Paterson Grade: D1
Remuneration: R 768, 989.49 p.a (plus a possible 20% performance bonus).
The Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) is a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It is mandated by the Skills Development Act (SDA) 97 of 1998 to drive skills development within the mining and minerals sector (MMS). Its scope covers a diverse range of sub-sectors, including Coal Mining, Gold Mining, Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Mining, Diamond Mining, Other Mining, Cement, Lime, Aggregates, and Sand (CLAS), as well as Services Incidental Mining (SITM), Diamond Processing, and Jewellery Manufacturing.
ROLE PURPOSE:
To solve business problems using data analysis, statistical models and other quantitative methods through iterative methodical exploration of MQA’s past business performance data, with an emphasis on data analytics and statistical analysis, to gain insight and drive decision-making and planning. To convert organisational raw data into actionable insights.
The successful candidate will report to the Executive Manager Corporate Services.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
Problem-Solving: Identify business problems or challenges and formulate data-driven solutions • Mining of organisation’s raw data and finding ways to make it easier for others to understand, see trends or predict what might happen in the future • Turn extensive, unorganised collections of data into information that can be used for planning and decision-making • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand requirements and provide analytical support • Collaborate with team members to collect and analyse data • Establish KPIs to measure the effectiveness of business decisions • Creating an information architecture for the MQA • Making recommendations on how the MQA can best use its data collected to its advantage or making suggestions as to what new data should be collected • Looking at how businesses in similar industries are using their data and what analysis tools they use.
Data Collection and Cleaning: Gather data from various sources (internal and external), including databases, spreadsheets, and APIs • Ensure the data is accurate, complete and properly formatted • Execution of data validation, profiling, auditing and data cleansing activities • Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
Data Analysis: Use statistical techniques and data visualisation tools to explore and analyse large datasets • Identify patterns, trends, and correlations to extract meaningful insights.
Data Modelling and Forecasting: Develop models and algorithms to predict future trends, behaviour, or outcomes based on historical data • Apply statistical methods and machine learning techniques to build predictive models.
Reporting and Presentation: Use a variety of data analysis tools to interpret and report on data • Present analysis findings to stakeholders clearly and concisely using visualisations, dashboards and reports • Communicate complex data concepts in a way that is easily understandable to non-technical audiences • Create visually appealing and interactive charts, graphs, dashboards and infographics to represent data analysis results • Use tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries like Matplotlib or Seaborn or any other as per the requirements of the analysis task at hand.
Continuous Learning and Development: Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and new analytical techniques • Enhance skills in data analysis, programming, statistics, and machine learning • Skill transfer to MQA staff at all required levels.
Co-ordinate service providers: Procure the required service providers to meet project objectives • Formulate contractual service agreements with service providers • Monitor implementation of service agreements with contractors • Follow up and facilitate project closure.
Develop and maintain stakeholder / customer relationships: Identify and list all relevant customers and stakeholders (internal and external) • Proactively identify customer needs and opportunities • Exceed customer expectations by giving all the relevant information, business advice and support to external and external customers and stakeholders • Ensure sound communication with, and participation by, customers and stakeholders through regular contact in appropriate service delivery processes • Collaborate with other business units/ teams to ensure a consistent approach with regards to query resolution and approach.
Produce quality outputs: Ensure alignment of all work process to the required quality standards • Proactively identify continual improvement strategies • Action agreed quality initiatives ensuring that they are aligned to business unit/tasks/processes/systems • Implement corrective actions identified within specified time.
Knowledge Management (KM): Build, manage and set the direction of the Knowledge Management Framework • Create, capture, organize and assess knowledge assets for the MQA • Proficiency in using and managing knowledge tools and platforms (e.g Sharepoint) • Understanding of IT infrastructure, databases, content management systems and other relevant technologies. • Skilled in identifying issues and developing effective solutions related to knowledge management. • Ability to design, implement, and manage KM projects from inception to completion • Bring relevant industry insights to incorporate into the KM Framework.
KEY REQUIREMENTS: QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualifications:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) preferred in Data Science, Business Analytics or Statistics
- Honors degree or Post Gradate (NQF 8) will be an add advantage.
- Certification in a related field will be an advantage (Certified Data Management Professional, MS: Power BI Data Analyst Associate)
Experience:
- Minimum of 6 years’ relevant work experience of which 3 – 4 years must have been spent at Officer or Manager Level.
Competencies:
Knowledge: Knowledge of tools that allow for collection, storing and accessing of information easily, such as Microsoft suite, SAS, SQL databases and Google Analytics • Knowledge of text mining tools such as Apache OpenNLP or IBM Alchemy Language to automate turning unstructured text into structured data • Knowledge of tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Python libraries like Matplotlib or Seaborn • Technical expertise regarding data models, database design development, data mining and segmentation techniques • Strong knowledge of and experience with reporting packages (Business Objects etc), databases (SQL etc), programming (XML, Javascript, or ETL frameworks) • Knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analysing datasets (Excel, SPSS, SAS etc).
Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy • Data Interpretation Skills • Programming Skills Data Visualization • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking • Domain Knowledge • Communication Skills • Attention to Detail • Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings.
Attributes: Integrity • Perseverance • Decisiveness • Results orientation • Confidentiality • Stakeholder/relationship focus • Professional • Ethical.
The candidate should also be willing to: Work under pressure inclusive of longer than normal offices hours if required • Work with internal and external stakeholders • Travel away from home if required • Engage in a lifelong learning process relative to the context of the workplace. The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement in terms of MQA Performance Management System.
Closing Date: 23 July 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Vacancy Application Form: please ensure that you complete the below application form and submit it together with your application
Interested candidates should submit their applications which shall consist of a one-page motivation, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certified copies of their qualifications, a valid drivers’ licence and valid proof of identification to: recruitment@mqa.org.za
The MQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; therefore, the filling of the position will be in line with its Employment Equity Plan.
Recommended candidates will be expected to undergo a professional competency assessment and vetting processes.
Successful applicant will be required to disclose their financial interest.
Should you not hear from the MQA within 4 weeks of the closing date, you must regard your application as unsuccessful.
The MQA reserves the right not to appoint any person for this position.