Based at the International School of Economics at Tbilisi State University (ISET), the ISET Policy Institute (ISET-PI) is one of the first university-based think tanks in the South Caucasus. ISET-PI complements the educational mission of ISET by delivering training, conducting research and analysis, expressing views on policy, and providing a professional platform for policy discussions and debates.

ISET-PI is seeking a Data Scientist who will report to the ISET-PI Deputy Director. Main responsibilities include:

• Operation of the center

o Establishing the data center with the below characteristics and time horizon

o Managing data storage and organization

o Providing estimates of required sample sizes and offering statistical advice

o Establishing contacts and partnerships with key data generators

o Designing (alone or in coordination with the data scientist and/or other relevant actors) data collection strategies for specific projects

o Managing/coordinating data collection efforts

o Suggesting proactively interesting and feasible directions for data collection and analysis and training

o Coordinating training efforts

o Delivering training.

• Coordinating activities of the Data Center with the rest of the institution

o Working closely with the ISET-PI Lead Economists and researchers.

Required qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Applied Economics, or a related field

• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required, with demonstrated experience in performing comparable duties

• Strong competency using some statistical software (R, Python, STATA, SAS), and Microsoft Office suite

• Strong management skills and ability to meet deadlines while providing quality outputs

• Strong oral communication and writing skills

• Fluency and strong command of English and Georgian.

Functions of the Data Center:

• Store safely and in an organized manner all data generated, acquired, and collected within the institution:

o Centralize all existing/archived institutional data in a data depository and create a catalogue of its entries

o Automate the process of adding new/incoming data to the depository and updating the data catalogue

o Work with the IT department to ensure secure data storage and access by internal and external users with different levels of clearance.

• Support data collection activities of PI centers and/or ISET faculty:

o Provide estimates of required sample sizes for ensuring the representativeness of samples given the target level of accuracy

o Identify the main/key data generating entities in the country and work on establishing close contacts and partnerships with them

o Upon need, advise with the design of data collection strategies for specific institutional projects

o Manage and coordinate the implementation of data collection efforts

o Be proactive in suggesting new interesting and feasible directions for data collection and analysis.

• Engage proactively in the acquisition of contracts aiming at generating and/or managing data for third parties, and/or building capacity (through training), both jointly with other PI centers or independently

• Organize and provide training for external customers (for free) and for internal/institutional staff.

How to apply:

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position to the following email address [email protected]. Please indicate “Data Scientist” in the subject line of your email. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The deadline to apply is February 10, 2020.