Job purpose
The Deputy Statistician-General responsibility is to ensure that the NSA’s core statistical outputs are reliable, timely and of quality. The incumbent will facilitate the provision of data and information in accordance with the relevant National
Planning programmes as well as ensuring that policies, regulations and codes of ethics are cascaded down and adhered to throughout the organisation.
Key responsibilities
• Identifies strategic business partners and engages and liaises on different levels with various professional
bodies and other business stakeholders
• Plans, develops and recommends stakeholder engagement plans whilst maintaining a fit for purpose
statistical production
• Reviews the external marketplace and related business opportunities and advises the Statistician-General
(SG) on how to position the core statistical functions of the NSA appropriately.
• Provides overall leadership, advice and guidance on analysis, production and interpretation of statistics and
publications for the relevant subject matter group
• Ensures that tools, methodologies, processes and systems used for the production of statistics are in line
with global standards and best practices
• Develops and ensures the implementation of continuous improvement programmes to increase efficiencies
throughout the statistical production departments.
• Participates in National Statistical Systems Committees to consult with data users on their needs, and to
facilitate the smooth sharing of data-by-data producers
• Advises the Statistician-General (SG) and/or Board on all matters related to economic and socio-demographic
statistics, as well as Surveys & Field Operations services in the subject matter group.
• Identifies and evaluates the operational risks of the reporting departments / divisions and coordinates and
directs the implementation of measures to control such risks.
• Maintains the Risk Log and ensures statistical operational risk matters are managed and mitigated.
• Oversees the deployment of the NSA’s Security management and IT & Data Management (DM) activities.
• Consults closely with directly reporting executives heading each department to ensure delivery of
performance against plan.
• On request, communicates corporate business objectives to the Board members and highlights critical
aspects that enable the business to operate successfully.
• Submits an annual report to the SG on the extent to which the directly reporting functions have met their
annual operational objectives set out in the annual work plan and provides reasons for non-attainment of
such goals.
• Determines structure and staffing requirements for the directly reporting departments/divisions, indicating
key competences required
• Sets performance targets with directly reporting departments and coaches them towards their achievement, through appropriate delegation and management via performance management processes
• Determines and implements the strategy of the NSA’s core statistical functions.
• Accountable to the SG and provides input into the overall NSA strategy and the annual work plans
• Master’s degree (NQF: 9) in Statistics, Economics or Demography from a recognised institution or any related
equivalent qualification. PhD or Doctoral degree (NQF: 10) is an added advantage.
• At least 10 years related progressive work experience with demonstrable exposure to socio-economic research / surveys / analysis.
• A minimum of 6 years should have been at senior managerial/Executive position within a socio-economic
research / surveys / analysis, advisory environment.
• Knowledge and/or experience of IT and/or Data Management will be an added advantage.
• A police certificate of conduct not older than 6 months MUST be attached to the application.
Specific requirements
• Sound knowledge of economics/demography/statistics practices and principles, policies, procedures and processes.
• Expert knowledge of national and international statistical classifications, standards and definitions
• Problem solving: Objective decision making which enables the incumbent to reach logical conclusions, recognising assumptions and discriminating between strong and weak arguments.
• Judgement and decision making: Strength of character to commit to a decision and be held accountable for it.
• Pro-activeness: Ability to identify and take full advantage of opportunities to achieve (and exceed) business
objectives.
• Customer focus: Sound appreciation of the current and future requirements of internal and external customers and their business issues.
• Management and organisation: Effective time management and delegation skills, ensuring that clear
responsibility is allocated but accountability is retained.
• Communication: Ability to use oral and written communication skills effectively in both one-to-one and group situations.
• Ability to listen actively and respect the views of others. Able to articulate technical or complex issues clearly
and succinctly.