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:
- Personal statement (maximum 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- Academic transcript/record
- 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
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
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