Strategic Intelligence Specialist

Durban University of Technology; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

Durban University of Technology in South Africa seeks a Strategic Intelligence Specialist to manage, analyze and visualize institutional data to support evidence‑based decision‑making, strategic planning and reporting.

You will translate complex data into actionable insights, develop and maintain analytical models and dashboards, and promote data governance and quality across DUT. This role drives data‑driven improvements across the university.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics or related quantitative discipline.
• Ideally Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Business Intelligence or related quantitative discipline.
• At least 5‑7 years' relevant experience in data analytics, statistical analysis, business intelligence, data management or institutional performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Intelligence, Data Analysis & Insight Generation: Analyse institutional and relevant external data to identify patterns, trends, opportunities and risks.
• Data Management, Integration & Quality Assurance: Maintain automated process for data updates and reporting pipelines; document data models, flows and validation procedures.
• Business Intelligence, Visualisation & Dashboard Development: Design, develop and maintain dashboards, scorecards and visual reports using Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms; guide users on interpretation.
• Institutional Performance Monitoring, Reporting & Forecasting: Monitor performance against DUT Strategy, APP/EAPP commitments, develop forecasts and support governance reporting.
• Stakeholder Advisory, Governance & Continuous Improvement: Collaborate with IPME and other units to develop shared data solutions and promote data literacy.

Skills

Data analytics

Statistical analysis

Business intelligence

Data management

Performance reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree (NQF 7) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics or related

Honours degree (NQF 8) in Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Business Intelligence or related

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Post: Strategic Intelligence Specialist
Post Reference: 20001699

With more than 34,400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi‑campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘people‑centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties:

1. Accounting and Informatics
2. Applied Science
3. Arts & Design
4. Engineering and the Built Environment
5. Health Sciences
6. Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award‑winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University has substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF‑rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARChI Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

Overall Purpose of the Job

To provide strategic intelligence through the rigorous management, analysis and visualisation of institutional data to support evidence‑based decision‑making, strategic planning, performance monitoring and reporting. The Strategic Intelligence Specialist translates complex internal and external data into actionable insights and recommendations, develops and maintains analytical models, dashboards and management information tools, and promotes data quality, governance and consistent use of institutional information across DUT.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics or a related quantitative discipline and Ideally Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Data Science, Business Intelligence or a related quantitative discipline.
• At least 5‑7 years' relevant experience in data analytics, statistical analysis, business intelligence, data management or institutional performance reporting.

Summary of Duties:

Strategic Intelligence, Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Analyse institutional and relevant external data to identify patterns, trends, opportunities and risks.
• Apply descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and scenario‑based techniques to support strategic planning and decision‑making.
• Translate complex data into clear strategic intelligence, recommendations and management information for executive and institutional stakeholders.

Data Management, Integration & Quality Assurance

• Maintain automated process for data updates and reporting pipelines
• Document data models, flows and validation procedures
• Maintain reliable datasets, data models, reporting pipelines, data dictionaries, metadata and version‑control information.
• Resolve data discrepancies with IT and data stewards, and support strategy data warehouses, governance processes and data audits.

Business Intelligence, Visualisation & Dashboard Development

• Design, develop and maintain dashboards, scorecards and visual reports using Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms.
• Guide and train users on the interpretation and effective use of dashboards and analytical outputs.
• Provide analytics for performance against strategic objectives/strategic goals as presented in the institutional strategic plan; Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Extended Annual Performance Plan (EAPP)

Institutional Performance Monitoring, Reporting & Forecasting

• Monitor performance against DUT Strategy, APP/EAPP commitments, approved KPIs and institutional targets.
• Develop forecasts, baselines, metrics and scenarios to support target‑setting, planning and resource decisions.
• Support management, Council, Senate, DHET, CHE and other statutory or governance reporting and submissions.

Stakeholder Advisory, Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Institutional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (IPME) peers as well as relevant divisions/departments/units to develop shared data and analytical solutions.
• Present findings clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences and support institutional data literacy.
• Promote compliance with POPIA, DUT data governance requirements and applicable DHET/CHE reporting standards.
• Maintain documentation, audit trails and data‑request protocols, and continuously improve analytical and reporting processes.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Mr. Viko Mazwi

Status of Position: Permanent

Please note:

The University reserves the right not to appoint.

While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be given in terms of the University’s Equity Plan.