Position title: Data Manager/Senior Data Scientist
Organisation: Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF)
Location: London, Marylebone/Hybrid
Reporting to: Director of Research
Hours: Full time
Start date: ASAP
Deadline: Rolling application
Salary: Commensurate with experience and in line with the sector
Job summary
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is seeking a Data Manager/Senior Data Scientist to lead and
expand the Foundation’s data strategy, including the design and management of complex
datasets such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG). This role offers a unique
opportunity to apply advanced analytics, machine learning, and data engineering to improve
African governance outcomes and policy analysis.
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership
capabilities to manage large-scale databases, deploy modern machine learning and big data
tools, and ensure the robustness and innovation of MIF’s data-driven work. This position plays a
central role in guiding the evolution of the IIAG and other strategic outputs of the Foundation.
More information on the IIAG and Ibrahim Forum can be found at:
[Link]
Key responsibilities
Data Strategy & Architecture
• Lead the overall data strategy (including its implementation) and infrastructure for
the Foundation.
• Design, manage, and optimise data pipelines and data models to support evolving
research needs.
• Maintain and scale structured and unstructured datasets, using modern database and
cloud computing.
IIAG Development
• Oversee the evolving methodology and framework of the IIAG.
• Ensure high standards of data quality, integrity, transparency, and reproducibility.
• Identify and incorporate new and innovative data sources, including big data,
geospatial, or real-time governance data.
Machine Learning & Analytics
• Apply and deploy big data and machine learning models to enhance research outputs
and governance insights.
• Use advanced statistical and computational techniques to derive actionable findings
from complex datasets.
• Automate and optimise data collection, cleaning, validation, and analysis processes.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Supervise and mentor junior data analysts and researchers.
• Work closely with the research, digital, design, and communications teams to ensure
data insights are impactful and accessible.
Dissemination & Stakeholder Engagement
• Support the development of data visualisations, dashboards, and web portals in
collaboration with digital teams.
• Represent MIF in data partnerships and technical working groups.
Qualifications & Experience
• Postgraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, data science, or a related quantitative
field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a data science, analytics, or data management role, ideally
within policy, development, or governance sectors.
• Demonstrated experience applying machine learning to real-world problems.
• Proven track record of managing datasets or indexes, and delivering complex analytics
projects end-to-end.
Technical skills
• Programming: Advanced Python (pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy), SQL is desirable;
knowledge of R or JavaScript is an advantage.
• Visualisation: Familiarity with PowerBI, Tableau, Plotly, or Streamlit is desirable.
• Machine Learning: Practical knowledge of supervised and unsupervised learning, NLP,
model validation is an advantage.
• Big Data Tools: Experience with Spark, Hadoop, or cloud-based data environments (AWS,
GCP, Azure) is an advantage.
• Data Engineering: Experience with ETL processes, data warehousing (e.g., BigQuery,
Snowflake), API integrations is an advantage.
• Version Control & Automation: Proficiency with Git, CI/CD workflows, data pipeline
orchestration is an advantage.
Core competencies
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate complex data findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to data quality and transparency.
• Organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Ability to work in a multicultural, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment.
• Language requirements: fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of French or
Arabic is desired.
Application procedure
Interested candidates should send:
• A single-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.
• A CV, clearly detailing qualifications and prior experience.
• Your salary expectations and notice period.
Please email your application to applications@[Link], using your name
and ‘Data Manager application’ as the subject line.
Please note that flexible working hours and international travel may be required for this role.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
