Data Scientist

Pure Earth•New York, NY

2d•$97,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Pure Earth seeks a Data Scientist to strengthen organization-wide monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems during a period of significant growth. This new, hands-on analyst and advisor role works with headquarters and country program teams to design implementation research, analyze and disseminate program data, and translate findings into programmatic and policy decisions. The Data Scientist collaborates with researchers, program managers, and policymakers across multiple countries, analyzing real-world data, developing research protocols and statistical models, and contributing evidence on interventions addressing toxic pollution and health. The position advises on MEL systems, processes, and tools; supports project design and funder-compliant MEL plans; and builds staff capacity to collect, analyze, and use data. The role also facilitates organizational learning, communicates findings to technical and non-technical audiences, and contributes to reports, policy briefs, blogs, and peer-reviewed publications. The position reports to the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, has no direct reports, and works closely with the VP of Programs and Programs Department staff at headquarters and country offices.

Requirements

Degree in public health, epidemiology, statistics, data science, or a related field, with a PhD and 6 years of relevant experience, a master’s degree and 8 years, or a bachelor’s degree and 10 years, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 5 years designing and running implementation research or evaluation studies and analyzing real-world program data, preferably in the international nonprofit sector.
Advanced statistical skills, including sampling and study design, regression, and mixed-effects or Bayesian modeling.
Proficiency in R, Stata, and/or Python, including reproducible workflows and data visualization.
Experience with research ethics, IRB submissions, and data protection.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and deadlines.
Ability to meet teams where they are and recommend practical data science approaches that reflect the realities of staff, partners, and other stakeholders.
Experience designing lean, rigorous implementation research strategies as part of an organization’s MEL strategy, ideally at an international NGO.
Experience building collaborative learning practices that turn knowledge from across departments into program improvements.
Must be legally authorized to work in the country where the role is based; Pure Earth will not sponsor work visas or other work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish, Swahili, or another language used in countries where Pure Earth works.
Experience with environmental health or lead exposure data, such as blood-lead level surveys.
Experience with geospatial analysis, such as QGIS or ArcGIS, or national health information systems, such as DHIS2.
A record of peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

Design implementation research protocols and lead studies with headquarters departments and country teams, from sampling and study design through data analysis and dissemination.
Ensure studies meet ethical review (IRB) and data protection requirements, including for data collected from children and other vulnerable groups.
Lead or support country teams in analyzing study and program data using advanced statistical methods, including regression, mixed-effects and Bayesian models, and where appropriate, machine learning and AI-assisted tools.
Lead the writing of reports, policy briefs, blogs, and peer-reviewed publications, and represent Pure Earth at scientific and technical conferences and meetings.
Build staff skills in data analysis and data use so teams can analyze the program data they collect.
Design and facilitate learning mechanisms, such as workshops and learning events, that promote cross-team learning, reflection, and decision-making, and train teams to use them.
Document lessons learned and co-develop knowledge products that assess data collection protocols and approaches, guide program strategy, communicate findings, and contribute to the sector-wide evidence base.
Make complex data and findings accessible to non-technical internal and external audiences.
Manage, analyze, and communicate quantitative and qualitative data for program learning, strategy, fundraising, and communications.
Advise on the continued development of Pure Earth’s MEL systems, processes, and tools to capture progress, results, and lessons learned across major new projects.
Support development of proposals, concept notes, and funder-compliant project MEL plans aligned with Pure Earth’s program logic.
Support efficient data collection for project and global indicators, including training staff on data collection tools and methods.
Coach and train remote and distributed teams.