Job Description

This post was previously advertised as Job ID 5538. Kindly take note of the amendment to the closing date. All applications received in response to the previous advertisements will not automatically be considered. Previous applicants, therefore, need to reapply.

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

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 stakeholders 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.
• 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 the ECP projects.
• Participate in the decision-making processes related to the research project.
• Integrate traditional research and insight with data.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or an advanced diploma/BTech 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 relevant work experience, preferably working with large datasets and experimentation.

Recommendations:

• Relevant post-graduate qualification.
• SAS/ Python /R /SQL proficiency required.
• Expert Excel user with the ability to understand and build complex spreadsheets.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

• Results-oriented:

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

• Strategic thinking:

- The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

• Business Acumen:

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
- Proficient in using MS Office.
- Experience with dashboarding/visualization software like Tableau/PowerBI.
- Sound experience in data mining, modelling analytics and reporting tools.

• Leading:

- The ability to lead, take charge of situations and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

• Building coalitions:

- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Required Documents

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document (ID or passport in the case of foreign nationals).
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver's license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties:
1 February 2024 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:
24 November 2023.

Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is R 408,148.51- R 513,407.84 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9814 / 9810 / 2979/ 9848 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at: EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

University of the Free State