Data Scientist – Earth observations

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.

The Environment Directorate (ENV) supports governments in identifying and implementing the environmental policies needed to support a cleaner, more resource-efficient and low-carbon green growth path. The ENV team is made up of environmental economists, analysts, statisticians and scientists who collect data and indicators, review country performance, undertake cross-country analysis and provide policy recommendations.

We are looking for a Data Scientist to work with the Environmental Performance and Information (EPI) Division on the development of environmental indicators drawing on Earth observations and other geospatial data sources, notably on air pollution, climate-related natural hazards, biodiversity, land cover change and the ocean. The selected candidate will also support the OECD’s International Programme for Action on Climate. She or he will be part of a team of analysts, statisticians and data scientists, and will work under the supervision of a senior economist and the general guidance of the EPI Head of Division.

Main Responsibilities

Earth observation (EO) and geospatial data treatment and processing

• Identify, independently review and process near-real time data on the environment and ecosystems from remote sensing, in-situ or other Earth observation systems (e.g. EU Copernicus, NOAA, JAXA). Focal areas include air pollution, climate-related natural hazards, biodiversity, land cover change and the ocean.
• Identify, independently review and process complementary geospatial and geo-referenced data and data products (e.g. model-based estimates, administrative boundaries, socio-demographic data).
• Check data for completeness, consistency and plausibility. Liaise with data producers to resolve data anomalies and definitional issues and ensure best use and interpretation of the available data.
• Contribute to the development of  methodologies for the construction of scientifically-robust and policy-relevant indicators, at the national and sub-national levels, allowing for regular updates (annual, quarterly).

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis

• Automate GIS analysis workflows (import-export, reprojection, areal statistics, etc.) of vector and raster data.
• Draft explanatory notes and technical annexes on the data and indicators produced, and relevant technical and analytical documents.
• Prepare attractive data visualisations to be included in related OECD reports (e.g. working papers, indicator reports) or in OECD country peer reviews (e.g. EPRs).
• Prepare data files used in the dissemination of these data (OECD.Stat, Environment at a Glance, Statlinks, etc).

Database management

• Maintain a database of indicators and contribute to the production, updating and nowcasting of selected data series and indicators, in collaboration with other team members.
• Create and maintain documentation (metadata) on the data sources and the methods by which input data have been processed.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Academic background\:

• An advanced university degree in remote sensing, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, Earth system science, geographic information science, or related field.

Professional background\:

• A minimum of 2 years of proven experience in Earth observation systems and applied data analysis.
• Experience in GIS data management, interpretation and use, in developing graphical representations of the data, and in the preparation of statistical documents and reports.
• Experience with drafting reports for governments would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with existing datasets relevant to the environment, ecosystems and natural resources in OECD countries and globally would be an asset.

Technical skills\:

• Proficiency in relevant scripting or data analysis languages (e.g. Python, R or similar) and related spatial analysis libraries is required.
• Excellent command of desktop-based GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS).
• Excellent knowledge of state-of-the-art methods for remote sensing/EO data analysis, spatial data and GIS analysis. Ability to work independently and to adapt to new statistical and computing techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of coordinate systems, data formats and statistical conventions (e.g. Tidy Data).
• Experience with data visualization and creativity in summarising complex datasets to communicate key messages to non-expert audiences.
• Knowledge of database management systems (PostgreSQL/PostGIS, SQL Server), data modelling, and experience with related tools.
• Experience with distributed computing and scripting for web platforms would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with development good-practices (well-structured, modular code) and version control tools (e.g. Git) would be an advantage.

Languages

• Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other. Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.

Core Competencies

• Passion for identifying and solving problems.
• For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important\: Achievement focus, Analytical thinking, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Teamwork, Client focus.
• Please refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.

Contract Duration

• One year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 4 937 EUR exempt of French income tax, plus allowances based on eligibility
• Click here to learn more about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.
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Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates [who are nationals of OECD member countries], irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.

The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.