Senior Data Scientist – Credit

We’re looking for a Senior Data Scientist who loves building predictive models and solving ambiguous data problems. You’ll own the models that shape loan eligibility and pricing across 5 African markets. This is a small team with big responsibility, where your work directly shapes lending strategy for millions of customers. Required Experience: Experience building predictive models, particularly credit scoring, risk models, or similar classification/regression problems Strong ML background with hands-on experience in model development, validation, deployment, and performance monitoring Proficiency in Python, SQL, and relevant ML libraries (scikit-learn, pandas, numpy, etc.) with experience in feature engineering, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning Experience translating complex model outputs into actionable business strategies and stakeholder communications Ability to work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and commercial teams Strong data communication skills — written, oral, and visual Highly Desirable: Experience in credit, underwriting, lending analytics, or fintech modelling Technical Environment Languages & Libraries: Python, SQL, scikit-learn, pandas, numpy, and relevant ML libraries Techniques: Predictive modelling, classification/regression, feature engineering, model selection, hyperparameter tuning, A/B testing Domain: Credit scoring, underwriting, loan pricing, risk analytics Our Team Approach Low-ego environment where diversity, innovation, and collaboration drive both commercial growth and social impact High degree of ownership over your domain — you’re empowered to make data-driven decisions and prioritise solutions Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, product, and commercial teams across multiple countries Analytical rigour combined with deep market understanding to serve customers excluded from formal financial services Building and refining credit scoring models that assess customer creditworthiness, default risk, and loan pricing across multiple markets Developing and testing ML models for loan eligibility and pricing optimisation through A/B testing and statistical analysis Continuously improving eligibility criteria by analysing repayment data, engineering new features, and monitoring credit performance for risk shifts and margin impact Collaborating cross-functionally with engineers, data scientists, and commercial stakeholders to scale models into production