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya Tezza Business Solutions Ltd Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Job Title: Expert Data Scientist on Credit ScoringJob Purpose Statement:Data Science is a function within Data Management Office whose role is to transform raw data into actionable insights that drive smarter decision-making, stronger risk management and improved customer experiences. Leveraging on advanced analytics, statistic modelling and machine...

  • Research Support Officer I

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya International Livestock Research Institute Full time $45,000 - $60,000 per year

    The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Support Officer to blend support for scientific content development (data collection, analysis, literature review and writing) and research process management (organizing and collating reporting materials, light administrative duties, etc.). ILRI works to improve food and...

  • Climate Justice Volunteer

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya The Climate Justice Project Full time 900,000 - 1,200,000 per year

    About the ProjectThe Climate Justice Project empowers women through climate-smart agriculture enterprises in Kenya. Women make up 50% of the agricultural labour force yet face gender inequalities that limit access to land, finance, and decision-making power. Our initiative works to build women's resilience to climate shocks while promoting sustainable...

  • Climate Justice Volunteer

    5 days ago

    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya The Climate Justice Initiative Full time 300,000 - 600,000 per year

    About the ProjectThe Climate Justice Project empowers women through climate-smart agriculture enterprises in Kenya. Women make up 50% of the agricultural labour force yet face gender inequalities that limit access to land, finance, and decision-making power. Our initiative works to build women's resilience to climate shocks while promoting sustainable...