The Girl Effect is on a mission to empower young women worldwide through cutting-edge technology. They're seeking a Data Scientist to join their team and help them scale their AI-powered solutions, which are already making a significant impact on the lives of millions of girls. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a cause that's both impactful and innovative.
A Tech-Driven Impact
Girl Effect has already reached over 50 million girls through its media and technology platforms, providing them with essential information on health, education, relationships, mental wellbeing, and livelihoods. Their chatbot solutions in India, South Africa, and Kenya have engaged nearly three million users, offering accurate information and connecting them to real-world services. The organization's long-term goal is to expand these chatbot solutions significantly, aiming to reach approximately 30 million girls by 2030 through AI-enhanced conversational platforms that provide personalized user experiences.
Leveraging Generative AI
The integration of Generative AI has been a game-changer for Girl Effect. Over the past decade, they've leveraged user insights and technology to create safer online environments for young users. The deployment of a custom GenAI feature protected by strict safety guardrails, processing of over 150,000 user submissions, and plans to expand support for mixed-language conversations across South Africa, Kenya, and India are all testaments to their commitment to innovation. They're also moving beyond traditional question-and-answer chatbot functionality to create more complex interventions that can safely guide users toward positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
The Role of the Data Scientist
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's AI and data science strategy while supporting the development of innovative digital products. Their responsibilities will include guiding major architectural decisions for AI-powered platforms, designing and evaluating GenAI and LLM-based solutions, conducting code reviews and technical assessments, establishing rigorous safety and performance metrics, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, designing experiments to validate AI system effectiveness, and representing the organization's data science vision in external engagements and partnerships.
Technical Expertise Required
Girl Effect is looking for candidates with extensive experience in modern AI technologies and software development practices. Preferred qualifications include a postgraduate degree in Data Science or a related discipline, proven expertise in Generative AI and Large Language Models, a strong understanding of software development lifecycles, advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities, excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, experience working across technical and non-technical teams, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in agile environments.
Commitment to Responsible AI
A distinguishing aspect of this position is its emphasis on ethical and responsible AI development. Given that the organization's users include vulnerable adolescents and young women, safety remains a core requirement rather than an optional consideration. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible AI development, user safety and safeguarding, ethical technology implementation, accurate and trustworthy information delivery, and secure digital interactions.
An Inclusive and Mission-Driven Workplace
Girl Effect emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding. They welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds and maintain equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, gender, age, disability status, or other protected characteristics. The organization also maintains a zero-tolerance approach to safeguarding violations and requires employees to adhere to strict safeguarding standards and background verification processes.
Application Deadline
If you're passionate about using technology for positive social impact and have the necessary skills and experience, don't miss out on this opportunity. Apply by June 29, 2026, and join Girl Effect in their mission to empower young women worldwide through responsible and impactful technology.
