Data Scientist, Model Validation

As part of its activities, Desjardins Group uses a large number of data-driven quantitative models to support its product and service offer and to properly manage its risks, with the goal of always doing what’s best for members and clients. While these models provide indisputable decision-making support, their use leads to further risks that must in turn be analyzed, assessed and mitigated. As a data scientist, model validation, you help ensure that data is appropriately valued at each stage of the model’s life cycle. You help make business decisions, develop solutions and services tailored to business issues and interpret member/client behaviour. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Ensure that modelling processes make appropriate use of available data based on characterization, quality and processing as part of strategic initiatives

• Ensure that predictive modelling is carried out according to the required standards and that Desjardins Group’s quality criteria are met through the validation process

• Analyze the business needs behind the model and confirm the model’s suitability through validation

• Ensure that the programming required to prepare and mine data, and to develop, evaluate, support, roll out and manage highly conceptually complex and innovative models meets the required standards

• Use advanced and innovative statistical, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods to test the methodologies proposed by the first line of defence

• Help draft guidelines and methods and shape methodological and technological choices

• Advise and train teams on quantitative model validation methods and update them to improve delivery speed

• Identify opportunities to optimize rules and systems, anticipate underlying impacts of changes and help develop data management and modelling support tools

• Represent teams with various internal interested parties

• Monitor the industry to understand and anticipate trends in your field of expertise in model validation, with a view to developing and updating practices that are contextually appropriate for the organization

• Ensure alignment with relevant regulatory expectations for property and casualty (P&C) insurance

What we offer*

• Competitive salary and annual bonus

• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year

• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement

• Group insurance including telemedicine

• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (actuarial science, statistics, applied mathematics, engineering, data science, computer science)

• A minimum of six years of relevant experience, including a minimum of three years in analytics or modelling; experience in P&C insurance (pricing, reserving, claims, capital/catastrophes, analytical marketing)

• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered

• Knowledge of French is required

• Intermediate knowledge of English due to the nature of the duties or work tools or because the position involves interactions with English-speaking partners, members and/or clients

• Knowledge of mathematical modelling and statistics

• Proficiency in programming languages: Python, R, SQL, SAS

• Proficiency with risk management models in at least one of the following areas:

  • Pricing and underwriting in P&C insurance: GLM/GAM, frequency/severity models, auto/home/commercial segmentation, elasticity analyses and business impact assessments

  • Reserving and valuation of liabilities: Chain-Ladder, Bornhuetter-Ferguson, Mack and related diagnostics, IFRS 17 considerations

  • Loss management and fraud prevention: detection and anomaly models

  • Client behaviour and distribution: retention models, propensity models and offer optimization

  • Catastrophe risk and capital: CAT model concepts (such as AIR, RMS), risk aggregation and capital indicators (such as MCT)

• Knowledge of property and casualty insurance

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks applicable in Canada (such as model risk management expectations, IFRS 17, MCT, AMF/OSFI guidelines)

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

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