Strategic Intelligence Specialist at Durban University of Technology

Overall Purpose of the Job

• To provide strategic intelligence through the rigorous management, analysis and visualisation of institutional data to support evidence-based decision-making, strategic planning, performance monitoring and reporting.
• The Strategic Intelligence Specialist translates complex internal and external data into actionable insights and recommendations, develops and maintains analytical models, dashboards and management information tools, and promotes data quality, governance and consistent use of institutional information across DUT.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics or a related quantitative discipline and Ideally Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Business Intelligence or a related quantitative discipline.
• At least 5-7 years' relevant experience in data analytics, statistical analysis, business intelligence, data management or institutional performance reporting.

Summary of Duties:

Strategic Intelligence, Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Analyse institutional and relevant external data to identify patterns, trends, opportunities and risks.
• Apply descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and scenario-based techniques to support strategic planning and decision-making.
• Translate complex data into clear strategic intelligence, recommendations and management information for executive and institutional stakeholders.

Data Management, Integration & Quality Assurance

• Maintain automated process for data updates and reporting pipelines
• Document data models, flows and validation procedures
• Maintain reliable datasets, data models, reporting pipelines, data dictionaries, metadata and version-control information.
• Resolve data discrepancies with IT and data stewards, and support strategy data warehouses, governance processes and data audits.

Business Intelligence, Visualisation & Dashboard Development

• Design, develop and maintain dashboards, scorecards and visual reports using Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms.
• Guide and train users on the interpretation and effective use of dashboards and analytical outputs.
• Provide analytics for performance against strategic objectives/strategic goals as presented in the institutional strategic plan; Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Extended Annual Performance Plan (EAPP)

Institutional Performance Monitoring, Reporting & Forecasting

• Monitor performance against DUT Strategy, APP/EAPP commitments, approved KPIs and institutional targets.
• Develop forecasts, baselines, metrics and scenarios to support target-setting, planning and resource decisions.
• Support management, Council, Senate, DHET, CHE and other statutory or governance reporting and submissions.

Stakeholder Advisory, Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Institutional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (IPME) peers as well as relevant divisions/departments/units to develop shared data and analytical solutions.
• Present findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences and support institutional data literacy.
• Promote compliance with POPIA, DUT data governance requirements and applicable DHET/CHE reporting standards.
• Maintain documentation, audit trails and data-request protocols, and continuously improve analytical and reporting processes.

Applications should include:

• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from dut.ac.za 
• A detailed curriculum vitae (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Cover Letter
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate
• Current contactable referees

Closing Date 28 September 2026