DATA ANALYST (Readvertisement)

Introduction

The Data Analyst is the lead technical resource for programme data analysis and impact measurement for ACHIEVE South Africa. Working with the monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) and programme teams, the role turns routine monitoring and other programme data into credible evidence about reach, quality, outcomes and performance. The postholder applies appropriate statistical methods, explains findings in plain language and helps teams use evidence to improve implementation and meet donor expectations.

The role covers the full analytical process, from data extraction, cleaning, documentation and validation to analysis, visualisation and reporting. The Data Analyst works closely with the database administrator while remaining accountable for the quality and usefulness of the analysis. The role also strengthens the skills of MEL and programme staff through coaching, practical tools and hands-on analytical support.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Set and maintain a programme analysis plan linked to the results framework, learning priorities, reporting commitments and management questions

• Analyse programme reach, service quality, outcomes and performance. Disaggregate findings by relevant characteristics such as geography, age, sex and population group to identify variation, inequities and areas needing attention.

• Apply sound statistical methods, including descriptive, trend and cohort analysis.

• Use more advanced methods where the data and study design support them, and state assumptions and limitations clearly

• Prepare documented and repeatable analytical workflows using Excel and suitable query or statistical tools. Maintain analysis files, syntax, data dictionaries and version records so that results can be checked and reproduced.

• Extract, combine, clean and validate data from CBIMS, DATIM and other programme sources. Work with the database administrator to resolve data structure, indicator and system issues without shifting analytical accountability to that function.

• Conduct routine data quality assessments and reconcile reported figures with source records. Track material issues through to resolution and explain how remaining limitations affect interpretation.

• Develop and maintain practical dashboards and visualisations in Power BI, Tableau or Excel. Design products around decisions and user needs, not simply the availability of data.

• Lead the analytical content for biweekly and monthly performance reviews and for semi-annual, annual, donor and proposal reporting. Provide concise interpretation, recommendations and follow-up questions alongside the figures.

• Present findings in programme and leadership meetings, facilitate discussion of what the data means, and help teams agree and monitor actions in response.

• Support evaluations, learning studies, indicator reviews, target setting and other impact measurement work, including analysis plans and interpretation of findings.

• Coach MEL and programme staff in data interpretation, data quality and the responsible use of dashboards and analytical tools.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in statistics, data science, epidemiology, economics, monitoring and evaluation, public health, social sciences or a related quantitative field, together with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in programme data analysis. This should include experience leading complex analytical assignments or coaching colleagues.

• A relevant master's degree is an advantage. An equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience will be considered

• Demonstrated ability to clean, link, analyse and interpret large programme datasets, with examples of analysis that informed a management, programme or policy decision.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong working ability in SQL, R or Python.

• Strong experience with Power BI, Tableau or a comparable visualisation tool, including data modelling, quality checks and dashboard design for non-technical users.

• Practical knowledge of statistical methods used for performance and outcome analysis, and the judgement to match the method to the question and the quality of the available data.

• Experience with results frameworks, indicator definitions, target setting, routine data quality assessment and programme or donor reporting.

• Experience handling sensitive individual-level data and applying appropriate confidentiality, access and data protection controls.

• Experience with PEPFAR MER indicators, DATIM reporting requirements and timelines.

• Experience using the Community-Based Intervention Monitoring System (CBIMS) or a comparable case management information system.

• Experience analysing HIV, OVC, public health or social protection programmes in South Africa.

• Experience with quantitative evaluation methods, survey analysis, geographic analysis or mixed-methods studies.

• Valid South African driver’s license and eligibility to work in South Africa (SA National or possess valid permit)

• Willingness to travel extensively across different provinces.