• • Lead and oversee high-impact projects ensuring timely delivery and alignment with WDL's standards.
  •  Manage project teams and resources effectively to deliver data models and products that address the region's most pressing issues, such as poverty, youth employment, water scarcity, and climate adaptation.
  •  Drive WDL's business development efforts in Africa, identifying and securing new opportunities for collaboration and funding to support WDL's mission.
  •  Lead outreach efforts to expand WDL's client base and support the commercial adoption of WDL's data solutions by organizations seeking to make data-driven decisions.
  •  Recruit, mentor, and develop a skilled Africa-based team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

• •  Ensure that the team is aligned with WDL's mission and equipped to implement data-driven solutions that meet the needs of local and regional clients.

•  Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with governments, private sector organizations, NGOs, and development agencies to support WDL's mission of democratizing data.
•  Act as the primary liaison with key African stakeholders, ensuring WDL's initiatives are aligned with regional priorities and foster long-term collaborations.
•  Collaborate with the WDL product and research teams to adapt and localize data products and insights for the African context, ensuring that WDL's tools are relevant and accessible for African users.
•  Lead efforts to innovate and improve WDL's data models and insights to address unique challenges in African markets.

YOUR PROFILE

•  A Master's degree in a relevant field, such as Economics, Data Science, Public Policy, International Development, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
•  At least 10 years of relevant experience in roles involving strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making, or international development, preferably within Africa or with a strong focus on African markets.
•  Proven experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, private sector entities, and multilateral organizations.
•  Demonstrated success in managing multi-country projects, particularly in data analytics, economic research, or social impact projects.
•  Strong understanding of data science, economic modeling, or analytics, with the ability to translate complex data insights into actionable strategies.
•  Experience with data-driven platforms and tools, and familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and metrics related to poverty, employment, water scarcity, climate resilience, or social equity.
•  Strong understanding of project management tools.
•  Experience in managing and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams, with a talent for mentoring and fostering an inclusive, innovative culture.
•  Strong skills in business development, including experience securing funding, cultivating client relationships, and creating impactful partnerships.
•  Proven ability to engage and collaborate with high-level stakeholders and clients, such as government officials, private sector executives, and NGO leaders.
•  In-depth understanding of African markets, economic trends, and social issues, with a robust network of contacts across governments, international organizations, and the private sector in Africa.
•  Sensitivity to cultural and regional dynamics, with experience adapting projects to meet local needs and conditions.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences effectively.
•  Strong presentation skills and experience in representing an organization at high-level meetings, conferences, or public forums.
•  A self-starter with a proactive approach, capable of handling multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
•  Flexibility to travel frequently across African countries to support WDL's expansion and build relationships.
•  A strong commitment to WDL's mission of democratizing data to address global challenges, with a clear understanding of how data can be used to support sustainable development and social impact in Africa.

OUR OFFER

•  Lead initiatives and work with a dynamic cross-functional team.
•  The opportunity to have an impact in a fast-growing and well-established big data SaaS scale-up
•  Gain unique insights into an NGO company, including interactions with large companies, international organizations, and governments.
•  Flexible working hours and conditions with high acceptance of home office
•  Be part of an international team of highly motivated and like-minded individuals, including global thought leaders.
•  Great individual professional and educational development - including growth opportunities within the team.

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

•  Initial Screening: A quick chat with our People & Culture Manager to understand your background and expectations.
•  1st Interview: Meet the hiring manager and showcase your skills.
•  2nd Interview: Meet the CEO with the team and get to know our working culture.
•  Final Steps: Receive feedback and, if successful, an offer!

We keep it simple and aim to wrap up the process within 3 weeks.

We encourage you to apply even if you only meet most of the requirements (but not 100% of the listed criteria) - we believe skills evolve over time. If you're willing to learn and grow with us, we invite you to join our team!

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About us

World Data Lab (WDL), founded in 2014 in Vienna, Austria by visionary economic thought leaders and technologists, is a forward-thinking data science SaaS company on a mission of "Making Everyone Count." We are dedicated to revolutionizing how the world understands and leverages data, ensuring that every individual, organization, and community has access to the insights they need to thrive. By using state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed methodologies and artificial intelligence, we deliver the most accurate models and forecasts on global spending power and demographic trends. Our proprietary data models enable businesses, organizations, and the general public to make informed decisions—whether optimizing labor market policies or identifying emerging high-growth markets.

With a focus on creating meaningful impact, WDL's leading products—including population.io, worldpoverty.io, worldhunger.io, and World Data Pro—have already reached millions worldwide, democratizing access to critical data.

At World Data Lab, we are looking for talented, driven individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. If you're passionate about solving complex challenges and making a global impact, we want you on our team!