Geospatial Data Scientist - Energy Access

We are looking for an enthusiastic Geospatial Data Scientist - Energy Access (d/f/m) who has borderless thinking and gets their thrills from creating scalable spatial workflows. Becoming part of our Data Solutions team means joining a journey of challenging work at the intersection of data and social impact. You'll thrive by finding innovative solutions, thinking and experimenting in new ways to uncover fascinating insights within our development-centered projects - especially around energy - engaging directly with global customers, and making a meaningful real-life impact.

Your responsibilities

Technical & Geospatial

• You apply VIDA’s spatial analysis tools and prepare our software for real-life projects, energy access planning

• You improve, automate, and extend our workflows with Python and SQL scripting.

• You explore, pre-process, and integrate new datasets and map layers into the VIDA software.

• You explore and implement new spatial data analysis methods, for example, by using Machine Learning methods and sector-specific modelling frameworks.

Documentation, Reporting & Communication

• You ensure clear documentation, reporting, and communication across all project phases.

• You ensure project outputs (VIDA software products and reports) meet technical quality standards and are accessible to end-users.

• You interact with our international project partners and clients, and prepare/present your work in reports and presentations.

• You facilitate workshops, trainings, and meetings to ensure alignment and adoption of project outcomes.

• You contribute GIS-based analytical work specifically for energy access projects in developing countries, translating geospatial insights into practical planning recommendations. 

• You have a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) or equivalent qualification in energy/engineering/science with a focus on spatial data analysis.

• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in geospatial data analysis with knowledge of data structures, algorithms, tools, and the fundamentals of statistics and mathematics underlying data science.

• Minimum 1-2 years of professional experience in energy access projects, especially in developing countries, with experience in topics such as rural electrification, least-cost electrification, mini-grid viability, SHS, and related planning approaches.

• Proven Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analytical experience specifically applied to energy access.

• Proficiency in Python for geospatial data analysis (e.g. geopandas, shapely, rasterio, gdal).

• Excellent communication skills. You truly enjoy presenting your work to clients, engaging with them, and being part of project-delivery teams.

• Experience with writing technical reports around geospatial data analyses.

• Fluency in English (oral and written).

• Comfort and initiative in adopting AI tools (e.g., for coding, analysis, or documentation) as part of daily workflows to enhance efficiency and innovation.

Nice-to-haves

• French language skills (oral and written)

• Experience in cloud-based data engineering (ideally in GCP)

• Experience with relational databases (e.g. PostgreSQL) and/or data warehouses (e.g. BigQuery)

• Knowledge of Machine Learning concepts and their application to spatial data

• Familiarity with remote sensing technologies

Additional competencies

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and translate into actionable insights.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in dynamic, multi-country contexts.

• Commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive energy access in the Global South, especially in Africa.

• And last but not least: you are a dedicated team player who knows how to stay connected through good communication skills and contagious humour.

Location & travel

• Location: Flexible within Africa/Europe, with occasional travel to project countries.

• Ability to work remotely, within CET time zones, and in multicultural environments.

• Mission: VIDA is more than just another software company. As our work goes beyond lines of code and interfaces you’ll have the chance to create tangible impact in real lives.

• Impact & growth: We are still a small team, which means you’ll have real ownership, short decision paths, and the opportunity to shape both your role and the company.

• Diversity: Our team's diversity is truly exceptional. With more than 15 nationalities on board already today and team members spread across the globe, you'll connect and learn from a wide range of perspectives.

• Participation in our VSOP program: At VIDA, all team members are included in our VSOP program, ensuring everyone shares in our success.

• Fully remote working & flexibility: We're strong advocates of autonomy and flexibility. We allow you to determine when and where you get your stuff done most effectively.

• Tech & tools: We understand the importance of having the right tools to empower your work and will provide you with the latest technology and tools.

• Educational & setup budget: 500€ educational budget per year that you can use for any kind of learning resource & 500€ setup budget for any equipment of your choice.

• 28 vacation days + public holidays in your country of residence.

And in addition to that, you will: 

• Have a direct impact on climate risk assessment tools used globally by governments, development organizations, and the private sector.

• Work in a diverse, multicultural, and collaborative environment, where your contributions will help refine how our Climate Risk Engine is applied and improved as the business evolves.

• Become part of a diverse, multicultural team where your contributions will influence how our Climate Risk Engine is applied and improved, and where you’ll collaborate across functions and geographies as the business evolves.

If you're passionate about leveraging the power of technology to drive meaningful social impact and joining a mission-driven environment, we would love to hear from you. 

When applying, please state your expected salary gross per year.

Learn more about VIDA and our current projects at vida.place or on LinkedIn.

We're looking forward to receiving your application!

In case your experience doesn’t fit all of the criteria, make sure to get in touch anyway!