Job Description
Data Scientist
Global Support and Development is seeking to hire a Data Scientist within our Programs section. The position is full-time, fixed-term, and will end on December 18, 2026. Reporting to our Information Manager, the Data Scientist is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing robust data pipelines, automation solutions, and advanced data processing techniques that underpin GSD's disaster preparedness and response efforts.
The Data Scientist will be responsible for meticulous data cleaning, transformation, and ensuring exceptional data quality, forming the essential backbone for all analytical efforts. Beyond this, they will provide crucial analytical support, deriving insights from complex datasets and optimizing data for seamless use in visualization tools like Tableau.
GSD offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
- Up to 25 days of accrued vacation
- Up to 80 hours of annual sick leave
- Up to 80 hours of Military Pay and 30 Days Differential
- Medical, Dental, and Vision (GSD covers monthly premium)
- Group Life and AD&D Coverage (GSD covers monthly premium)
- Retirement (Pre and Post Tax Options) and a Company Match
- Matches on Qualified 529 Plans
- Up to 14 Paid Holidays
Want to know more? Read below for additional responsibilities and qualifications.
- Design, build, and maintain scalable data pipelines for ingesting, cleaning, transforming, and validating large and diverse datasets from various sources (e.g., databases, cloud platforms, APIs, and various file formats);
- Implement robust data cleaning and preprocessing techniques to handle missing values, outliers, inconsistencies, and ensure data integrity for downstream analysis and visualization;
- Develop and deploy automation scripts and workflows to streamline data collection, processing, and reporting, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency;
- Write, optimize, and maintain complex SQL queries for data extraction, manipulation, and in-depth analysis from various databases;
- Collaborate closely with the Data Visualization Analyst to understand data requirements and, when necessary, directly contribute to the development of functional dashboards and data visualizations in Tableau, ensuring data is accurately represented and optimized for effective insight delivery;
- Provide crucial support for geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis, including preparing clean, spatially-enabled data, automating geospatial data analysis workflows, and offering advanced analytical and modeling support for geographic insights;
- Conduct data analysis to identify trends or patterns in complex datasets, providing insights that inform decision-making, and supporting the team with analytical tasks as needed;
- Ensure work complies with the data protection and data privacy requirements of the organization and meeting industry best practices where possible;
- Supports the development and management of risk mitigation plans for internal and external facing work;
- Provide technical expertise and hands-on support for statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and developing basic predictive models when required;
- Create comprehensive documentation for data pipelines, automation scripts, and data models to ensure maintainability and knowledge transfer;
- Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and partners to understand data needs, validate requirements, and present technical solutions and analytical findings clearly;
- Prompt and action GSD's core values of accountability, humility, and integrity in all work conducted;
- Promote good stewardship of financial and other resources to achieve maximum benefit to those impacted by disaster or at risk of impact; and
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required Experience:
- Five (5) or more years of relevant work experience in a Data Scientist, Data Engineer, or similar role, with a strong emphasis on analytical problem-solving, data cleaning, processing, and automation;
- Demonstrated expertise in building and maintaining data pipelines using programming languages (e.g., Python, R) to ensure data quality and accessibility for analysis;
- Proven experience with advanced data manipulation and in-depth analysis of large, complex datasets, extracting actionable insights; and
- A strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in analytical problem-solving, data modeling, data cleaning, and pipeline development is essential.
Education:
- Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or a relevant field; or
- Equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
Professional Licenses/Certifications:
- Relevant certifications are a plus, particularly in:
- Python for Data Science or other analytical programming languages (e.g. R);
- Cloud data platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform); and
- Data engineering or advanced data analytics.
- Project management certification desired.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Proficiency in Python or R, with extensive experience using data manipulation and analysis libraries such as Pandas, NumPy;
- Strong SQL skills for advanced querying, manipulating, and managing relational and non-relational databases;
- Expertise in conducting advanced data analysis, including statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and identifying trends, patterns, and anomalies in complex datasets to drive actionable insights;
- Demonstrated ability to structure, prepare, and, when necessary, directly visualize data effectively in platforms like Tableau, ensuring accurate and clear presentation of insights;
- Experience with workflow orchestration tools (e.g., Apache Airflow, Prefect) for automating data processes is highly desirable;
- Familiarity with data warehousing concepts and ETL/ELT processes;
- Understanding of API integrations for data extraction;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace products;
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail in data validation and quality assurance;
- Effective communication skills to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate cross-functionally;
- Experience in written communication such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Reports, and/or Manuals;
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously;
- Understanding of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response concepts and approaches (preferred);
- Written and verbal proficiency in French and/or Spanish is highly desirable; and
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to rapidly shift tasks.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- At this time, GSD is not offering sponsorship and is only accepting applications from persons eligible to work in the United States; and
- Routine domestic and international travel up to 25% is required.
GSD prioritizes the safety, security, and well-being of all of our staff members. All employees are expected to follow strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and adherence to safety regulations (maritime and other), to mitigate risks.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and North Carolina state law, GSD will provide reasonable accommodation for a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship or a direct threat to the health and/or safety of the individual or others.
These working conditions and physical demands are described to provide a clear understanding of the nature of the role, including the essential deployment responsibilities that may be necessary, to ensure that potential candidates are well-prepared for the challenging and demanding nature of the duties and realities of disaster response work. GSD is not able to reasonably predict when or whether it will become necessary to deploy an employee in this position for disaster response work. Such decisions are made as circumstances arise to meet organizational needs, and employees in this role are therefore expected to be able to fulfill disaster response work responsibilities.
Working Conditions During Non-Deployment Periods:
- Work is performed in an office setting and is generally sedentary, but may involve movement (e.g., walking, standing or otherwise being mobile throughout the office) for brief periods of time;
- Ability to use hands, reach, and independently lift and move items weighing up to 20 pounds, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects;
- Ability to bend and stoop;
- Ability to sit and view a computer screen for extended periods of time;
- Ability to demonstrate manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment;
- Ability to communicate effectively with others.
Working Conditions During Deployment Periods (Including Rapid Response):
Job Tags
Full time, Fixed term contract, Work experience placement, Work at office, Shift work,