Data Scientist, Credit at Safaricom Kenya

JOB DESCRIPTION

• We are pleased to announce the Data Scientist, Credit vacancy in the Big Data & Analytics Chapter. In keeping with our current business needs, we are looking for a person who meets the criteria indicated below.

Brief Posting Description                

• The role holder will be responsible for building scalable ML-based credit scorecards and AI systems to solve real-world problems within the credit risk space. The position will report to the Lead data scientist, receiving support to grow their craft and learn from industry experts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Below are the key skills and competencies required to be successful in this role:

Automated AI Modelling:

• Ability to creatively solve business problems by building AI systems.
• Leverage understanding of credit processes (including credit origination, portfolio monitoring, credit line assignment, loss forecasting, and others) to design flexible, scalable, and automated modelling solutions.
• Show a propensity to collaboratively work with the larger team in the AI tribe to productionize AI algorithms.
• Being able & willing to stretch yourself to work on other data science projects outside of the credit space.
• Proactively disrupt current credit risk practices using Generative AI (GenAI).

Statistical & ML Modelling:

• Demonstrate competency in utilizing advanced statistical and machine learning methods and technologies to deliver best-in-class models to support risk decision making.
• Developing code and automated processes to manipulate high volume, high dimensional data sources, including alternative data, to extract informative patterns, perform exploratory analyses and engineer useful features.
• Experience computing and modelling PD, LGD, EAD, ECLs and general credit risk modelling and validation for IFRS 9

Programming Languages and Big Data Technologies: 

• Strong hands-on programming skills in Python and/or R.
• Solid hands-on knowledge of SQL
• Practical skills in GIT version control.
• Knowledge Hadoop/Hive, Spark, and/or Scala is a plus.
• Experience building data visualizations with be an added advantage.
• Experience in cloud technologies, generative AI techniques, will be an added advantage.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Proactively identify and communicate challenges, opportunities, and risks associated with project work to ensure timely completion of the entire product.
• A self-driven and creative mindset to apply AI methods to solve real issues.
• Ability to provide effective leadership and guidance to junior data scientists.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to document solutions effectively.
• An analytical mindset to identify patterns and insights from data and business processes.
• The ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess business needs and develop AI solutions.
• A problem-solving aptitude.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Education you should possess:

• A degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in building credit scorecards, AI systems within the credit risk space.
• Experience in cloud technologies, generative AI techniques, will be an added advantage.
• An MSc in a data science related discipline will be an added advantage.
• Work experience in a lending environment or fintech environment will be desirable