UNICEF has announced an opportunity for an experienced EMIS Data Analyst to support education data analysis and knowledge generation in South Africa. The National Consultant – EMIS Data Analyst position is a one-year consultancy that offers a remote working arrangement while being attached to UNICEF South Africa in Pretoria.
The consultancy is designed for a highly experienced data or statistical analysis professional with a strong background in handling large datasets, education-related information, statistical tools and data dissemination. Candidates with a Master’s degree and at least eight years of relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to professionals specializing in data analytics, statistics, education data systems, information technology, social science research, SQL, Python, STATA and database management.
UNICEF EMIS Data Analyst Consultancy Overview
The position will support the Department of Basic Education (DBE) through its Education Management Information System (EMIS). The role seeks to strengthen the analysis, interpretation and utilization of education data to generate actionable insights for policy development and improved education outcomes.
Key details include:
Position: National Consultant – EMIS Data Analyst
Job Number: 595365
Organization: UNICEF South Africa
Duty Station: Pretoria, South Africa
Working Arrangement: Remote
Contract Type: Consultancy
Contract Duration: One year
Functional Area: Education
Language: English
Advertised: August 28, 2026
Application Deadline: September 7, 2026
Minimum Experience: 8 years of relevant experience
Minimum Education: Master’s degree
About the Assignment
The Department of Basic Education, through EMIS, is responsible for collecting, managing, analysing and disseminating education data to support planning, monitoring, evaluation, policy development and evidence-based decision-making across South Africa’s basic education sector.
A major component of the system is the Learner Unit Record Information and Tracking System (LURITS), which serves as the official basic education sector reporting system.
LURITS facilitates learner- and educator-level reporting through electronic data submitted by schools to Provincial Data Warehouses. These datasets undergo quality assurance, validation, cleansing and consolidation before being incorporated into the national system.
The resulting data supports the information needs of government departments, provincial education authorities, Parliament, development partners, researchers, international organizations, media and the public.
UNICEF notes that while significant progress has been made in education data collection and management, there is further potential to improve the analysis, interpretation and use of EMIS data.
The consultant will therefore provide technical support to strengthen data analytics, reporting and knowledge-generation functions within EMIS.
Key Areas of Work
The National Consultant will work on education data and statistical analysis, helping transform existing datasets into useful information for decision-makers.
The role is expected to suit an individual who can work confidently with large datasets and contribute to the dissemination of education-related data.
The assignment may involve applying statistical and database technologies to identify patterns, produce insights and improve the presentation and use of education information.
Strong writing ability is also valuable because the consultant may contribute to reports and other knowledge products derived from EMIS data.
An understanding of South Africa’s education system and legislative framework would be an added advantage.
Required Educational Qualifications
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in:
Statistics;
Information Technology;
Social Sciences; or
Another relevant or related field.
The academic background should demonstrate strong preparation for advanced data analysis, statistical research, information management or related technical work.
Professional Experience Requirements
The consultancy requires applicants to have at least eight years of relevant professional experience in a data or statistical analysis role or in social science research.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience working with large datasets and disseminating education-related data.
This requirement makes the opportunity more suitable for experienced professionals rather than recent graduates or entry-level applicants.
Experience working with government education data systems, research institutions, development organizations or large-scale information systems may be particularly relevant.
Technical Skills
Strong technical and analytical capabilities are an important part of the assignment.
Candidates should have experience with computer applications involving databases and spreadsheets, as well as knowledge of SQL programming.
Experience with statistical packages such as STATA and Python is also highlighted in the vacancy requirements.
The successful consultant should additionally understand how to handle sensitive information and demonstrate knowledge of POPIA compliance processes and practices.
These requirements make the consultancy particularly relevant to professionals working in data governance, statistical analysis, education information systems, research and data management.
Language Requirements
The required working language for the position is English.
Knowledge of another South African language is desirable, although it is not listed as an essential requirement.
Strong written communication skills are also advantageous, particularly given the role’s focus on data interpretation, reporting and knowledge generation.
Remote Working Opportunity
One of the notable features of this UNICEF consultancy is its remote working arrangement.
Although the duty station is listed as Pretoria, South Africa, the vacancy specifically identifies the working arrangement as remote.
The one-year consultancy therefore provides an opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to UNICEF-supported education data work without the position being structured as a conventional office-based role.
Applicants should nevertheless carefully review the complete Terms of Reference and any contractual requirements before applying.
Application Documents
Qualified candidates are required to submit several documents through UNICEF’s online recruitment system.
These include:
An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV);
A cover letter; and
A separate financial proposal using the specified UNICEF template.
The financial proposal must be submitted in the required format. Applicants should ensure that all requested documentation is complete before submitting their applications.
Application Deadline
The UNICEF National Consultant – EMIS Data Analyst opportunity was advertised on August 28, 2026, and the application deadline is September 7, 2026, South Africa Standard Time.
Interested professionals should submit their applications before the stated closing date.
UNICEF emphasizes that it does not charge any processing fee at any stage of recruitment, selection or hiring. Applicants should also be cautious of anyone requesting money or bank account information in connection with this vacancy.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The assignment offers an opportunity for an experienced data professional to contribute to the strengthening of education information systems and evidence-based decision-making in South Africa.
By improving the analysis and interpretation of EMIS data, the consultant can help support better understanding of education trends and provide useful evidence for planning, monitoring and policy development.
Professionals with a combination of advanced statistical training, extensive data analysis experience, education-sector knowledge and technical programming skills may find this consultancy particularly relevant.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the official UNICEF recruitment platform using Job Number 595365.
Applicants should carefully review the full Terms of Reference, ensure that they meet the minimum education and experience requirements, prepare a strong CV and cover letter, and submit the required financial proposal using UNICEF’s prescribed template.
The deadline is September 7, 2026.
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Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this consultancy. Applicants should verify all requirements through the official UNICEF vacancy announcement before submitting an application.
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