Senior Data Scientist

Kuunda is a B2B embedded digital financial company that provides liquidity to the informal sector through liquidity APIs, & proprietary credit scoring algorithms to generate behavioural & transactional borrowing profiles. Kuunda specialises in real-time, transactional based lending solutions. Kuunda builds dynamic, embedded financing solutions that create sustainable economic productivity by providing agent networks, small businesses & consumers with access to liquidity products & services.
 

OUR TEAM

Our team has significant experience in implementing complex financial services across several markets. Collectively, we have over 20 years of experience implementing solutions in 17 African markets.
Our company is a hybrid workplace combining working from partners offices & with operational hubs in Cape Town and Nairobi.  We're an international team with varying cultures and lived experiences that form a collective of passionate innovators creating solutions for the future of microfinance.
 
As a Senior Data Scientist at Kuunda, you will embark on an exciting journey at the forefront of financial innovation. Your role will encompass a diverse range of responsibilities, all centered around the realm of data science and data analysis. From extracting actionable insights to optimizing data workflows, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of embedded financing solutions. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): Conduct in-depth exploratory data analysis using Python and statistical methods to uncover patterns, anomalies, and preliminary insights within complex datasets. 

• Business Intelligence & Visualization (Qlik):
  Design, build, and maintain interactive dashboards and analytical reports using Qlik (View/Sense) to effectively visualize and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) and data-driven insights to stakeholders. 

• Process and Model Documentation: Create and maintain
  clear documentation for data science models, analytical processes, data transformations, and dashboards to ensure reproducibility, data lineage, and knowledge transfer. 

• Model Support & Evaluation: Assist senior data scientists with data preparation, feature engineering, and the initial testing and evaluation of machine learning models to support decision-making processes. 

• Data Quality & Cleaning: Execute data cleaning, transformation, and validation routines using SQL and Python to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of data used for analysis and modeling. 

• Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate closely with product managers and business analysts to translate business questions into measurable analytical approaches and data requirements. 

• Skill Development: Proactively stay current with data visualization best practices, new Qlik features, and emerging data science methodologies. 

Qualifications and Skills: 

• Education:
  Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field. 

• Experience:
  5 years of experience in data analysis, academic research, or demonstrable data-focused personal projects. 

• Programming:
  Working proficiency in SQL for querying data and solid foundational skills in Python for data manipulation and statistical analysis. 

• BI Tool Proficiency:
  Hands-on experience with Qlik (View or Sense) for dashboard and report creation is essential. 

• Data Transformation: Exposure or familiarity with dbt (Data Build Tool) or similar analytical engineering tools is highly advantageous. 

• Analytical Ability: Strong analytical and foundational problem-solving skills, with a focus on translating data into clear, actionable business insights. 

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to document complex technical processes and present findings clearly. 

• Preferred Skills (Advantageous): 

• Familiarity with containerization and reproducible environments, specifically Docker or strong
  Linux knowledge. 

• Exposure to MLflow or similar platforms for model tracking, versioning, and lifecycle management. 

• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines for automated deployment of analytical scripts and reports and the git workflow. 

• Foundational understanding of experimental design principles like A/B testing and statistical analysis of results. 

• Experience building and analyzing data with simulations (e.g., Monte Carlo). 

Join Us: 

Embark on a journey of innovation and impact with Kuunda, where your talents will be nurtured and your contributions celebrated. As part of our dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of finance while making a meaningful difference in the lives of millions. If you are passionate about data science, finance, and driving positive change, we invite you to join us in our mission to empower communities through accessible, embedded financing solutions. 

We offer: 

• Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP)
• Performance base incentive, designed to recognize and reward impact

Health & Wellbeing (Company paid for) 

• Compulsory Medical Aid through Discovery (Company contributed R4k)
• Group Life Cover
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness App

Growth & Culture

• • Opportunities for professional development and career growth
  • Flexible work arrangements and a supportive, inclusive work culture
  • An exciting and challenging work environment at the forefront of fintech innovation

Note: Kuunda is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply