Controlled Schools Unit (CSU) Data Analyst

Education Authority; Armagh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional education organisation in Northern Ireland is seeking a Data Analyst to support its Controlled Schools Unit. The successful candidate will evaluate data processes, enhance database interactions, and use analysis tools to drive decision-making. Strong analytical skills, experience with SQL and BI tools like Power BI are essential for this role. This position involves close collaboration with the Programme Director and other services to ensure effective data usage and strategies.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Health benefits

Qualifications

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant area.
• Have two years’ experience in data analytics development and collaboration.
• Experience using SQL for data management and quality assessment.
• Proficient in using BI visualisation tools like Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate EA’s data processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop database interactions for efficient data use and quality.
• Use data analysis tools to identify trends and processing bottlenecks.
• Work with management to prioritize business information needs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Science, Technology, Engineering, ICT, etc.)

Tools

SQL

Power BI

Oracle Analytics Server

Tableau

Job description

Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO: CSU Programme Director

RESPONSIBLE FOR: The post-holder will provide support to the EA Controlled Schools Unit (CSU) by applying analysis methods to better understand and optimise collected data in public education. This aims to build better workflows that turn information into knowledge and enable faster, better decision making. The role involves working closely with EA services and programmes as directed by the Programme Director to ensure successful delivery. The post-holder will support CSU with data acquired from primary or secondary sources and advise how it can best be used to streamline work delivery. Successful candidates will have strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organise, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.

JOB PURPOSE

• Evaluate EA’s data acquisition and exchange processes internal and external within CSU’s scope and identify areas for improvement, developing and creating solutions plans.
• Develop or improve database user interactions to ensure efficient information use, data quality and appropriate security for EA.
• Use data analysis tools to identify trends, processing bottlenecks and define improved presentation to support Controlled Schools and EA CSU in better decision making.
• Make recommendations in technical developments that will step-change business efficiency.
• Lead ongoing reviews of EA CSU Data business processes and develop optimization strategies, ensuring processes are productive, efficient and provide value for money.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical:

• Interpret data, analyse results using statistical techniques and provide ongoing reports.
• Develop and implement database processes, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimise statistical efficiency and quality.
• Identify, analyse, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets.
• Identify areas of potential security failure in datasets appropriate to content and user accesses, support corrective steps and validate solutions.
• Filter and “clean” data by reviewing computer reports, printouts, and performance indicators to locate and correct code problems.
• Work with management to prioritize business and information needs.
• Locate and define new process improvement opportunities.

Managerial:

• Work with the Programme Director to establish, maintain and communicate a clear and compelling strategic direction for the CSU team.
• Direct and manage their strand of the Data Strategy in accordance with EA’s strategic direction, relevant legislation, industry best practice and other public sector policies and guidance.
• Ensure that employees within the Controlled Schools Unit are provided with clear structure, strategies, policies and processes for their system/service are implemented while maintaining the high standards of the Authority and any future challenges.
• To manage the risk profile of the CSU and provide the Programme Director with early warning on all assurance matters.
• Ensure all deliverables within Analyst’s function are managed scope-effectively, time-and cost-efficiently.
• Work closely with the Programme Director to ensure that all project deliverables conform to the PM framework.
• Develop clear and complete documentation and technical records of work done to create solid programme legacy documents for audit or future review.

Cultural:

• Promote the corporate vision, values and culture of EA as a single regional organisation in all processes linked to maintenance, development and implementation of their element of the project assignment.
• Deliver/Manage service budget in accordance with financial policy and procedures.
• Ensure that systems/services meet the needs and standards expected of a leading public service organisation.
• Establish effective, accountable and rigorous quality assurance systems to achieve high standards of performance, focusing on meeting internal and external customer needs.
• Foster a culture that supports achievement of the authority’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviours to staff.
• Investigate all complaints/adverse incidents within their areas of responsibilities where outcomes are below expected standards.

Work may occasionally be required outside of standard working hours.

This job description will be reviewed in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid or inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.

3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.

4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.

5. The Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.

6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/Experience

Hold a bachelor’s degree (QCF Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification in an area related to the role e.g. Science, Technology, Engineering, ICT, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or Business AND have two years’ demonstrable experience in the development and delivery of data analytics and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders

OR

have five years demonstrable experience in the development and delivery of data analytics and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders

AND

Have demonstrable experience of working to deadlines and controlling multiple projects to deliver high quality outcomes.

Have demonstrable experience of problem-solving skills, analysing, modelling, visualising, interpreting, and presenting data to make a substantial difference to the success of an organisation.

Have demonstrable experience using SQL for data management, database cleansing, and assessment of data quality.

Have demonstrable experience using BI visualisation tools to create dashboards (eg: Power BI, Oracle Analytics Server, Tableau, Qlik).

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

The successful candidate will be required:

to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;

OR

be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Skills/Abilities

In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:

Ability to analyse business information and to apply innovation and initiative in solving problems.

Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at a range of levels.

Ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload.

Demonstrable commitment to continuous personal and professional development.

Interview

Values Orientation

Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.

Interview

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience

Demonstrable experience using programming languages such as Python and R.

Demonstrable experience of statistical methodologies and data analysis techniques.

Demonstrable experience of developing and documenting data management procedures and workflows.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Our Values

Through the selection process we will seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA, including commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery and to meeting the needs of all children and young people equally.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as regulated activity. If recommended for appointment to a post involving regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be undertaken. Please note that you will be expected to meet the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of payment will be provided at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.