Deputy Director: Data Scientist at National Department of Health

REQUIREMENTS :

• A Grade 12 certificate and NQF 7 qualification in one of the following sciences: Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Information Systems, Health Informatics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Actuarial Science, Engineering (with a data analytics focus). A postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) in Data Science, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or Health Informatics will be an advantage.
• Proven work experience of 3–5 years in data analysis, analytics, statistics, machine learning, or health data management. This experience may be in the fields of: Health information systems, Clinical data, Public health programmes, Research datasets, Monitoring and evaluation systems or Disease surveillance systems. Experience related to building ETL processes will be an advantage.
• Proven competencies in: Epidemiology and disease surveillance, Health systems and service delivery, Health indicators and reporting frameworks, Health information systems, Data quality management, Health data interoperability standards, Research methods and biostatistics, Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Ethical use of health data during the handling and manipulation of large health datasets using enterprise database technologies.
• Key technical skills required include: Programming Languages such as Python and SQL.
• Data Science and Analytical skills related to: Machine learning, Statistical modelling, Predictive analytics, Data mining and Natural language processing will be advantageous.
• Data visualisation skills required include: Power BI, Tableau or Python visualisation libraries. Database Technology proven experience includes: MS SQL Server and PostgreSQL. A valid driver’s license. 

DUTIES :

• Plan, coordinate and execute data science project activities that transform health data into actionable insights in support of decision-making. Develop and maintain advanced analytical solutions. Ensure the integrity and reliability of health data.
• Enable evidence-based digital health products and services. Advance digital health knowledge and innovation. Ensure analytical work supports organisational objectives.
• Ensure responsible use of health data that relates to regulatory compliance, privacy (POPIA) and ethics in health data, including ethical use of AI, ML and DL in the digital health ecosystem. Enhance the analytical maturity of Data Science in the Digital Health Unit.
• Contribute towards solutions for solving analytic problems that can be incorporated into the Business Intelligence (BI) solutions for the NHI Fund Design. Participate and contribute to Data Governance and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.