Senior Officer: Data Analyst (post level 9) (Contract appointment: 2 years): Centre for Teaching and Learning (Job ID 5542) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Use analytical, statistical, and programming skills to collect, analyse and interpret large and/or unstructured data sets.
• Effectively mine and analyse large sets of data to derive actionable insights and value from data (internally and externally sourced).
• Integrate traditional research with data-driven insights.
• Deliver accurate reports on time (Including performing required checks to ensure data accuracy and integrity).
• Gather data and enable a centralized data knowledge management system that integrates sources into one platform.
• Collaborate with Access, Advising and Success and other staff to understand current challenges and needs that should be met with data solutions.
• Design, build and update various platforms, dashboards, and reports.
• Share findings using impactful data visualizations and efficient communication.
• Develop a process to aggregate data and then enable centralization and automated delivery.
• Assess the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data-gathering techniques.
• Develop analysis metrics and new reports to support critical project decisions.
• Provide input on optimal data architecture to support effective data solutions for assigned projects.
• Support work on predictive analytics and data modelling to derive insights about future project decisions that are aimed at improving student performance and success.
• Develop real-time data gathering, analytics and reporting capabilities for assigned CTL focus areas over time.
• Present findings from research in appropriate forums (including conferences and journal publications).
• Assist with conducting online and face-to-face workshops to disseminate research findings.
• Coordinate the quality assurance processes related to the research projects.
• Assist with the development of relevant survey instruments for ECP projects and initiatives.
• Participate in the decision-making processes related to the research project.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 or a three-year National Diploma on NQF level 6 in computer sciences, mathematics, statistics, data science or a related degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant data analytics/analysis/science experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, preferably working with large datasets and experimentation.
• A Relevant post-graduate qualification.
• SAS/ Python /R /SQL proficiency required.
• Expert Excel user with the ability to understand and build complex spreadsheets.
• Experience in working with data visualization tools and software such as but not limited to Microsoft PowerBI or Tableau.
• Sound experience in data mining, modelling analytics and reporting tools.