Chief Information Analyst at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Lead the design and implementation of advanced, predictive, and prescriptive analytics models and dashboards using BI tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent to support executive and operational decision-making;
• Utilise SQL, Python, or R to conduct advanced data analysis, automate reporting processes, identify trends and patterns, and generate actionable insights for institutional forecasting, risk analysis, and strategy execution;
• Develop, maintain, integrate, and optimise BI, data warehousing, and analytics systems, including data from PeopleSoft, HEMIS, HR, Finance, and academic systems, to support a secure, scalable, and unified analytics environment;
• Collaborate with the Business Intelligence teams across the University to implement AI-assisted automation, cloud-based analytics, and robust controls for data quality, integrity, access, security, and system availability in line with POPIA and institutional IT governance requirements;
• Support institutional, external audit, and DHET compliance requirements by ensuring that data processes are accurate, traceable, well documented, and aligned with applicable governance and reporting standards;
• Provide technical and advisory support to faculties and administrative units, mentor junior analysts, strengthen institutional data literacy and analytical capacity, and foster collaborative relationships with national and international peers to share best practices in analytics and intelligence systems.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• An Honours degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science or a related field;

A total of 5 years’ experience in the following:

• Demonstrated experience in SQL Server, ETL processes, data modelling, and dashboard development; 
• Proven ability to design data visualisations and prescriptive reports for executive and operational audiences; 
• Demonstrated ability to manage data systems, integrations, and reporting automation within complex organisations. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Data analytics, BI systems, and predictive modelling;
• Database management, SQL programming, and automation;
• Data governance, information security, and POPIA compliance;
• Higher education policy and DHET reporting frameworks;
• SQL Server, Power BI, and data warehousing design;
• Programming in Python, R, or equivalent analytics tools;
• Data visualisation and storytelling for strategic insight;
• ETL pipeline development and automation;
• Project management and Agile workflow coordination;
• System integration and interoperability management;
• Analytical and systems thinking with an innovation mindset;
• Ability to work independently and translate technical outputs into institutional strategy;
• Strong communication, report writing, and presentation skills for diverse audiences;
• Ethical and responsible data handling, maintaining compliance and transparency;
• Collaborative and mentoring approach to developing team capacity and institutional data literacy;
• Resilient, adaptive, and solution-oriented in managing multiple priorities.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science or a related field; 
• Experience in higher education or large-scale institutional data environments;
• Exposure to AI-assisted analytics, cloud platforms (Azure, Google Cloud, AWS), and API integrations;
• Experience in project management or Agile development environments;
• MS SQL Server and Power BI Certification;
• Familiarity with DHET, CHE, NQF, NQSF, HEQSF, and POPIA frameworks; 
• Certification in data governance, cloud analytics, or AI-based analytics tools;
• Strong data storytelling and stakeholders’ communication skills.