Junior Data Developer (PSA)

Job Description

United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.

UNU-WIDER is implementing a large research, capacity development, and policy engagement programme in South Africa, called Southern African Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) in close collaboration with the National Treasury of South Africa. Building on the successful first phase of this programme, phase II of SA-TIED will continue to bring together world class researchers with policymakers to combat socio-economic challenges in South Africa but also in the broader southern African region. A big focus of SATIED relates to its engagements with the policymaking community as a partner. A key aspect of the programme is to generate robust empirical evidence and use it as a basis to encourage networking and discussion amongst people involved in policy processes across the participating organisations and civil society to bridge the gap between research and policymaking. The programme played an important part in making anonymised administrative tax data available for research purposes at a Secure Data Facility at the National Treasury (NT-SDF) and is a key asset in the programme. The availability of administrative tax data for research has enabled many new avenues of research and has provided new perspectives on the South African economy and has dramatically improved the quality and breadth of evidence used to inform policy. For more information on SA-TIED, please visit https://sa-tied.wider.unu.edu/.

Responsibilities

Based at the premises of the National Treasury of South Africa in Pretoria, South Africa, the Junior Data Developer will support the development of the administrative data into clean, researcher-ready panels, create new versions of pre-existing administrative datasets, ensure that the data is comparable over time, create manuals describing the data (metadata documents), update internal documents about the data. Most of the datasets are tax administrative, which the Junior Data Developer will primarily handle.

The Junior Data Developers Responsibilities Include The Following

• Create and manage micro-level datasets
• Update and improve existing administrative panel datasets incorporating the latest relevant available data and ensure that the data is comparable over time. Changes in the administrative panels occur over time, these changes must be synchronized with previous versions of the datasets.
• Assist Data Developers with assessing and cleaning newly received administrative data.
• Support the creation of new panel datasets for administrative data not previously received.
• Oversee the creation of dummy datasets that can be used by researchers.
• Assist Data Developers to coordinate the daily work of the Research Assistants.
• Assist with data queries raised by researchers.
• Oversee effective database management
• Investigate and check new extractions of data. Document differences between requested and received data and work with the National Treasury Tax Policy team and Data Scientists to resolve any discrepancies.
• Co-ordinate with the Data Developers to implement effective database management of successive data extractions saved on the NT-SDF server.
• Co-ordinate with the Research Associate to implement and create data lab protocols.
• Create documentation and knowledge products
• Generate clear and comprehensive manuals describing the process of updating the databases, including basic descriptive tables and figures and analysis of data quality.
• Prepare metadata of datasets available at the NT-SDF.
• Update internal documents that outline data issues and datasets creation methods.
• Collaborate to produce technical notes related to data.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Prepare high quality and error-free panel datasets within agreed timelines
• Prepare metadata for datasets housed within the NT-SDF
• Check and ensure quality of underlying data that is received from data owners
• Prepare accurate and complete manuals to build the data panels

Competencies

Values

• Inclusion take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours

• Connect and collaborate build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

Qualifications

• Education and certification
• Advanced university degree (masters degree or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics or a related field.
• Required skills and experience
• Minimum of three years relevant professional experience.
• Experience working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, demonstrating the ability to adapt to shifting priorities while consistently delivering high-quality work.
• Excellent quantitative skills in econometrics and data management.
• Expert knowledge of Stata required (ability to code in Mata in Stata is an asset).
• Basic knowledge of SQL.
• Intermediate knowledge of other statistical programmes (R, Python or equivalent) is an asset.
• Previous experience with administrative or big data is an asset.
• Knowledge of tax issues is an asset.
• Ability to be detail and big-picture oriented when working with data.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual gross salary of ZAR 786, 051.00, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

As soon as possible

How To Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

24 February 2026

Submissions must be received by [23:59, UTC+2] on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

The position is limited to persons who have (1) the South African nationality, or (2) the necessary residence, and work permit for South Africa.

PSA holders are neither staff members under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor officials for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information About UNU Rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam Warning

UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.