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NATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SCHEME (NSFAS) - LEAD DATA ANALYST
NATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SCHEME (NSFAS)
The following vacancy exists at NSFAS in Cape Town.
Position: Lead Data Analyst
Type & Grade: Permanent (Grade 13)
Vacancy No: 21 of 2020/21
Department & Unit: ICT Department
POSITION OVERVIEW:
NSFAS requires the skills of a Lead Data Analyst who will guide the organisation with respect to matters relating to data, including master data, business intelligence, advanced analytics, information management, current state analysis and design of the future data architecture, data correction, data quality, data processes, etc. It is critical that successful candidate is to grasp the business value chain and bursary rules both historically and current and can work in an integrated manner with both ICT and Operations within NSFAS
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Determine the current state of the NSFAS data architecture, detailing the impact on data quality as well as the operational business processes
• Provide diagnostics to institutions to improve data integration and quality
• Create and maintain optimal data pipeline architecture
• Assemble large, complex data sets that meet functional / non-functional business requirements.
• Identify, design, and implement internal process improvements: automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, re-designing infrastructure for greater scalability, etc.
• Build the infrastructure required for optimal extraction, transformation, and loading of data from a wide variety of data sources using SQL and other ‘big data’ technologies.
• Build analytics tools that utilize the data pipeline to provide actionable insights into customer acquisition, operational efficiency and other key business performance metrics.
• Work with stakeholders including the Executive, Data and Design teams to assist with data-related technical issues and support their data infrastructure needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Determine the current state of the NSFAS data architecture, detailing the impact on data quality as well as the operational business processes
• Provide diagnostics to institutions to improve data integration and quality
• Create and maintain optimal data pipeline architecture
• Assemble large, complex data sets that meet functional / non-functional business requirements.
• Identify, design, and implement internal process improvements: automating manual processes, optimizing data delivery, re-designing infrastructure for greater scalability, etc.
• Build the infrastructure required for optimal extraction, transformation, and loading of data from a wide variety of data sources using SQL and other ‘big data’ technologies.
• Build analytics tools that utilize the data pipeline to provide actionable insights into customer acquisition, operational efficiency and other key business performance metrics.
• Work with stakeholders including the Executive, Data and Design teams to assist with data-related technical issues and support their data infrastructure needs.
• Work with data and analytics experts to strive for greater functionality in our data systems.
• Proven ability to work well independently and within a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Work with noisy, dirty and unstructured data. Data cleansing, scraping unstructured data and converting into structured data
• Evaluate, benchmark and improve the scalability, robustness, efficiency and performance of big data platform and applications
• Execute all regular transaction processes necessary to maintain operations records and databases
• Perform extracting importing and exporting of data in various database applications.
• Assist in implementation, testing, and validating of data in software systems.
• Perform data analysis of key problem areas to assist in root cause analysis
• Audit data on a regular basis to ensure data integrity and quality.
• Assist with on-going data architecture processes and governance.
• Mentor/Coach team members within the data team
• Train business as necessary on data operational activities
• Perform data reconciliations to identify data anomalies.
• Participate in projects to address data requirements or manage data projects within the organization.
• Serve as technical expert on assigned area’s applications, including code interfaces and data flows
• Assist with identifying internal control weaknesses and develop and implement improvement opportunities.
• Lead discussions with development and business teams regarding design of business processes and associated changes/ improvements
• Provide positive and professional guidance, advice and support to staff within NSFAS and across the organization.
• Ensure projects are run within NSFAS’ governance framework.
• Maintain compliance, consistency, and take corrective action when needed
• Comply with NSFAS ICT policies
• Adhere to SLA criteria
• Proven ability to work well independently and within a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Work with noisy, dirty and unstructured data. Data cleansing, scraping unstructured data and converting into structured data
• Evaluate, benchmark and improve the scalability, robustness, efficiency and performance of big data platform and applications
• Execute all regular transaction processes necessary to maintain operations records and databases
• Perform extracting importing and exporting of data in various database applications.
• Assist in implementation, testing, and validating of data in software systems.
• Perform data analysis of key problem areas to assist in root cause analysis
• Audit data on a regular basis to ensure data integrity and quality.
• Assist with on-going data architecture processes and governance.
• Mentor/Coach team members within the data team
• Train business as necessary on data operational activities
• Perform data reconciliations to identify data anomalies.
• Participate in projects to address data requirements or manage data projects within the organization.
• Serve as technical expert on assigned area’s applications, including code interfaces and data flows
• Assist with identifying internal control weaknesses and develop and implement improvement opportunities.
• Lead discussions with development and business teams regarding design of business processes and associated changes/ improvements
• Provide positive and professional guidance, advice and support to staff within NSFAS and across the organization.
• Ensure projects are run within NSFAS’ governance framework.
• Maintain compliance, consistency, and take corrective action when needed
• Comply with NSFAS ICT policies
• Adhere to SLA criteria
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum requirements:
• BTech/degree in Information Systems, or similar qualification
• Minimum of 8 - 10 years of experience, of which at least 5 must have been in a specialist role involving data management/ data architectures/ computer programming.
• Proven experience in leading and directing complex and large data related projects.
• Demonstrated ability in relating the management / use of data to business value and operations.
• Experience in overseeing the design, implementation and maintenance of data processes with embedded governance and control.
• Experience in providing direction to data architecture design and implementation projects, including business intelligence.
• Experience in managing data related risk effectively
• Knowledge of Public Financial Management Act.
• Data Analytics and treatment of big data
Beneficial Skills:
• Experience in both the financial service and government sectors.
• Exposure to the higher education sector.
Skills and Competencies required:
• Analytical thinking and ability to probe down to level of detail.
• High ability to collaborate with others in order to effect change.
• Instil and models a disciplined work ethic and accountability
• Values driven.
• Highly competent in both written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain a sense of resilience when faced with challenge.
• Ability to transfer skills effectively
• Technically abreast with professional development matters
• Ability to manage resources and oversee any additional contracts.
• knowledge of data governance, policies and procedures
• Experience in industry standards, regulations, and guidelines in database warehousing and other relevant systems.
• Experience in information security practices and available security software packages
• Experience in domain structures, user authentication, and digital signatures
• Experience in relational databases
• Experience in data administration, design, and architecture
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS
R 1 033 205 to R 1 217 082 per annum
Total Cost to Company per annum inclusive of all benefits and company contributions.
PLEASE NOTE
Closing date: 1 July 2020
Interested applicants should send detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic qualifications and names of three contactable referees to Ms. Thokozile Mnikina via email jobs@nsfas.org.za.
NSFAS do not consider late applications. Staff on Leave must ensure that they check the NSFAS portals for advertised vacancies and familiarize themselves with the respective closing dates. NSFAS only corresponds with Shortlisted Candidates. If you do not hear from NSFAS within 2 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
** NSFAS committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to candidates who improve employment equity considerations **
10 Brodie Road, House Vincent, 2nd Floor, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7700 | Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, 7800
Tel No.: 0800 067 327 | 021 763 3200 | Email: jobs@nsfas.org.za