Data Scientist Fellowship

LOVE JUSTICE INTERNATIONAL • ,

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Love Justice International (LJI) is a Christian nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking by disrupting it in transit. They operate as an 'Impact Engineering' organization, using scientific and business principles combined with local insights to intercept potential trafficking victims efficiently. The Data Scientist Fellowship is a one-year position based in South Africa, focusing on applying data science, mathematical, and statistical methodologies to evaluate and execute key program strategies. The role involves developing data-driven models to improve anti-trafficking operations, child-focused programs, and organizational learning. LJI prioritizes a rigorous, data-driven approach, adhering to principles like 'be scientific' and 'fail fast and often' to maximize impact and minimize harm. The Data Scientist will report to the Lead Data Scientist.

Requirements

• Mature Christian faith and agreement with our Global Value to “Abide in Christ”.
• Knowledge, understanding, and agreement with how the Christian Gospel ministers to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40) and guides us in our mission.
• Agreement with our Core Value “Be the Kingdom” (in mission execution and personal conduct).
• Acknowledgment of our Statement of Faith.
• Passion for justice and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of assessing complex issues and finding systematic solutions.
• Ability to multi-task and manage various projects simultaneously.
• A master's degree or higher (doctoral degree preferred) in data science, research methods, statistics in the social sciences, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Python, R or an equivalent programming language.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI tools to improve your own work—drafting, research, analysis, and redesigning workflows—with the discernment to verify outputs, catch errors, and recognize where AI is not appropriate. Staff use AI within the boundaries of LJI's AI Tool Usage Policy.

Responsibilities

• Use data, statistical analysis, and modeling to generate insights that advance Love Justice’s anti-trafficking efforts, child-focused programs in South Asia, and organizational learning.
• Apply analytical findings to support real-world action, including informing anti-trafficking operations and investigations, improving program design, and strengthening accountability.
• Develop and maintain objective measures of impact, including assessing child wellbeing and benchmarking outcomes against relevant populations where appropriate.
• Design, build, and continuously improve predictive assessments that support consistent, effective hiring across a range of roles.
• Establish and document reproducible analytical workflows and standards, and contribute to the ongoing improvement of data systems, metrics, and data quality across the organization.
• Build and maintain a team of financial supporters through regular communication and updates.

Benefits

• Competitive and thoughtful benefits packages tailored to the specific role and location of our staff.
• Benefit offerings are designed to support wellness, work-life balance, and overall staff care.
• Details of specific benefits will vary based on location, local standards, and applicable regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level