Data Scientist - 6 Months Fixed Term Contract

THE JOB AT A GLANCE As the Data Scientist, you will be responsible for assessing opportunities and develop data driven solutions for RMA clients across all market domains of interest to the Group. You will also be responsible for translating business objectives into data and analytics solutions and for translating results into business insights using appropriate data engineering, analytics, visualization & dashboard applications. Furthermore, you will be responsible for assisting with the development of advanced predictive analytical solutions and identifying areas of new opportunity for data science and analytics for RMA and its clients. WHAT WILL YOU DO? Advanced Modelling/Analytics: q Work as the lead data strategist, identifying and integrating new datasets that can be leveraged through our data product capabilities and work closely with the data engineering team to strategize and execute the development of data products q Identify relevant data sources and sets to mine for client business needs, and collect large structured and unstructured datasets and variables q Work with stakeholders throughout the organization to identify opportunities for leveraging company data to drive business solutions q Work with various business teams to understand business problems, translate them into data science projects and appropriately prioritize and execute q Mine and analyse data from available databases to drive optimization and improvement of product development, marketing techniques and business strategies q Explore, model, mine, and experiment with data to solve critical business issues/problems q Implement platforms and processes as per agreed project(s) plan date q Assess the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques q Execute analytical experiments methodically to help solve various problems and make a true impact across various domains and industries q Finalise all analytical models implemented as per agreed project plans q Develop custom data models and algorithms to apply to data sets q Devise and utilize algorithms and models to mine data stores, perform data and error analysis to improve models, and clean and validate data for uniformity and accuracy q Develop processes and tools to monitor and analyse model performance and data accuracy q Analyse data for trends and patterns, and Interpret data with a clear objective in mind q Implement analytical models into production by collaborating with solutions developers and data engineers q Communicate analytic solutions to stakeholders and implement improvements as needed to operational systems q Use predictive modelling to increase and optimize customer experiences, revenue generation, and targeting other business outcomes q Develop company A/B testing framework and test model quality q Coordinate with different functional teams to implement models and monitor outcomes q Ensure adherence to ITIL Governance frameworks and processes q Keep abreast of new and current data science techniques and technologies Customer Experience and Relationship Building: q Develop relationships with Business to ensure the effective execution of data strategy across the Group q Develop relationships with external data and analytics vendors and interact with them as needed q Help to increase staff’s knowledge of predictive analytics, machine learning and data science q Provide training, documentation and other assistance to RMA staff to support and expand the use of data science analytics. Reporting and Regulatory Compliance: q Effective reporting and assessment of problem areas q Monthly reporting of the Key Performance indications for the analytics and data science reporting function. WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TABLE? q NQF Level 9: Master’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or another quantitative field q Minimum 5 years of experience manipulating data sets and building statistical models q Experience using statistical computer languages and packages (Excel, PowerPoint R, Python, SQL, etc.) to manipulate data and draw insights from large data sets q Experience working with and creating data architectures q Knowledge of a variety of machine learning techniques (clustering, decision tree learning, artificial neural networks, etc.) and their real-world advantages/drawbacks q Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and concepts (regression, properties of distributions, statistical tests and proper usage, etc.) and experience with applications q Knowledge and experience in statistical and data mining techniques: GLM/Regression, Random Forest, Boosting, Trees, text mining, social network analysis, etc. q Experience creating and using advanced machine learning algorithms and statistics: regression, simulation, scenario analysis, clustering, decision trees, neural networks, etc. q Research and devise innovative statistical models for data analysis q Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating across teams q Enable smarter business processes—and implement analytics for meaningful insights q A drive to learn and master new technologies and techniques. q Experience querying databases and using statistical computer languages: R, Python, SQL, Jupyter Notebooks q Experience using web services q Experience using cloud platforms and services (Azure Machine Learning, PowerBI for reporting and presentation of analysis, Azure cognitive services, etc.) q Experience with distributed data/computing tools: Hadoop, Hive, Spark q Keep current with technical and industry developments q Collaborate with data product design and engineering teams to develop an understanding of needs q Advanced pattern recognition and predictive modelling experience q Strong problem-solving skills q Comfort working in a dynamic, research-oriented group with several ongoing concurrent projects. WHAT WILL YOU GET IN RETURN? We offer great opportunities for personal and professional development in a stable company that’s 128 years strong. The role comes with a competitive salary package and various benefits. Flexible work arrangements (combination of remote and in the office). Furthermore, you will be a part of a dedicated group of colleagues who value teamwork and collaboration. Turnaround time The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. Kindly note that should you not receive a response within 21 days please consider your application unsuccessful. Closing date: 6 August 2026 Our Commitment to transformation: In accordance with the employment equity plan of Rand Mutual Assurance and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.