Data Analyst: Data Interpretation and Visualisation at University of Johannesburg

Job Description

• The Centre for Academic Technologies (CAT) supports teaching and learning through innovative and advanced technologies. Ensuring the training and support of the use of such technologies for both staff and students is a central part of CAT. CAT consists of staff support (Learning Experience Advisors Team), student support (Helpdesk Team), and technical/data support (IT team). Ultimately, we support all staff, students, and support stakeholders on all four of our UJ campuses. The purpose of this role is to develop, support, and maintain bespoke technologies for teaching, learning, and research.

Responsibilities:

• Understand the basic teaching and learning support provided by CAT to staff & students.
• Understand the basic technicalities of the Learning Management System.
• To work accurately with numbers and use different statistical techniques.
• Develop and design reports in a timely manner and aligned with the stakeholder requirements.
• Execute the data visualisation that is fit-for-purpose.
• Ensure accurate, reliable and relevant data and information are gathered from trustworthy internal and external information sources for reporting and planning processes.
• Interpret relevant data and present findings to relevant stakeholders that respond to the objectives identified in CAT relating to Teaching & Learning activities such as student progress tracking, learning analytics, etc.
• Build working relationships across divisional teams and functional lines to enhance work delivery, collaboration, and innovation.
• Test projects where developments have been completed by referencing the specification to ensure that the right results are achieved according to the stakeholders’ requirements.
• Support capacity building within CAT and other relevant support services in providing data and analysis for planning processes.
• Manage the detailed T&L processes, which include supporting faculties with relevant analyses of current and historical Learning Management System trends and future projections.
• Monitor, identify and analyse trends in various projects related to student success.
• Design and develop intuitive, user-centred visualisations and multimedia that effectively communicate complex data insights.
• Create compelling data narratives that guide stakeholders to actionable insights.
• Transform analytical findings into accessible formats for diverse audiences, including academics, managers, administrators, and students.
• Maintain multimedia assets in alignment with UJ’s branding standards.

Minimum requirements

• A Bachelors’ degree (NQF 7) in Information Science, Knowledge Management or Statistics.
• At least three (3) years’ experience in working with data extraction, analysis and visualisation.
• Proven experience and ability in working with, analysing, and interpreting data.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards for data visualisations (WCAG).

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Expertise in data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Proficiency in multimedia production software (video editing tools, animation software).
• Strong understanding of visual design principles and information architecture.
• Expertise in translating complex data into compelling visual narratives for diverse audiences.
• Proven experience and ability in data mining and data creation.
• Proven experience in a detailed planning environment.
• Ability to perform under pressure.
• Excellent writing, oral and electronic communication skills.
• Proven ability to produce high level proposals and reports.
• Excellent presentation skills.

Recommendations:

• An Honour’s degree, or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g. information science, knowledge management or statistics).
• Experience working in the higher education sector
• Knowledge of trends in national and international higher education.
• Certification in specialised visualisation tools (such as Power BI).
• Understanding of user experience (UX) design principles.