Strategic Data Science Evangelist - BFSI/FinTech

Africa's burgeoning growth over the last few years has led to a meteoric rise in the number and scale of financial institutions across the region. In order to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunity that the African FIs have in front of them, and with increasing digitalization of the banking industry, it is essential that they adopt a data led strategy towards business growth.

Our client, a leading regional digital transformation and deep tech consulting firm, wishes to embark on an initiative to educate the Chief Information Officer (CIOs) CIOs, Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and business heads at targeted FIs across Africa about the strategic and economic benefits of a data led approach to their businesses and partner with these FIs as they launch their data strategies.

Accordingly, our client would like to consider recruiting a senior Data science expert who would play the role of "Data Evangelist and Strategy Consultant" to educate the targeted customer base and subsequently bid for and win the corresponding strategy and implementation projects.

REQUIREMENT IN DETAIL:

- The Senior Strategic Data Science resource will be expected to contribute as an evangelist/thought leader to advise our client's FI clients on the benefits of adopting a data centric approach.

- As a data evangelist you will play a pivotal role in championing the use of data-driven decision-making. Your primary objective will be to promote a culture of data literacy, analytics, and innovation within the FIs being targeted by our client.

This will include:

- Advocating the importance of data-driven decision-making at all levels of the organization. Educating and inspiring teams with respect to the value of data analytics in banking processes.

- Assisting the FIs to identify opportunities where data can optimize their operations, enhance customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth.

- Helping to drive adoption of data led growth: This will include but not be limited to:

- Familiarising the FIs with the overall architecture of a data science/analytics capability set (for example concepts like building of data lakes and designing of data warehouses)

- Developing an execution strategy to build capability and advising on buildout

- Organizing training sessions, workshops, and seminars to enhance data literacy among employees

- On completion of buildout assisting the FIs to ensure that that insights from data are effectively utilized to enhance operational efficiency, customer experiences and overall business outcomes

- Encouraging experimentation and pilot programs to test the effectiveness of data-driven initiatives

- Driving innovation by exploring new technologies, tools, and techniques related to data analytics.

Qualifications and Skills:

- 15+ years of experience in data science and analytics with experience in a senior or leadership role

- Ability to act as a thought leader and advisor, guiding clients towards understanding the value of a data centric business strategy.

- Ability to align data science initiatives with business objectives, to drive impactful business results

- Ability to form and manage client relationships, work closely and in collaboration with multiple stakeholders

- Deep understanding of technology and its applications.

- Stay constantly abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the data science and data analytics

- Excellent communication and presentation skills

- Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.