Senior Specialist: Data Analytics (Senior Data Scientist) Fixed Term Contract Jobs

Job Purpose

To import, cleanse, transform, validate, aggregate, and analyze data from various sources. The goal is to draw conclusions about industry trends and best practices. Develop implementation plans and provide advice on data analytics strategies to achieve business objectives.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification and Experience Required:

• Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field. Plus 10-12 years’ experience in a Data Analytics environment, including 3-4 years at specialist level. Qualifications in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Business Analytics are an added advantage.

Alternative:

• Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field. Plus 12-15 years’ related experience in a Data Analytics environment, including 3-4 years at specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence (e.g., operationalizing at least one Machine Learning or AI project from design to deployment).
• Expert technical expertise (certifications, years of experience, portfolio) in the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with data tools and platforms (SQL or equivalent), programming (SQL, R, Python, etc.).
• Expert knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analyzing datasets (Excel, SPSS, SAS, R, etc.).
• Basic knowledge of Data Warehouse, Data Visualization, and Business Intelligence is essential.
• Experience mentoring model builders and ensuring best practices in model development and deployment.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams of data scientists and machine learning specialists in designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models is highly advantageous.

Job Outputs

Process

• Analyze and recommend improvements to specialist systems, procedures, policies, and practices.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, assess their impact, and develop best-fit alternatives and solutions.
• Recommend changes to optimize processes, systems, practice areas, and procedures, then execute the implementation of change and innovation.
• Influence and communicate across business areas to minimize resistance and ensure adoption of new thinking.
• Integrate business information, compare, analyze, and produce reports to identify trends, discrepancies, and inconsistencies for decision-making.
• Draw on technical or professional expertise to identify and recommend tactical solutions to defined problems.
• Identify potential problems, gather supporting data, and take actions to prevent or overcome them.
• Monitor the integrity and quality of data and processes to identify deficiencies and facilitate improvements.
• Review the effectiveness of approaches and methodologies through research and best practice benchmarking.
• Conduct assessments and use findings to advise, recommend, and facilitate improvements.
• Communicate analysis results and findings using basic data visualization techniques to internal and external customers.
• Research best practices and support the development of solutions and recommendations for current business operations.

Governance

• Develop and align governance and compliance policies in practice areas to identify and manage risk exposure and liability.

People

• Provide specialist know-how, support, advice, and leadership in the area of expertise.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial controls, cost management, and corporate governance in the area of specialization.

Client

• Develop and ensure implementation of practices to build delivery excellence and encourage exceptional stakeholder service.
• Participate in the specialist practice community and contribute to organizational knowledge management.
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural Competencies

• Thought Leadership and Curiosity
• Accountability: Manages and influences organizational practices responsibly and dedicatedly.
• Adaptability: Adapts tactics.
• Analytical Thinking: Makes complex plans or analyses.
• Attention to Detail: Drives the policy framework.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Links knowledge to current user needs.
• Diversity Awareness: Describes how to influence cultures.
• Fairness and Transparency: Leads and directs groups of recognized specialists.
• Honesty and Integrity: Creates an environment where integrity, honesty, and accountability flourish.
• Organisational Awareness: Navigates organizational culture and practices for effectiveness.
• Problem Solving and Analysis: Tactical analysis.
• Respect: Collaboration and integration.
• Trust: Promotes the organization’s image in terms of good standing.

Technical Competencies

• Database Design Management
• Data Collection and Analysis, Machine Learning, Predictive Modelling, Data Visualization, and Big Data Technologies
• Machine Learning Model Development: Mastery in building, validating, and operationalizing models using supervised and unsupervised techniques.
• Operationalization of Models: Proven ability to transition models from prototype to production for scalability, reliability, and business impact.
• Business Knowledge
• Data Analysis
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Efficiency Improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Information Management
• Policy Development
• Reporting
• Data Analytics and Computational Modelling
• Data Analytics using statistical and computational techniques and tools.