STATISTICAL AND DATA ANALYST

Job Advert Summary

In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’, the Research Divisions, Units, Institutes and Centres of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertake policy-oriented research from its offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Pietermaritzburg (Sweetwaters). Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.

The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) is a specialist research centre within the Human Sciences Research Council dedicated to producing policy-relevant indicators and statistical analysis in the domain of science, technology and innovation (STI).

CESTII seeks to be a thought leader for STI measurement, with a growing national, African continental and global South footprint, impact and reputation rooted in high-quality research evidence, strong networks of researchers, policy makers and practitioners, and the deployment of cutting-edge research technologies that improve the quality and quantity of output. The work of CESTII will be supported by an ethos of teamwork and inclusive diversity, shared learning, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.

CeSTII seeks to appoint a highly motivated and capable Statistical and Data Analyst to join its small but vibrant data management and statistical analysis team.

This will be a three-year, fixed term position, and the successful incumbent will be based in the HSRC’s Cape Town office.

STATISTICAL AND DATA ANALYST (1 Position)

(Ref. CeSTII DA 11/2024)

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Systems or related quantitative research discipline.
• A couple of years research related experience.
• Knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analysing datasets (such as Excel, SPSS, SAS, STATA, R and Stata).
• Expertise and proven experience in queries, and report writing using and understanding relational databases including SQL, PostgreSQL, MS Access, with strong capabilities to apply these programmes in survey data management and analyses.
• Demonstrable mastery of basic computer skills (typical office suite Software); database management programmes and capabilities to apply these programmes in survey data management and analysis.
• Experience and strengths in statistical analysis.
• Experience in creating interactive data and graphs (basic knowledge of Microsoft Power BI would be advantageous)
• Experience in documentation of data procedures.
• Experience and understanding of how measurement instruments, particularly large-scale surveys, relate to databases and data extractions.
• Excellent team, communication, leadership and people skills are required, as this is a cross-cutting role.
• Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination, adaptability and drive.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Extracting data from R&D and Innovation databases using query language and advanced database tools.
• Guarding and protecting the organization's data, ensuring that the databases produce consistent, correct and reusable data.
• Managing and maintaining existing computerised and conventional filing systems.
• Performing data manipulations, validations and analysis for mandatory report writing and ad hoc requests.
• Supporting and informing processes to upgrade and test the R&D and Innovation survey databases.
• Automation of data analysis procedures and documentation of data management processes.
• Assisting in planning and managing databases for new surveys on aspects of the national systems of innovation.
• Develop and maintain systems to track users of CeSTII’s data, reporting on these regularly, and networking with key staff, data users and stakeholders.
• Delivering high-quality results to budget and to meet deadlines.
• Communicating research findings in the form of curated databases, and user-friendly data metrics and visations.
• Assisting in managing datasets submitted annually to stakeholders such as AUDA-NEPAD, OECD-NESTI-MSTI, UNESCO_UIS and NACI.

APPLICATIONS:

Applications should include:

• A cover letter of motivation indicating your area of expertise (clearly marked), your suitability for the position, your goals, and the position you are applying for.
• A detailed CV which should clearly indicate your highest qualification; an indication of your quantitative and qualitative research experience; your fieldwork experience (not related to your degree) and details of your citizenship.
• A certified ID copy, as well as copies of all of your completed qualifications.
• The details of three recent referees with telephone number, email, and institutional affiliation.

The HSRC will only consider applications that comply with the above requirements.

Please note that Applicants may be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position.

Please register and submit your application on-line at https://hsrc.erecruit.co/

Application Instructions:

• Candidates can make use of their mobile devices or any browser to register on the Neptune recruitment site, as well as to make application for available vacancies;
• Candidates will be prompted to upload their documents;
• Attachments must be less than 1MB (here is an on-screen option to resize);
• The Neptune system will only allow you to upload 1 attachment. Please ensure that all documents are merged into 1 file before uploading.

Enquiries (not applications or CVs) may be directed to Dr Atoko Kasongo via email at akasongo@hsrc.ac.za

Details of the HSRC can be found on the website, at www.hsrc.ac.za

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its black, female or disabled senior managers, research leaders and support staff.

Closing date: 30 November 2024. We encourage applicants to submit prior to this date. Applicants who have not been contacted within eight weeks of the closing date should assume that their application has been unsuccessful. Only candidates interviewed will be advised of the outcome of their applications.

The HSRC reserves the right not to make an appointment.

APPLICATIONS FROM RECRUITMENT AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED