About Company
Econet Wireless is Zimbabwe’s largest telecommunications company, a diversified technology group with operations in various sectors including mobile money, insurance, energy, and digital services. Founded on innovation and a commitment to connecting communities, Econet has consistently led the market in introducing cutting-edge technologies and services that transform lives and drive economic growth. We are a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation dedicated to leveraging data and technology to enhance customer experience, optimise operations, and build the future of digital Zimbabwe.
Job Description
We are seeking an visionary and highly experienced Head of Data Science to lead our strategic data initiatives and drive innovation within our rapidly evolving organisation. Based in Chitungwiza, Harare Province, this pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping our data strategy, building and mentoring a world-class data science team, and transforming complex data into actionable insights that fuel business growth and operational excellence across our diverse portfolio. The Head of Data Science will be responsible for defining the roadmap for advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, ensuring that data-driven decision-making is embedded in every facet of our operations. This includes developing sophisticated models for customer churn prediction, network optimisation, fraud detection, personalised service offerings, and new product development. You will be a key player in translating cutting-edge data science methodologies into tangible business value, fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous learning within the team, and advocating for data literacy across the enterprise. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact on millions of lives and contribute to the digital transformation of Zimbabwe.
Key Responsibilities
- Define, develop, and implement the data science strategy and roadmap aligned with Econet's overall business objectives.
- Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the end-to-end development, deployment, and maintenance of machine learning models and AI solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, and ethical considerations.
- Collaborate closely with various business units (e.g., Marketing, Network Operations, Finance, Product Development) to identify opportunities for data-driven insights and solutions.
- Translate complex business problems into tractable data science projects, managing project pipelines from conception to production.
- Establish best practices for data collection, storage, quality, and governance to ensure the integrity and accessibility of data assets.
- Present complex analytical findings and recommendations to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner.
- Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI, evaluating and integrating new technologies and methodologies.
- Drive a data-first culture, championing data literacy and analytical thinking across the organisation.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in data science, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial role.
- Proven track record of building, leading, and mentoring high-performing data science teams.
- Deep expertise in machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and experimental design.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and strong SQL skills.
- Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strategic mindset.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies.
- Strong understanding of the telecommunications industry and its unique data challenges.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
- Experience with MLOps and deploying models into production environments.
- Familiarity with data visualisation tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
- Published research or active participation in the data science community.
- Experience in emerging markets or similar dynamic business environments.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Generous pension scheme and other financial planning support.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
- A dynamic, innovative, and challenging work environment.
- The chance to lead significant projects with a direct impact on national development and millions of customers.
- A vibrant company culture promoting collaboration and growth.
How to Apply
If you are a driven and experienced data science leader ready to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. We look forward to hearing from you!