Senior Data Scientist (Geospatial)

Senior Data Scientist (Geospatial)

Job #: req39270

Organization: World Bank

Sector: Poverty Reduction

Grade: GG

Term Duration: Open-Ended Staff (OPEN-OP)

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Dakar,Senegal

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s): French

Closing Date: 11/12/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

At the World Bank, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), you’ll join a diverse, global community working across cultures, disciplines, and borders to address the world’s most pressing development challenges. With 1.2 billion young people reaching working age in the decade ahead, the challenge of job creation has never been greater. Through partnerships across 145 countries and more than 182 offices worldwide, we work with governments, private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to invest in people, strengthen markets, and deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate more and better jobs and improve lives. For more information, visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/who-we-are/ibrd

VPU Context:

The Africa West and Central Region serves 22 countries and supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development. The region works with governments, partners, and communities to strengthen institutions, expand opportunities, and improve development outcomes.

Unit Context:

The Distributional Impact of Policies team supports poverty monitoring, statistical capacity, fiscal and social policy analysis, and resilience. The Senior Geospatial Data Scientist will report to the Practice Manager for Africa West and Central. The role will strengthen geospatial analytics across AFW, with cross-support to AFE and Regional Integration teams.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Lead standardized and tailored geospatial analyses for priority country and regional programs.

• Advise regional leadership, country teams, and operational teams on integrating geospatial methods into projects.

• Develop spatial models using remote sensing, imagery, terrain, socioeconomic, and administrative data.

• Coordinate the collection, cataloging, quality review, and dissemination of Africa-focused geospatial data.

• Adapt relevant World Bank geospatial tools and analytical models to AFW contexts.

• Build staff and client capacity through training, mentoring, documentation, and practical guidance.

• Share lessons, reusable methods, and products across Global Practices and geospatial communities.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in geography, computer science, statistics, economics, or a related field.

• At least eight years of relevant experience, or a PhD with at least two years of experience.

• Advanced expertise in remote sensing, spatial analysis, geostatistics, data management, or visualization.

• Proficiency with GIS or remote-sensing platforms such as ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, or equivalent tools.

• Strong programming skills in Python, R, Stata, IDL, or another relevant language.

• Substantial experience applying geospatial analytics in Africa or other developing-country contexts.

• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly and build effective, diverse geospatial teams.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

As the World Bank Group continues to evolve, we value candidates who:

• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, disciplines, cultures, and institutional boundaries.

• Responsibly leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance productivity, learning, and decision-making.

• Bring experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, and violent (FCV) contexts and are encouraged to highlight relevant experience in their application materials, where applicable.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

WBG Five Managerial Competencies Include only for managerial positions

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.