Data Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a source of impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating in 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge aimed at fostering positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, contributing significantly to addressing pressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The scientist" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Data Scientist position is based at the South African Revenue Services (SARS) in Pretoria, South Africa, and is part of the Southern African – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme. This role involves preparing tax data extractions and enhancing cooperation between UNU-WIDER, SARS, and the National Treasury. The Data Scientist will be responsible for writing scripts to extract and anonymize administrative tax data, performing quality assurance, and ensuring timely delivery of data extractions. Additionally, the role requires providing support for data-related queries, preparing high-quality documentation, and assisting in identifying tax non-compliance and revenue opportunities. The Data Scientist will work closely with a team to bridge the gap between research and policy-making, contributing to the overall goal of promoting sustainable and equitable development in South Africa and the broader southern African region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Data Scientist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Preparing data extractions by writing scripts to extract administrative tax data, anonymizing it, performing quality assurance, and generating extraction reports. This includes conducting consistency checks and establishing sustainable methods for verifying data similarity across extractions.
• Providing substantive support for data-related queries raised by SA-TIED stakeholders, investigating data collection methods at SARS, and exploring new datasets for potential extraction or merging.
• Preparing high-quality documentation related to data extractions, updating data plans, and recommending changes to ensure timely delivery. This also involves supporting SARS in documenting their datasets and creating metadata documentation for datasets requested by the National Treasury.
• Assisting in identifying tax non-compliance and revenue opportunities by supporting various models at SARS and conducting data analysis.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent data skills, with previous experience in administrative or big data and database management considered an asset. Advanced knowledge of SQL (or equivalent) is required, along with experience in programming languages such as Python, R, or SAS. The ability to work independently with minimal supervision is essential, as is being an excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills. Candidates should demonstrate sensitivity and respect for diversity in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field is required. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant work experience will also be considered for this position.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a solid background in data science, with a focus on administrative data and database management. Previous experience in similar roles or projects will be highly advantageous, as will familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities present in the South African context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's mission.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, which offers an attractive compensation package, including an annual gross salary of ZAR 989,592.00, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility of renewal based on requirements and satisfactory performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six years, and the mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years. The position is limited to individuals with South African nationality or those possessing the necessary residence and work permits for South Africa. Applications must be submitted by 09 February 2026, and late submissions will not be accepted.