DATA SCIENTIST

FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME

Starting January 2021, Action for Economic Reforms (AER), a civil society policy, advocacy and
action think tank working on key issues around fiscal reforms, health measures, industrial policy, and
freedom of information, is launching a 30-month project entitled “Coalescing Organizations towards
Locally Led Actions to Boost Development” (COLLABDev), in partnership with USAID.

COLLABDev aims to champion human-centered data-driven development in the Philippines by

using data-informed and technology-enabled participatory decision making to address issues in local
development. COLLABDev will collaborate with 10 LGUs across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to
design tech-powered cities ready for the data revolution. The project is also led by a coalition of over
20 academic institutions, partners from the data, tech and research sectors, and various impact-
driven civil society organizations. Expected activities include the creation of a centralized data
dashboard targeted towards policymakers and the general public, capacity building initiatives with
partner LGUs and CSOs, and an information campaign for public education on data-driven
development. At its core, COLLABDev is about harnessing the power of participatory systems
design thinking in the utilization of data and technology for evidence-based solutions towards
human development.

AER will enlist the services of (a) Data Scientist(s), as needed in the Project, for specific assigned
tasks.

The ideal Data Scientist is adept at using large data sets to provide evidence-based policy
recommendations with his/her data-based insights. S/he has extensive experience using a variety of
data cleaning, management and analysis methods, using a variety of data tools, building and
implementing models, using/creating algorithms and simulations. S/he is comfortable working with
a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams. The Data Scientist has a passion for discovering
solutions hidden in large data sets and working with stakeholders to improve development
outcomes.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• Assist the Data Lead in the conceptualization, management and execution of data-related
aspects (e.g. data collection, management, analytics) of the USAID project
 • Conduct data audits of partner LGUs (on processes for data collection, management and
analytics)
• Work with stakeholders (e.g. LGUs, CSOs, SUCs) to identify opportunities for leveraging
data to drive policy solutions
• Prepare research papers, project reports, presentation materials, articles, statements and
opinion pieces
• Coordinate with different functional teams to implement models and monitor outcomes
• Assess the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate (MS or PhD) degree in economics, statistics, data science, computer science or
related fields
• Strong problem solving skills with an emphasis on policy development
• Experience in using statistical software to manipulate data and draw insights from large data
sets
• Experience in working with and creating data architectures
• Knowledge of a variety of machine learning techniques (clustering, decision tree learning,
artificial neural networks, etc.) and their real-world advantages/drawbacks
• Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and concepts (regression analysis, statistical
tests, etc.) and experience with applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating across teams
• A drive to learn and master new technologies and techniques
• Familiar with the following software/tools:
• Coding experience with several languages: C, C++, Java, JavaScript, etc.
• Knowledge in statistical and data mining techniques: GLM/Regression, Random
Forest, Boosting, Trees, text mining, social network analysis, etc.
• Experience in querying databases and using computer languages: R, Python, Stata,
SQL, etc.
• Experience in using web services: S3, DigitalOcean, etc.
• Experience in visualizing/presenting data using: GIS, Tableau, Power BI, ggplot, etc.