Data Scientist

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Job Summary

To assist the business in tracking business performance analyses of the business function or function(s) as maybe assigned.
To assist key stakeholders across the said or identified business function in the daily business management of the that function.
To assist the Data Lead / Head of Data in the management of tasks and accountability.

Job Description

Accountability:  Developing Capability (10%)

Outputs:

·        Develop and understanding of existing Operations related data and create a system of analyzing data

·        Help design a system for performance measurement and efficiency in conjunction with the Centre

·        Help design new ways of reporting and increasing efficiency within the team

·        To perform assigned tasks diligently, communicating with passion, enthusiasm and embracing change as a way of working

·        Pursue own development to increase personal effectiveness, acknowledging strengths and areas for development

·        Self-assessment of own skills gaps and development needs and communication of these to line manager

·        Ensure the delivery of automated reports creating overall efficiency in on-going work streams supporting the delivery of uplift in reduced waste and opportunity created for equally productive new and on-going workstreams

·        Support innovation drive through clear mandate to looking into alternate ways of looking at current processes and on-going activities and suggesting/improving ongoing outcomes

·        Ensure the drive to cost saves and value addition emanating from all priority objectives being supported on an on-going basis

 

Accountability: Business Management (60%)

Outputs:

·        Design, production and circulation of MI, insights, reports and BI (predictive outlooks) – Daily, Weekly, Monthly and adhoc).

·        Conduct analyses that will inform business performance and help the business make informed decisions.

·        Support business by identifying key issues around products and channels, portfolios and controls to promote the right behaviour.

·        Populate the supported departmental balanced score card monthly for circulation to stakeholders

·        Produce weekly detailed productivity trackers as maybe required for business.

·        Arrange regular meetings with stakeholders to align to both tactical and strategic business plans.

·        Production on a monthly basis analysis designed to show information on progress against short term plan and business objective.

·        Obtain and analyse data relating to supported functions, mine, clean, summarise and draw appropriate conclusions and maybe needed according to specifications and guidelines of business stakeholders.

·        Ongoing work on data integrity ensuring that performance information relating to the support functions is correct and accurate.

·        Assist in on-going business requirements of a of support nature for various respective functions assigned from time to time including adhoc ones.

·        Manage the production of MI and the production of performance management base data for staff performance models.

·        Attend calls and meetings as and when required in a punctual and organised manner.

·        Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by line manager.

·        Be a full back up to other scientists covering various business function(s).

 

Accountability:  Leadership and Management of Data Champions (10%)

Outputs:

·        Coach, mentor and develop Data Science and Analytics champions in the respective functions to ensure they display sound management behaviors and skills.

·        Play a leadership role in ensuring sound HR/PF practices and adherence to policies and standards within the business unit(s)/function(s).

·        Develop and maintain excellent staff relationships within own team and wider team to ensure achievement of business goals.

 

Accountability: Data Quality and Control (20%)

Outputs:

·        Ensure all reports produced, published and circulated meet data quality standards and that the logic used is reviewed by the Data Lead / Head of Data.

·        Ensure all standard reports are saved on the shared drive to ensure business continuity.

·        Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, ARO Operational Risk Framework and internal Absa Policies and Standards.

·        Manage own data access credentials and ensure these are used within accepted standards and parameters.

Role Specific - Technical skills / Competencies:

·        SQL programming critical

·        Hadoop development (Hive and HQL)

·        Data science modelling experience with Python/R helpful

·        Tableau appreciation helpful

·        Proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint plus working knowledge of MS packages essential

·        Analytical skills

·        Presentation skills

·        Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing

·        Result driven

·        Self-starter

·        Team Player

 

Person Specific - Knowledge, Expertise, Experience & Attributes:

• A good understanding of the role of Data Science Unit as a support function

• A good knowledge of bank policies and procedures

• A working knowledge of commercial banks and other bank processes

• A clear understanding of the business

• Understanding of Absa Bank Zambia PLC Digital Technology Department Organisational Design and the interfaces with other functions

• Excellent leadership skills

·        Risk management skills

·        Experience of Bank operations management and appreciation of senior level interactions

• Good interpersonal skills

• Planning and organising skills

• Resilience and flexibility

• Business stakeholder management skills

• Customer service orientation

• Results focussed

• Ability to work under pressure

• Ability to meet tight deadlines

• Structured problem-solving abilities preferred

 

Performance Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare regular management and dashboard reports to provide insight into programs, financials, risk, compliance, and other performance areas to support decision making and inform progress against service delivery outcomes.

• Monitor and prepare trend analysis, graphs and provide variance analysis to support the development of strategies and initiatives that deliver on organizational objectives.

• Responsible for optimizing our performance reporting structure and repeatable process.

• Optimize our KPI dashboard.

• Develop and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships and partnerships through effective, advice, communication, negotiation, and issues management recommending and implementing ways to improve performance and the efficiency and reliability of products and services to ensure deliverables and business objectives are met and a positive customer experience.

• Identify and highlight opportunities for performance improvement.

• Develop reporting material in a succinct, visual manner.

• Design, test, and implement IT solutions.

• Manage IT projects to ensure they meet business objectives.

• Adapt to remain current with IT trends.

• Maintain awareness of relevant issues, policy obligations, insights, challenges industry trends and practices and opportunities to recommend innovative solutions that optimize outcomes and contribute to a best practice function in line with organizational and function priorities.

 

Analytical support for various forums

• Drive strategic analysis and provide recommendations for ad hoc requests, both from within the team and externally.

• Inputting performance forecasts and targets for business cases through scenario modelling

• Develop and document departmental strategy documents and drive collaboration with other functions.

• Identify sources of performance data, extract the data and transform into insightful performance reports.

• Advise and guide on the key strategy and planning issues from across the business.

 

Building a performance focused culture

• Work with delivery teams throughout lifecycle of programmes to ensure that the right KPIs and targets have been set.

• Making sure that a focus on outcomes and performance are integrated into everything we do.

• Participate in meetings, present information on program/project status.

• Support team members and work collaboratively to achieve business outcomes.

• Complete work tasks to agreed budgets, timeframes, and standards.

• Take the initiative to progress and deliver own and team/unit work.

• Contribute to allocation of responsibilities and resources to ensure achievement of team/unit goals.

 

Education, Qualification & Experience Required

Preferred:

• Industry specific membership, certification

• Appreciation of Absa Group and the Absa Africa strategy, operating structure and interfaces with Absa Regional Operations and other functions

 

Essential:

• Degree or relevant professional qualification (Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Engineering etc)

• Practical understanding and appreciation of AWS Data Science Tools

• Helpful to have mathematics, statistics, modelling, ML, AI understanding/appreciation

·        Awareness of data visualization principles.

·        Expert PowerPoint, PowerBI and Excel skills including MS suit applications.

·        Knowledge and practical working use of Python will be a critical success factor for the role.

·        Helpful will be practical understanding of use of model building applications and methods.

• Strong analytical skills.

• Pays close attention to detail with the ability to identify trends.

 

Experience:

·        Experience of working in a multinational, multi-segment, environment with matrix reporting.

·        Awareness of cultural differences and varying legal/regulatory environments.

·        Banking or Financial services industry related knowledge.

·        This is a mid-level management entry role - the candidate should have at least 2+ years’ minimum experience in a similar role.

·        Must have a solid track record of reliably monitoring performance metrics.

·        Candidate must have experience preferably working in an agile, lean, startup environment.

·        Critical thinker and problem-solving skills.

·        Creative problem-solving skills.

 

Attitude:

·        Candidate must be execution focused and have a proven record of success in complex environments.

·        Results-driven, high-performing, high-quality work attitude

·        Candidate must have a high threshold for ambiguity and maintain professional demeanour under pressure.

·        Candidate will be an evangelist for data-driven decision-making and relish the challenge to introduce performance management discipline into the Technology space and Absa at large.

 

Knowledge & Skills:

Essential

·        Working knowledge of international and specific operating environments, relating to a financial institution

·        Experience in a technology and business transformation environment

 

Competencies:  

·        Business management

·        Programme and project management

·        Risk Management

·        Financial acumen

·        Leadership and management skills

·        Data and experience

·        Communication, influencing, negotiation skills in multiple stakeholders’ management and customer relationships

·        Influencing and negotiation skills

·        Standard approach to problem solving and strong analytical skills

·        Excellent comprehension skills to understand and interpret data and trends

·        Leadership and team-working skills for interaction with senior executive levels

·        Good group presentation skills and ability to convey complex information to a broad audience.

·        Ability to coordinate and manage simultaneous data analysis requests.

·        Excellent communicator and collaborator at all levels.

·        Superior business judgment based on skills and experience.

·        Back up your opinions with data and clear well-structured cases.

Education

Higher Diplomas: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences (Required)