Data Analyst II (Data Analytics) Jobs

About the Position

The purpose of the Data Analyst II role at SARS is to design, develop, and manage data infrastructure and pipelines. This enables SARS to collect, store, integrate, and analyze large amounts of data efficiently and reliably. The role involves managing the information life cycle, identifying and analyzing information assets, and assessing business information needs to support decision-making and improve service offerings.

Job Purpose

To design, build, and optimize systems for data collection, storage, and analytics. This makes data available, accessible, and secure for stakeholders.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification and Experience Required

• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related quantitative field. Plus 5-7 years’ experience in a similar or related Data Analytics environment, including 2-3 years at functional specialist level.

Alternate

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) plus 10 years related experience in a similar or related Data Analytics environment, including 2-3 years at functional specialist level.

Minimum Functional Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in Data Engineering, Advanced Analytics, Business Intelligence, and applied GIS solutions.
• Solid practical expertise in data pipelines, data cleaning and transformation, statistical analysis, and automation of reporting processes.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency (non-negotiable) with:
  • Advanced SQL (T-SQL or equivalent)
  • Python or R
  • SSIS, SSAS & Power BI
  • Advanced C#
  • Web tech (JavaScript, HTML)
  • GIS tools and libraries (e.g. QGIS, ArcGIS, PostGIS, GeoServer, Leaflet, or related APIs)
• Strong grasp of data warehouse architecture and dimensional modelling.
• Hands-on application of: Data Migration, Data Visualization, Business Intelligence Methodologies, Database Design & Optimization.
• Ability to work with large, complex datasets across multiple platforms, and integrate structured/unstructured data sources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft tools: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
• Advantageous: Experience working with government data systems, data integration and matching solutions, spatial data workflows, or cross-departmental transformation initiatives.

Job Outputs

Process

• Accumulate information to review work progress, providing input to reporting, decision-making, and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Apply practical and applied knowledge to identify trends and potential risks using methods, systems, and procedures.
• Communicate situational interpretations and judgments on work outputs and queries in your area of specialization.
• Apply policies, practices, standards, procedures, and legislation correctly in delivering work outputs.
• Draw on your knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes, and possible effects to solve emerging problems.
• Initiate process and procedural changes, implement them, and provide guidelines and support for new requirements.
• Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives, and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives.
• Execute specialist input through investigations and opportunities within the product process, including risk concerns.
• Provide specialist input through investigations of opportunities for operational and process product and risk optimization.
• Acquire data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases, using knowledge of data extraction, transformation, and business modelling.
• Perform intermediate business analysis using techniques like statistical analysis, explanatory and predictive modelling, data mining.
• Design, develop, and test medium to complex data analytics solutions like Reports, Dashboards, Analysis, Extracts, Models, etc.
• Identify, analyze, and interpret trends and patterns in medium to complex datasets based on data findings.
• Communicate analysis results and findings using medium to complex data visualization techniques with internal and external customers.
• Ensure availability of existing data analytics solutions (like reports) by maintaining and improving them where needed.
• Research best practices and support developing solutions and recommendations for current business operations.
• Assist in filtering and cleaning imported data by reviewing reports, printouts, and performance indicators to locate and correct code problems.

Governance

• Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity, and ethics processes within your area of specialization.
• Ensure completed work adheres to relevant policies, procedures, governance, and legislative requirements. Report on any deviations or discrepancies.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Search for, integrate, and share new knowledge from formal and informal learning opportunities in executing your job.

Finance

• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduce financial costs.

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, building positive relationships and providing opportunities for feedback and exceptional service.
• Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise, and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Building Sustainability
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Conceptual Ability
• Fairness and Transparency
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Respect
• Trust

Technical Competencies

• Information Management
• Computer Literacy
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Statistical and Mathematical Analysis Proficiency
• Business Knowledge
• Technical Expertise
• Database Design and Management
• Data Management
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Capacity Management
• Data Analytics
• Reporting