Data Associate at GiveDirectly

About This Role

We believe that technology will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing cash delivery operations, making them more efficient and inclusive. From identifying recipients without intrusive door-knocking to establishing a modern payment infrastructure that ensures swift and scalable disbursements, we are on a mission to transform the way cash assistance is provided. We are looking for a Data Associate who will be responsible for designing and implementing our data systems for enrolling and paying recipients.

This role offers a unique opportunity to enhance your project management skills and gain experience in coding. You will be in charge of all technology-related aspects of launching new projects, collaborating closely with our operations team to define and execute program requirements. Your responsibilities will encompass project management, involving multiple stakeholders, and analyzing, structuring, and acting on program data. As a systems thinker, you will excel in evaluating tradeoffs and communicating data-driven insights. You have a genuine interest in technology across various business contexts. You naturally take ownership, thrive in unfamiliar settings, and enjoy both creating and managing operational solutions. You are equally adept at zooming out for a big-picture view and diving into complex problem-solving.

This is a fully remote role but requires at least a 4-hour overlap with the East Africa timezone.

Reports to: Senior Technical Program Manager

Level: Associate

Travel Requirement: Expect to travel approximately 1-2 times per year to one of our operational countries for team retreats or field visits.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with our field operations team to design and put into operation new cash delivery programs, enabling GiveDirectly to extend its reach across diverse geographical areas.
• Develop, manage, and implement the technology required to execute these program launches, from creating surveys for enrolling recipients to designing the data model for storing payment data in Salesforce (our central recipient data repository).
• Diagnose and resolve issues across multiple layers of our technology stack, including Salesforce and our offline survey application.
• Define and oversee improvements in systems that cut across various functions to enhance efficiency, scalability, and the recipient experience, with guidance from mentors.
• Write code, often in Python, to automate processes and enhance their effectiveness.
• Take ownership of end-to-end technology aspects of cash transfer projects based on standard operational models.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong alignment with GiveDirectly Values and a demonstrated commitment to our core competencies, including emotional intelligence, problem-solving, project management, follow-through, and inclusivity. We encourage applications from candidates with personal or professional experience in low-income and historically marginalized communities we serve.
• Language Requirement: Proficiency in English.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience (we welcome diverse skill sets and backgrounds, including finance, data analytics, project management, program management, international development, or management consulting).
• Proficiency in handling data, including using tools to extract, clean, manipulate, and analyze data for making operational decisions.
• High level of comfort with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets.
• Robust project management skills, including experience in managing timelines, stakeholders, and complex deliverables.
• Strong interest in technology, systems design, and implementation.
• Ability to collaborate inclusively with stakeholders from various social, national, and cultural backgrounds, with the capacity to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical individuals.
• Intermediate experience with a programming or statistical language (such as Python, R, Matlab, Java, or Apex). Note that this role may involve automating business logic and analysis but is not strictly an engineering or data science position.