Datalab Assistant, Pretoria, South Africa

Vacancies
Datalab Assistant, Pretoria, South Africa

We are looking for an individual to support the data work and research efforts under the SA-TIED programme in Pretoria, South Africa. Closing date: 26 April 2019, 23:59 UTC+3

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of UNU-WIDER research personnel based at the National Treasury in Pretoria, South Africa, the Data Lab Assistant will perform the following duties:

1. Data Lab management (40 per cent)
   • Manage the administrative and technical support functions relating to the Data Lab
   • Perform administrative functions to ensure the proper functioning of the Data Lab, including arranging for researcher access with security and facilitating the signing off on confidential reports
   • Communicate, maintain and develop client relationships
   • Manage operational and administrative functions to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and timeously
   • Oversee bookings of the Data Lab using the online booking system
   • Ensure that equipment is functioning at all times and that the airflow is maintained optimally
   • Assist in planning and coordination of the SA-TIED Seminar Series in Pretoria
   • Assist in planning, coordination, and delivery of SA-TIED events in South Africa
   • Liaise and follow up with service providers for events
   • Assist UNU-WIDER personnel located at NT with admin-related work
   • Perform other administrative duties as requested by the Supervisor
2. Research assistance (40 per cent)
   • Retrieve, clean, and process microdata in SQL and Stata
   • Maintain the microdata and resolve errors in the extraction and data cleaning process
   • Assist in drafting, reviewing and revising documentation related to the microdata
   • Liaise with South Africa Revenue Services (SARS) on technical data
   • Collect and compile economic time series/panel data
   • Process and transform macrodata using econometric software such as Eviews or Stata
   • Prepare charts and graphs of time series data
   • Perform basic statistical and econometric analysis on macrodata, such as unit root tests, structural break tests and correlation analysis using Eviews and/or Stata
   • Perform other research tasks as assigned by the Supervisor

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, geoinformatics, data science or equivalent with at least two (2) years of relevant work experience preferably in an international organization. Master’s degree in economics, statistics, geoinformatics, data science or equivalent is an advantage.
• Excellent skills in statistical software (STATA and EVIEWS) and SQL.
• Knowledge of R and ArcGIS is an advantage.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills.
• Fluent in oral and written English.
• Knowledge about private sector development, productivity growth, and empirical economics is an asset.
• Excellent team player with strong, well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Strong ability to establish priorities, multi-task and work within tight timelines.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and with a high level of resilience.

Remuneration

Monthly remuneration of ZAR26,303 per month of full-time work to be paid at the end of each month for the duration of the agreement against certification of satisfactory performance by the supervisor.

This is a locally-recruited post and no relocation allowance applies. The post is limited to persons residing in South Africa, including persons holding a valid residence/work permit. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil service status nor be a ‘staff member’ as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

Duration of contract

This is full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU-WIDER, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance, with the combined duration of appointments not exceeding six (6) years.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Application procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications online using the 'Apply here' link on the left side column and must upload the following:

• a cover letter setting out how their qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position
• a copy of the highest educational degree obtained.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations: Chapter 3, article 8).

Organizational unit

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

Reference number

2019/UNU/WIDER/PSA/DLA/27