Senior Data Scientist Fraud

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Role Purpose/Business Unit

Vodacom is committed to delivering innovative solutions. We leverage advanced

analytics, machine learning, and big data technologies to tackle critical challenges and ensure the integrity of our operations. Our dedicated team in the fraud analytics

department focuses on protecting our business and our customers from financial crimes and fraudulent activities. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Data Scientist to join our Fraud Analytics team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data science, with specific experience in fraud detection and prevention. This role involves developing and implementing sophisticated analytical solutions to predict, detect, and mitigate fraudulent activities across various platforms and transactions.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Develop predictive models and advanced algorithms to detect potential fraudulent transactions and minimize false positives.
• Analyze large datasets to identify patterns and trends associated with fraudulent activities.
• Work closely with the engineering and product teams to integrate data science models into operational systems and workflows.
• Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in fraud analytics and introduce innovative tools and techniques to enhance the team's capabilities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to understand business needs and provide data-driven insights and solutions.
• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, providing guidance and support in their projects and professional development. The use of Advance Machine AI and ML methodologies helps optimise the customer experience. The team work on Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Graph based Learning approaches that build better understanding of the customer and the data lake we have built up.
• Help work through Peta Bytes of data to build ML models that assist the customer at every touch point throughout the customer journey. The VFS teams build Models that interact with customers on APP (VodaPay), USSD, WEB, Call Centre giving a personalised experience all around.
• A Senior Data Scientist helps in Co-creating Advanced Machine Learning products that drives revenue, reduce cost and increase customer experience.
• Developing predictive models with large and varied dataset s, working with a community of colleagues across Advanced Machine Learning, technology, and data and customer functions
• Contributing to the wider community to enable an Advanced Machine Learning capability across Vodafone globally.
  
  
  

The Ideal Candidate For This Role Will Have

Must have technical / professional qualifications:

• 4-7 years’ experience in similar data science role
• Bachelor’s or master's degree in quantitative fields like Mathematics, Statistics, Economics,
• Computer Science Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Social Sciences, Data Journalism, or related fields
• Expertise in data manipulation: use of structured data tools (e.g., SQL), & unstructured data tools and platforms (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, NoSQL)
• Proficiency in at least one relevant programming language: Python, Scala
• Expertise in machine learning libraries (e.g., R, H2O, Scikit Learning, TensorFlow , Pytorch , Xgboost , LightGBM) and multivariate techniques (e.g. k-means segmentation, multiple
• regression, factor analysis, timeseries forecasting)
• Experience in digital data sets, e.g., social listening, social network analysis)
• Familiarity with visualisation tools (e .g. Tableau, Qlik, D3)
• Exposure/interest in machine learning
• Experience in Deploying Models in Cloud (AWS, GCP , Azure)
• Data Knowledge in Machine Learning , Deep Learning and Predictive Modelling
• Deep Expertise in Big Data Technologies.
• MLOPS understanding and Experience is Advantageous.
• Natural Language Process (NLP)
  
  
  

Accountabilities, Competencies & KPIs

• Development of machine learning models for various areas of the business on the Big Data Platform
• Development of prototype code in e.g. PySpark for automated training and scoring of the machine learning models
• Machine Learning Model performance tracking and reporting using e.g. Qlik
• Uses data visualisation to engage audience in a compelling way, enabling effective
• storytelling
• Work with lead data scientist to deliver key packages of work to meet the needs of business customers
• Works in partnership with Big Data Engineering for data ingestion to support use cases
• Works in partnership with Big Data Production Data Engineering for model automation and productionising
  
  
  

We Make An Impact By Offering

• Enticing incentive programs, competitive benefit packages, and an exclusive 13th cheque
• Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
• Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies
  
  
  

Closing date for Applications: 10 May 2024

The base location for this role is Vodacom Campus Midrand.

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Vodacom is committed to an organizational culture that recognizes, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.