Careers

Data & Machine Learning Specialist | San Francisco (hybrid)

Accountability Counsel strives to create a world where people and our planet are prioritized over profits; powerful institutions are responsive to the needs of communities; and the global financial system respects human and environmental rights. We hold trillions of dollars in international investments accountable to human rights and environmental standards. We work alongside communities whose rights, livelihoods, and environment are under threat. Case by case, and investor by investor, we shift power to communities to build a more just financial system.

We work toward change through three programmatic approaches. Advocates in our Communities program provide grassroots legal support and assist communities to use accountability offices effectively; our Research team delivers concrete research and tools for the movement for accountability more broadly; and our Policy team advocates for accountability offices that are accessible, transparent, and fair tools for justice. Our respect-based approach underlies all that we do: internally, it guides how our team treats one another, and externally, it ensures that marginalized people, particularly women and girls, are included as full participants in community-led strategies seeking accountability.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a motivated, independent, and skilled technician to join our team as a Data & Machine Learning Specialist on a part-time, temporary basis to provide coverage during parental leave/role vacancy. This role will begin as soon as possible and last for six months with the possibility of extension. In this hybrid position, you will support data-centric research and the maintenance and expansion of tech tools that directly advance our mission towards a more just and accountable international financial system. Key responsibilities include:

  • Performing and automating data gathering along with database input, analysis, and validation;
  • Acting as technical lead on machine learning/AI projects aimed at expanding access to justice and accountability for human rights and environmental defenders and their allies;
  • Developing and creating content for data-centric newsletters, web-based data story-telling, data visualizations, and other external communications;
  • Other projects as assigned by the Director of Research and/or the Director of Programs & Strategy.

WHO YOU ARE

  • Passionate about the opportunities for technology to advance social and environmental justice. You are committed to Accountability Counsel’s mission and values. You resonate with and are eager to contribute to Accountability Counsel’s respect-based approach, including by thinking deeply about the ethics and safety of tech tools.
  • A skilled data analyst, engineer, and programmer who will help us to automate, input, analyze, and validate data for our Complaint Dashboard, as well as providing lead technical support for AI and machine learning projects.
  • A flexible, self-directed, and willing team member. You are at home in a lean nonprofit environment with the ability to stay focused and nimble in the face of growth and change. While early in your career, you are capable of operating with a level of independence and problem-solving initiative. While technical mentoring and project supervision will be in place, you will be asked to come to those conversations with options and potential solutions to test.
  • A capable and well-organized project manager. You have experience leading multiple projects with concurrent deadlines. You take a hands-on approach to challenges and opportunities and are skilled at building project processes and plans. You strategically use limited resources to create the biggest impact. 
  • A thoughtful relationship builder that collaborates respectfully and effectively. You are comfortable in a collaborative and diverse, international work environment, sometimes working across timezones. 

The following knowledge, skills, and experiences are nice to have:

  • Experience working in an advocacy organization, and collaborating with non-technical partners (mixed teams)
  • Experience conducting quantitative research and data-centric story-telling
  • Experience with implementing data validation and data warehouses 
  • Knowledge of accountability mechanisms, international institutions, or similar topics (e.g., human rights, policy advocacy) 
  • Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Django
  • Experience building and maintaining websites. 

HOURS AND LOCATION

This part-time position is available immediately for a fixed term of six months with the possibility of extension. This position is hybrid, with a strong preference for San Francisco to facilitate mentoring and communication. 

COMPENSATION

Accountability Counsel is committed to competitive, equitable, transparent, and progressive compensation and benefits for staff and consultants, in accordance with our Compensation Equity & Transparency Framework. The compensation for this part-time, fixed-term role is expected to be $45/hour. As a part-time role, this position includes legally mandated benefits such as paid sick leave in accordance with California law. We will also offer health insurance and wellness benefits.

TO APPLY

If this opportunity calls out to you, please click here to submit 1) a tailored, authentic cover letter that explains why this mission excites you and why this particular role is a fit for you and 2) your resume. Please address your cover letter to Accountability Counsel’s Interim Director of Research, Megumi Tsutsui. We review applications on a rolling basis. 

Accountability Counsel is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or other prohibited category. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and all qualified persons to apply for this position.