Research Assistant

UNU-WIDER is looking for research assistants to build and expand the tax administrative and other microdata available at the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria. The research assistant(s) will work closely with the Data Developer at the NT-SDF. Closing date:14 November 2022 23:59 UTC+2

UNU-WIDER is looking for an outstanding individual with strong data skills, commitment and potential to contribute to the SA-TIED programme.

Through the collaboration of UNU-WIDER, the National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service over the past few years, South African administrative micro tax data has been made available for research purposes. This puts South Africa at the forefront of big data research for development and puts the country in a novel position relative to other developing (and some developed) countries.

The tax data — the global best practice in some avenues of research — has opened avenues for research in areas and topics that were not possible before in South Africa.

UNU-WIDER is looking for research assistants to build and expand the tax administrative and other microdata available at the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria. The research assistant(s) will work closely with the Data Developer at the NT-SDF.

Update the various tax datasets held at the NT-SDF on a rolling basis

Continually improve and expand the datasets

Perform quality assurance checks and analyse trends in the data

Assist in drafting, reviewing and revising documentation related to the data

Provide research assistance through data analysis, literature reviews, drafting documents

Assist researchers with data related queries and review their data output to ensure data confidentiality

Assist with day-to-day operations of running the National Treasury - Secure Data Facility

Other duties as requested by the supervisor related to the research and administrative work.

Masters in Economics or Econometrics. Candidates who are close to completing their Masters will also be considered

Excellent skills in statistical software STATA (i.e., able to work with loops, globals, directories and writing STATA programs)

Knowledge of SQL, R, Python and ArcGIS is an advantage

Excellent analytical and drafting skills

Fluent in oral and written English

South African nationality, or the necessary residence, and work permit for South Africa

The Research Assistant will be issued a one-year consultancy contract with UNU-WIDER (renewable up to another year, subject to satisfactory performance). The Research Assistant will receive a total of USD
19,620 for the contract period to supplement living expenses while stationed in Pretoria, South Africa. No extra payments for housing or living expenses will be made. Project-related costs will, however, be covered by the project.

Short personal statement (max. 1 page)

Academic record

Sample (max. 200 lines) of originally written Stata code that clearly demonstrates your coding level

The application must be submitted electronically. Final date to receive applications is 14

November 2022 at 23:59 (GMT +2). Interviews will be held as quickly as possible thereafter.

Short-listed applicants must be willing to undergo a competency exercise as part of the selection process.

The position is open from 3

January 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter.