The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research through the SA-TIED programme has announced applications for a Research Assistant position focused on Administrative Tax Data and Big Data research in Pretoria. The opportunity offers aspiring economists, econometricians, and data researchers the chance to work with one of Africa’s most advanced administrative tax microdata systems while contributing to cutting-edge development research and policy analysis. Applications close on 9 June 2026. About SA-TIED and UNU-WIDER The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research operates the SA-TIED initiative — Southern Africa Towards Inclusive Economic Development — in collaboration with: South African National Treasury South African Revenue Service (SARS) The programme supports evidence-based policy development using administrative tax data and advanced data analysis. South Africa has become one of the few countries globally to provide researchers with access to anonymized administrative tax data for development research, placing the country at the forefront of big data policy research in Africa and beyond. About the Research Assistant Position The selected Research Assistant will support the National Treasury – Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) located in Pretoria. The role involves working closely with the Data Developer at the NT-SDF to maintain and improve large-scale administrative tax datasets used for research and policy analysis. The position offers researchers an opportunity to gain practical experience in: Big data management Administrative microdata analysis Development economics research Data quality assurance Secure data systems Research support and confidentiality review Key Responsibilities The Research Assistant will support both technical and operational functions within the NT-SDF. Core responsibilities include: Updating tax datasets on a rolling basis Expanding and improving administrative datasets Conducting data quality assurance checks Analyzing trends within large-scale datasets Drafting and revising technical documentation Assisting with literature reviews and research analysis Supporting researchers with data-related queries Reviewing research outputs for confidentiality compliance Supporting daily operations of the Secure Data Facility The role combines technical data work with research support and operational management responsibilities. Required Qualifications and Skills The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research is seeking candidates with strong quantitative and programming skills. Applicants should possess: A Master’s degree in Economics or Econometrics Or be close to completing a Master’s programme Required technical skills include: Advanced proficiency in STATA Ability to work with: Loops Globals Directories STATA programming Additional technical knowledge considered advantageous includes: SQL R Python ArcGIS Candidates should also demonstrate: Strong analytical skills Excellent drafting and writing abilities Fluency in written and spoken English Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet one of the following conditions: South African citizenship Valid South African residence permit Legal authorization to work in South Africa The position is specifically tied to work within South Africa’s National Treasury Secure Data Facility. Compensation and Contract Terms The position will be offered through a consultancy contract with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research. Successful candidates will receive: ZAR 2,204 per day during the contract period The consultancy payment is intended to support living expenses while working in Pretoria. The organization has clarified that: Housing costs will not be separately covered Additional living allowances will not be provided Project-related expenses will be funded by the programme Required Application Documents Interested applicants must submit the following documents electronically: A short personal statement (maximum one page) Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages) Academic transcript or academic record Sample of original STATA code (maximum 200 lines) The STATA code sample must clearly demonstrate the applicant’s programming ability and technical coding level. Evaluation and Selection Process Applications will be assessed based on: Relevant academic and professional experience Technical capability Personal motivation Research potential Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in: Interviews Technical competency assessments Only final decisions will be communicated to applicants. Important Dates Applicants should note the following deadlines and timelines: Application Deadline: 9 June 2026 at 23:59 (GMT +2) Expected Start Date: 30 June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter Interviews and competency exercises will be conducted shortly after the application deadline. Why This Opportunity Matters Administrative tax data has become increasingly important in shaping evidence-based economic policy and development research globally. This position offers early-career researchers a unique opportunity to: Work with world-class administrative microdata Build expertise in big data analysis Gain exposure to public policy research Strengthen programming and econometric skills Contribute to economic development research in Africa For students and researchers interested in economics, econometrics, development policy, and data science, this role provides valuable practical experience within a globally recognized research initiative. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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