Data Analyst

Education Authority; Omagh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Education Authority is seeking a Data Analyst to enhance data-driven decision-making in public education. The successful candidate will use various analysis methods to optimize workflows, manage data processes, and support project managers in delivering impactful insights.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Flexible working hours

Public sector pension

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field.
• Two years of relevant experience in data analytics.
• Strong experience using SQL and BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate data acquisition processes and provide improvement recommendations.
• Develop database user interactions to enhance data quality.
• Analyze complex data sets and identify trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

SQL

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, ICT, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or Business

Tools

Power BI

Oracle Analytics Server

Tableau

Qlik

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTS TO:

Lead Data Analyst

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

The post-holder is challenged with providing support to EA by applying analysis methods to better understand and optimise collected data in public education to build better workflows that turn information into knowledge and faster, better decision making.

The role will involve working closely with EA services and programmes such as EdIS and EA One as directed by management to ensure successful delivery. The post-holder will support Project Managers with data acquired from primary or secondary data sources and advise how it can best be used to streamline work delivery.

To succeed in this role, you 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 project 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 in a way to support schools and EA in the better decision making process.
• Make recommendations in technical developments that will step-change business efficiency.
• To lead ongoing reviews of EA Data business processes and developing 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 Lead Data Analyst to establish, maintain and communicate a clear and compelling strategic direction for the Data Analytics and Insights 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.
• Line Manage employees assigned to support the Insights Centre of Excellence – project support.
• Ensure that employees within the Insights Centre of Excellence 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.
• Ensure that employees within the Insights Centre of Excellence are provided with clear structure, roles and responsibilities and are supported to work in an integrated way.
• To manage the risk profile of their projects and provide the Senior Project Manager 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 Lead Data Analyst to ensure that all project deliverables conform to the PM framework.
• Developing clear and complete documentation and technical records of work done to create solid project and programme legacy documents for audit or future review.

Cultural:

• To 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 project assignment.
• To Deliver/Manage service budget in accordance with financial policy and procedures.
• To ensure that systems/services meets the needs and standards expected of a leading public service organisation.
• To establish effective, accountable and rigorous quality assurance systems to achieve highest possible standards of performance, with focuses on maintaining the needs of internal and external customers.
• 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 subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. 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. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.

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. Please note that 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 on 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 whichmay 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 relevant experience*

OR

have five years demonstrable relevant experience*.

*Relevant experience is defined as:

Experience of development and delivery of data analytics and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Experience

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.

Shortlisting by Application Form

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 in order 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 also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.Please note that youWILLbe expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed atNI Director theDepartment 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.