Data Analyst - SPARK Schools Support Office - 2026 at SPARK Schools

Purpose of the role:

• To design, build, and analyse data across SPARK Schools' academic, financial, and operational systems, delivering trusted pipelines, insight, and recommendations that inform decision-making at every level of the network.

Reports To: Business Intelligence & Analytics Manager

Requirements
Responsibilities:

•  Reliable data pipelines and models deliver accurate, timely, and well-governed data across SPARK's core systems, from source to reporting layer.
• An Azure-based data lake and warehouse architecture is built and maintained to support scalable, secure, and multi-site reporting.
• Business stakeholders receive analysis and insight, not just dashboards — with clear recommendations that inform school and operational decisions.
• Data quality, consistency, and documentation are actively maintained across all datasets used school-wide.
• Reporting and analytics processes are continuously improved, reducing manual effort and increasing self-service capability for other teams.

What we are looking for:

SPARK is high-expectations, high-support, and high-pace. You will thrive here if you are:

• Equally comfortable in SQL, Python, and Power BI and curious about the next layer up in Azure and AI-in-BI.
• Meticulous about data quality, you don't ship a dashboard until the numbers reconcile.
• A translator: able to move fluently between a query editor and a conversation with a school principal.
• Independent enough to own delivery end-to-end, humble enough to peer review and be peer reviewed.
• A systemic thinker, you see a broken report and want to fix the pipeline behind it, not just the number on the screen.
• Motivated by impact, you want your work to change what happens in classrooms and boardrooms, not just fill a page.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Qualification: Degree in statistics, data, or computer science, or a related field; relevant certifications (e.g. Microsoft) advantageous
• Registration: Not applicable
• Experience: 4–6 years in data analysis or BI, including working knowledge of at least one project delivered on Azure and Power BI
• Language: Strong command of English (written and spoken); additional South African language advantageous
• Criminal record: Clear criminal record - SAPS clearance certificate required