UNU-WIDER is seeking Research Assistants to help Expand & Maintain the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria: Total Contract Value is USD 25,801.08

Vacancy: Research Assistant (Administrative Tax Data | Big Data)

Position: Research Assistant
Program: SA-TIED (South African Tax Incidence and Economic Development)
Closing Date: May 25, 2025, 23:59 (GMT +2)
Start Date: June 15, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter
Location: Pretoria, South Africa

Background

The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), in collaboration with the South African National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), has gained access to South Africa’s administrative micro tax data.

This unique partnership has placed South Africa at the forefront of big data research for development, offering the country a pioneering role in utilizing administrative tax data for research something that has been challenging for many developing nations, and even some developed ones.

As a result, UNU-WIDER is seeking talented Research Assistants to contribute to expanding and maintaining the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Data Developer to improve and expand tax administrative datasets, perform data analysis, and provide support to researchers in analyzing trends and ensuring data quality.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will be responsible for the following:

1. Data Management and Updates:
   • Update and maintain the various tax datasets stored at the NT-SDF on an ongoing basis.
   • Continuously improve and expand the available datasets to support cutting-edge research.
2. Data Analysis and Quality Assurance:
   • Perform quality assurance checks to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the datasets.
   • Analyze trends in the data to uncover valuable insights that support ongoing research projects.
3. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Assist in drafting, reviewing, and revising technical documentation related to the data.
   • Provide clear and concise reports and summaries based on data analysis.
4. Research Assistance:
   • Assist researchers by conducting data analysis, performing literature reviews, and drafting research documents.
   • Respond to data-related queries and help ensure that data outputs maintain strict confidentiality standards.
5. Operational Support:
   • Assist with the day-to-day operational activities of running the NT-SDF, including managing data flow and supporting the Data Developer in routine tasks.
   • Support other research and administrative tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualifications:
  A Master’s degree (or nearing completion) in Economics or Econometrics.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficient in STATA, including experience working with loops, globals, directories, and writing STATA programs.
  • Knowledge of SQL, R, Python, and ArcGIS is advantageous.
• Analytical and Drafting Skills:
  Strong analytical capabilities, as well as the ability to produce high-quality drafts and reports.
• Language Proficiency:
  Fluency in both oral and written English.
• Eligibility:
  Applicants must either be South African nationals or possess the necessary residence and work permits to work in South Africa.

Terms and Conditions

• Contract Duration:
  The Research Assistant will receive a one-year consultancy contract, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on satisfactory performance.
• Compensation:
  The total contract value is USD 25,801.08 for the duration of the contract to supplement living expenses while based in Pretoria, South Africa. Please note that no additional payments will be made for housing or other living expenses, but project-related costs will be covered.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates must submit the following documents electronically by May 25, 2025, 23:59 (GMT +2):

1. Short Personal Statement (maximum 1 page):
   Explain your motivation for applying and your potential contribution to the SA-TIED program.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages):
   Provide a comprehensive CV highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and academic background.
3. Academic Record:
   Include your most recent academic transcript or a certificate of completion for relevant degrees.
4. Sample of Stata Code:
   Submit a sample (maximum 200 lines) of originally written STATA code that demonstrates your coding proficiency.

Once your application is submitted, each application will be evaluated based on relevant experience, technical expertise, and personal motivation. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or technical assessment as part of the selection process.

Evaluation Process and Criteria

Each application will be assessed based on:

• Relevant Experience: Demonstrated skills in data analysis, particularly with STATA.
• Motivation: The candidate’s commitment to contributing to the SA-TIED program and the research environment.
• Technical Competency: Proficiency in relevant software and programming languages.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interviews and may be required to undergo a competency exercise.

Further Information

For any inquiries regarding the application process, please contact the SA-TIED team at [email protected].

Apply Here to submit your application

Download complete job specification

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on administrative tax data in South Africa and make a significant impact on research for development in a leading institution. Apply today and help shape the future of economic development research in Africa!

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.