GIZ Albania Job Call, Junior Advisor-Data analyst/machine learning

Project: Sustainable Urban Transport in Albania (SUTI)

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The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) is a federal enterprise that supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development.

Urban development and mobility are among the most critical global challenges of our time. Rapid urbanization, increasing motorization, air quality concerns, and limited access to resources and opportunities demand innovative and sustainable solutions. Around the world, municipalities are at the forefront of addressing these issues, leveraging data and digital solutions to transform urban environments into livable, connected, and sustainable spaces. These solutions are not only helping cities cope with current challenges but are also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and adaptive urban future.

At GIZ, we believe in the power of data and digital innovation to drive transformative change. The Sustainable Urban Transport (SUTi) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), focuses on implementing data-driven and digital-first approaches to urban development and mobility in Albania. Our goal is to empower communities and municipalities with cutting-edge technologies and inclusive data ecosystems, paving the way for livable cities and efficient, sustainable urban mobility systems. We recognize that sustainable urban development requires strong partnerships, innovative thinking, and the ability to adapt global solutions to local contexts. By fostering collaboration with local stakeholders, we aim to create solutions that are not only impactful but also sustainable in the long term.

Our work includes modernizing public transport management, enhancing institutional capacities, and expanding infrastructure for walking and cycling. We are actively working to bridge the gap between traditional urban planning and the opportunities offered by advanced technologies and data approaches. By supporting our Albanian partners in adopting digital applications and data methods, we enable them to better understand, manage, and improve urban development and mobility. This includes using data to identify mobility gaps, optimize bus routes, and prioritize investments that deliver the greatest social and environmental benefits. Looking ahead, we are committed to integrating AI-powered solutions at every step of municipal management, helping cities to thrive in the face of 21st-century challenges. By embedding innovation into the core of urban governance, we aim to create urban environments that are smarter, greener, and more inclusive for all – further reinforcing Albania’s path to European integration.

Join us in shaping the future of urban mobility and development!

??Junior Advisor – Data Analyst / Machine Learning

Role Description

You will be part of a team working jointly with municipal and ministerial staff to enhance sustainable urban development and mobility. In particular, you are responsible for turning raw data into useful information for management. This includes not only producing quantitative analysis (often from scratch in the early phases of a project) but also letting people know what your analysis means for management action. In doing this you will be guided by experienced experts in management, operations and analysis but you will be expected to also bring forward your own original ideas.

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Responsibilities

The Junior Advisor will assist the team in implementing project activities related to urban mobility, urban development and EU accession support. The junior advisor will contribute to enhancing the quality of public transport systems, municipal infrastructure projects and ensuring alignment with European standards and best practices in regard to data, technology and AI. Key responsibilities include:

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?Data Analysis and Machine Learning

• Conducts data collection, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation to inform public transport planning and decision-making.
• Supports the municipalities in monitoring and improving public transport service quality, including data/KPI management, service performance monitoring, AVL/GPS tracking, capacity planning, economic and operational performance analysis, and customer feedback analysis.
• Assists with the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of demonstration projects aimed at enhancing public transport service quality.
• Assists in the improvement of data management processes for municipalitites
• Assists in setting up machine learning processes in context of municipal infrastructure projects and performance monitoring, as well as transparency and benchmarking
• Contributes to AI-ready database management and implementation of AI applications in context of municipal management of infrastructure and services

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?The junior advisor performs the following tasks:

Tasks

Technical Support???

·???????? Identifies the support needs of project partners regarding data management and analytics.

·???????? Developing and customizing tools, dashboards, and applications for data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization in the context of sustainable urban mobility.

·???????? Assists in the design and implementation of data processes for monitoring and managing public transport service quality using KPIs.?

·???????? Supporting the development, implementation, and evaluation of data and machine learning projects.

·???????? Prepares and reviewing technical reports and memos for political communication related to data management and knowledge management in municipalities.

·???????? Provides technical advisory services and capacity building measures to project partners in regard to data analysis, knowledge management and machine learning.

?Communication and Networking Support

·???????? Prepares presentations and visualizations of project results for external communication.

·???????? Supports the organization of workshops, and other events related to project activities.?????

·???????? Prepares newsletters and external communication materials, such as blog posts and posts on social media.

?Knowledge Management Support?

·???????? Documents project activities for reporting purposes.

·???????? Conducts research on relevant topics and presenting findings to the team.

·???????? Assists in the compilation of information about ongoing project activities.

·???????? Monitors and communicates project activities, complying with GIZ’s result-based monitoring.

Required qualifications, competences and experience

?Qualification

·???????? Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, engineering, computer science, transport planning, economics (with a focus on data science), or equivalent with statistical training.

·???????? General Experience: at least 1-2 years of professional experience in data analysis, machine learning, or a related field.

·???????? Languages: Fluent in Albanian and excellent business English required.

?Abilities, Experience & Knowledge

·???????? Strong mathematical and analytical skills with interest in data-driven problem-solving.

·???????? Proven ability to analyze, model, and interpret complex datasets effectively.

·???????? Proficiency in data visualization tools and techniques for reports and dashboards.

·???????? First ractical experience with SQL, Python, R, or other relevant programming languages.

·???????? Familiarity with GIS programs such as ArcGIS or QGIS is an asset.

·???????? Familiarity with public transport data standards such as Automatic Vehicle Location Systems (AVL), ITxPT, GTFS, NetEx, Automated Fare Collection (AFC), and Automated Passenger Counting (APC) is an asset.

·???????? Understanding of peer review and quality assurance practices for analytical outputs.

·???????? Curiosity and creativity in exploring data to uncover actionable insights.

·???????? Strong written and verbal communication skills to summarize analyses concisely.

·???????? Ability to support multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

·???????? Talent for writing data documentation and designing performance indicators and metrics.

·???????? Knowledge of emerging trends in data analytics, machine learning, and AI.

?Desirable

·???????? Prior experience in urban mobility, municipal infrastructure, or EU-related projects.

·???????? Familiarity with European standards and frameworks for sustainable urban development.

?What we offer you

• steep learning curves on different levels: technical, project management, international cooperation environment etc.
• working in a solution-oriented, outcome-focused, diverse team
• personal and professional growth through day-to-day collaboration with passionate national and international colleagues and partners

Contract conditions

·???????? Full-time employment

·???????? Project office in Tirana

·???????? Assignment period: until 30.06.2027 (with option to extend)

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Please forward your application until 13 February 2025, to GIZ Office Albania by E-Mail:

[email protected] including the following information: Application letter, CV in English (Europass format), references.

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GIZ wants to increase the proportion of people with disabilities in the company. Therefore, we look forward to receiving appropriate applications!

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?Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring certified copies of their diplomas and work certificates.

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GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all interested groups with-out any discrimination!

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