Research Assistant Vacancy at UNU-WIDER SA-TIED (Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development): Big Data, Administrative Tax Data & Econometrics Opportunity in Pretoria, South Africa (2026 Intake)

The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), in collaboration with the National Treasury of South Africa and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) under the SA-TIED (Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development) initiative, is inviting applications for the position of Research Assistant (Administrative Tax Data | Big Data).

This opportunity is centered on one of the most advanced data-driven research environments in Africa. South Africa is among a few countries globally that provide access to anonymized administrative tax microdata for research purposes, enabling groundbreaking work in development economics, labour markets, inequality, macro-fiscal analysis, and enterprise development.

The selected research assistant will contribute directly to building, maintaining, and improving high-value tax datasets used for policy-relevant research at the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria.

About the Role

The Research Assistant position is designed for highly skilled graduates in economics, econometrics, and data science-related fields. The role focuses on supporting big data infrastructure and research activities within a secure data environment.

You will work closely with the Data Developer at the NT-SDF and support both technical and research-oriented tasks involving administrative tax data.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will be responsible for a wide range of technical, analytical, and administrative duties, including:

1. Data Management and Updates

• Regularly update tax datasets stored at the National Treasury Secure Data Facility
• Improve dataset structure, usability, and coverage
• Expand existing datasets for enhanced research applications

2. Data Quality Assurance and Analysis

• Conduct quality assurance checks on administrative tax datasets
• Analyze emerging trends and inconsistencies in data
• Ensure data integrity for research use

3. Documentation and Research Support

• Assist in drafting, revising, and maintaining technical documentation
• Support research teams with literature reviews and analytical write-ups
• Help prepare research outputs based on administrative data

4. Data Security and Output Review

• Review researcher outputs to ensure strict data confidentiality compliance
• Verify that outputs meet Secure Data Facility regulations

5. Operational Support

• Assist in daily operations of the National Treasury Secure Data Facility
• Respond to data-related queries from researchers
• Support supervisors in administrative and technical tasks

Required Qualifications and Skills

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree in Economics or Econometrics
• Candidates near completion of their Master’s degree may also be considered

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in STATA, including:
  • Loops
  • Global macros
  • Directory management
  • Writing STATA programs
• Knowledge of any of the following is an added advantage:
  • SQL
  • R
  • Python
  • ArcGIS

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent academic writing and drafting ability
• Fluent written and spoken English

Eligibility Requirement

• South African nationality OR valid residence/work permit in South Africa

Contract Terms and Compensation

• Position type: Consultancy contract under UNU-WIDER
• Daily stipend: ZAR 2,204 per day
• Location: Pretoria, South Africa (National Treasury Secure Data Facility)
• No additional housing or living allowances provided
• Project-related expenses covered by the project

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Personal statement (maximum 1 page)
2. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
3. Academic transcript/record
4. Sample STATA code (maximum 200 lines) demonstrating technical ability

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed based on experience and motivation
• Shortlisted candidates may undergo:
  • Technical interview
  • Competency assessment exercise
• Only successful candidates will receive final communication

Important Dates

• Application deadline: 9 June 2026 (23:59 GMT +2)
• Expected start date: 30 June 2026 or soon thereafter
• Interviews conducted shortly after shortlisting

APPLY HERE

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