Senior Specialist : Data Management

Believe Resourcing Pty; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A public education entity in Pretoria seeks a Senior Specialist: Data Management & Analysis to drive the data strategy and ensure quality governance. Candidates should have at least 8 years of relevant experience, including proficiency in SQL and data analysis tools. The role involves managing data assets, ensuring compliance, and leading projects that support strategic decision-making. A competitive all-inclusive remuneration package is offered.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years working with large relational databases.
• Experience in the post-school education system is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage critical data assets ensuring governance and compliance.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for data management.
• Lead complex technical projects and data-driven initiatives.
• Prepare technical and analytical reports for governance structures.

Skills

Data governance

Data analysis

SQL

R

Python

Power BI

Excel

Stakeholder engagement

Training

People management

Education

NQF Level 7 qualification or equivalent

Relevant NQF Level 8 qualification

Job description

Introduction

Our client is a statutory public entity within the education and training sector, mandated to develop, foster, and maintain an integrated and transparent national framework for the recognition of learning achievements.

The organisation ensures that: National qualifications meet appropriate criteria and are internationally comparable. The country's qualifications are of acceptable quality. The quality of education and training is enhanced. Access, mobility, and progression within education, training, and career paths are realised.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Specialist: Data Management & Analysis will be responsible for implementing the organisation's data strategy and ensuring robust business processes to create, maintain, and enhance data quality and governance.

Reporting to the Senior Manager: Data Management & Analysis, this position will manage critical data assets, oversee governance and compliance, and ensure that data supports strategic and operational decision-making.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee critical data assets, ensuring governance, accuracy, and compliance with data standards.
• Provide oversight for datasets, ensuring high‑quality data management and reporting.
• Develop, refine, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data management and analysis.
• Offer expert guidance on data quality, validation, and compliance issues.
• Lead and coordinate complex technical projects and data‑driven initiatives.
• Prepare and present technical and analytical reports for governance structures, including executive and board‑level committees.
• Conduct and oversee data‑driven research to generate insights supporting operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Represent the organisation in national and sector forums on data management and analytics.
• Facilitate training for external data suppliers on data submission standards and validation tools.
• Design and deliver training programmes to enhance staff data literacy and analytical capabilities.
• Coach, mentor, and train team members to build internal analytical expertise.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Qualifications

A recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 or equivalent. A relevant NQF Level 8 qualification will be an advantage.

Minimum Experience

At least 8 years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of 2 years working with large relational databases.

Experience and exposure within the post‑school education system will be advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory environment governing the education sector.
• Advanced data and information management principles.
• Knowledge of data governance, compliance standards, and best practices.
• High‑level data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Proven ability to prepare complex reports for executive and board‑level audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL, R, Python, Power BI, Excel, and related analytical tools.
• Experience in project leadership and managing technical initiatives.
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality assurance capabilities.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills at all levels.
• Experience in training and capacity building for internal teams and external partners.
• Strong people management, coaching, and mentoring abilities.

Package & Remuneration

Salary and Benefits: An all‑inclusive remuneration package of R1,, – R1,, per annum.