10 Big Data jobs in SouthAfrica

UNU-WIDER is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Research Assistant, based in Pretoria, South Africa, to support the SA-TIED programme. This role involves managing and enhancing tax datasets, assisting researchers, and ensuring high standards of data confidentiality.

For the full job description and application details, please click here.

UNU offers three types of contracts: fixed-term staff positions (General Service, National Officer and Professional), Personnel Service Agreement positions (PSA), and consultant positions (CTC). For more information, see the Contract Types page.

Global Influences

• Global push for data-driven decision-making in telecom, public services, and financial services
• Convergence of data transformation with AI, cloud, ESG-linked tech governance, and platform models
• Growing emphasis on deep, experience-led strategic thinking that replaces theoretical guidance with structured, practical steer from actual industry doers
• Rise of blueprint-based transformation in support of cost, agility, and monetisation mandates

At MTN we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, every day. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood, and empowered to live an inspired life. Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!

Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers, and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.

Our values dubbed, LIVE Y’ello, are the cornerstone of our culture.

• Lead with Care
• Can-do with Integrity
• Collaborate with Agility
• Serve with Respect
• Act with Inclusion

• Lead the rollout of the Group DDO blueprint across all MTN markets, supported by localized implementation plans tailored to each Opco
• Operationalize blueprint principles, including data maturity advancement, monetization readiness, and AI adoption
• Monitor adherence to blueprint KPIs and proactively flag deviations in architecture or operating models
• Collaborate with Group DataCo, AI, and Platform teams to update the blueprint on a quarterly basis, incorporating feedback and lessons learned

• Drive all customer DDO engagements including maturity assessments, transformation strategy design, and control implementation and operationalization, and co-create with customer executives the near and long-term transformation roadmaps
• Facilitate roadmap signoffs at the ExCo level and embed KPIs into business planning and performance management cycles
• Advise on capability sequencing, monetization readiness (including data quality & governance, target operating model, capability readiness, systems, and platforms), and AI integration maturity to ensure strategic alignment and execution feasibility
• Support risk-adjusted prioritization across technology, data, governance, and product workstreams
• Collaborate with IT, Cloud, and Network leadership to provide an end-to-end diagnostic, solution design and execution plan for external and internal clients
• Build the DDO Transformation book of business and deliver on the financial targets for the service line

• Define target-state data and analytics capabilities across key domains including data science, engineering, architecture, and governance
• Support HR, L&D, and functional teams to drive competency mapping and organizational design aligned with transformation goals
• Build capacity through agile, squad-based delivery, federated CoEs, and cross-OpCo communities of practice

• Deliver structured coaching engagements for OpCo CEOs, CTIOs, CFOs, and CDOs on strategic data transformation
• Align local sponsorship models and steerco routines with Group-level transformation governance
• Support leadership in articulating AI and data strategy messaging for investors, regulators, and market stakeholders

• Establish and monitor data transformation value metrics aligned with ROIC, time-to-market acceleration, and EBITDA uplift
• Embed data transformation KPIs into Group and OpCo performance scorecards to ensure accountability and impact
• Track benefit realization and operational impact of blueprint execution through structured quarterly reviews

• Maintain a centralized repository of cross-OpCo case studies, implementation toolkits, and transformation playbooks
• Build and empower a world-class centralised internal consulting team with a mix of full-time and contractor resources to deliver and scale the DDO consulting business line
• Represent MTN in internal and external data transformation forums and executive sessions

• Master’s degree in business strategy, Information Systems, or Digital Transformation related field
• Executive certification in Operating Model Transformation, Agile Scaling, or AI Strategy preferred

• Atleast 10+ years in top-tier management consulting, technical leadership, or enterprise-wide transformation roles, with strong focus on digital transformation, digital business building, and data-driven decision making
• Proven success leading complex operating model change across multi-country organisations and engaging successfully at senior leadership levels to drive clear action and serving as a leadership advisor
• Demonstrated ability to build and leverage delivery partnerships to scale customer impact. P&L ownership and deal-making experience is highly preferred
• Very Strong knowledge of digital operating models, data structures and governance end to end, data quality, analytics platforms and methodologies, capability maturity assessment methods, and a strong sense of cross-industry data monetisation strategy, opportunities, and best practices

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Data Engineer to join our team and work on large-scale data transformation projects for enterprise clients in the financial services sector.

The ideal candidate will have a degree and strong expertise in Databricks, Python, PySpark, SQL, and data modeling. They should also have experience in building scalable data pipelines and modern architectures, as well as a proven track record of migrating legacy systems and working with Snowflake.

In addition to their technical skills, the successful candidate will be passionate about building modern data solutions and have excellent communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Key qualifications include:

• Strong Databricks expertise
• Advanced SQL and data modeling experience
• Proven track record in building scalable data pipelines and modern architectures

If you are a motivated and experienced data engineer looking for a new challenge, please apply today.

Achieve data excellence by designing, building and maintaining scalable data pipelines using Python, AWS services and Databricks. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions.

• Design and implement efficient data ingestion, transformation and storage processes.
• Integrate structured and unstructured data from diverse sources, leveraging technical expertise in data manipulation and scripting.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop tailored data solutions.
• Maintain accurate documentation of data workflows, schemas and processes for seamless knowledge

iOCO is seeking a skilled Big Data Administrator/Engineer with strong hands-on experience in Cloudera's ecosystem (Hive, Impala, HDFS, Ozone, Hue, NiFi) and proven expertise in Informatica BDM/DEI. The role involves administering and configuring big data platforms, deploying/supporting clusters, and building optimized pipelines to move and transform large-scale datasets. Experience with alternate platforms such as Hortonworks, MapR, AWS EMR, Azure HDInsight, or Google Dataproc will be advantageous.

What you'll do:

• Platform Administration: Install, configure, upgrade, and monitor Cloudera/CDP clusters, manage HDFS/Ozone storage, and ensure security (Kerberos, Ranger, Sentry).
• Data Pipelines: Build and optimize ingestion and processing pipelines using NiFi and Informatica BDM/DEI, supporting both real-time and batch flows.
• ETL Integration: Develop Informatica mappings and workflows, leveraging pushdown execution to Hive/Impala/Spark; integrate diverse on-prem and cloud data sources.
• Performance Governance: Optimize queries, orchestrate jobs (Airflow, Oozie, Control-M), and ensure compliance with governance/security standards.

Your Expertise:

• Strong hands-on expertise in Cloudera tools: Hive, Impala, HDFS, Ozone, Hue, NiFi.
• Proficiency with Informatica BDM/DEI (ETL/ELT, pushdown optimization, data quality).
• Solid SQL, Linux administration, and scripting (Bash, Python).
• Familiarity with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and orchestration tools.
• 4+ years in big data administration/engineering, including 2+ years in Informatica BDM/DEI.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in hybrid or cloud-based big data environments.

Soft Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams.
• Clear communication and documentation skills.

Other information applicable to the opportunity:

• Contract position
• Location: Johannesburg

Why work for us?

Want to work for an organization that solves complex real-world problems with innovative software solutions? At iOCO, we believe anything is possible with modern technology, software, and development expertise. We are continuously pushing the boundaries of innovative solutions across multiple industries using an array of technologies. 

You will be part of a consultancy, working with some of the most knowledgeable minds in the industry on interesting solutions across different business domains. 

Our culture of continuous learning will ensure that you will have all the opportunities, tools, and support to hone and grow your craft. 

By joining IOCO you will have an open invitation to developer inspiring forums. A place where you will be able to connect and learn from and with your peers by sharing ideas, experiences, practices, and solutions. 

iOCO is an equal opportunity employer with an obligation to achieve its own unique EE objectives in the context of Employment Equity targets. Therefore, our employment strategy gives primary preference to previously disadvantaged individuals or groups.

Data engineers design, build, and maintain the architecture that stores and processes data.

• Create and manage Big Data Pipelines.
• Collaborate with Terraform, Python, SQL, Py Spark, and Docker.
• Delve into ETL, cloud platforms, and collaboration tools.

A strong understanding of cloud platforms, data pipelines, and collaboration tools is necessary for this role.

This position offers a great opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and be part of a dynamic team.

We are seeking a skilled Data Engineer to join our team.

1. Data Engineers play a crucial role in designing, building, and maintaining large-scale data pipelines using various tools and technologies.

• The ideal candidate will have experience working with big data platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS).

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with data, developing software, and solving complex problems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and maintain data pipelines using AWS Glue or similar platforms.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Develop and implement data quality checks and monitoring systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop data solutions.

About the Role:

This is a challenging and rewarding role that requires strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be passionate about working with data and committed to delivering high-quality results.

Requirements:

1. Relevant degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
2. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++.
3. Experience working with big data platforms, including AWS Glue, Spark, or Hadoop.
4. Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software design patterns.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.

We are currently seeking an experienced Data Engineer to lead the design, development and implementation of scalable data warehouses for a big data environment.

This role will involve implementing robust and trustworthy data pipelines to support high performing machine learning algorithms, predictive models and real-time data visualization requirements across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Designing and developing data warehouses according to best practices.
• Adept at designing and developing ETL processes.
• SQL development experience with proficiency in AWS and data visualization tools.
• The ability to ingest/output various data formats including CSV, JSON and other flat file types.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python or R.
• Experience working in Retail, Financial Services and Logistics environments.

Requirements:

• 5-8 years of experience in relevant fields.

Contact Us: Interested candidates should contact us to discuss this opportunity.

We are seeking a highly skilled big data expert with hands-on experience in Cloudera's ecosystem and proven expertise in Informatica BDM/DEI.

The role involves administering and configuring big data platforms, deploying/supporting clusters, and building optimized pipelines to move and transform large-scale datasets.

• Platform Administration: Install, configure, upgrade, and monitor Cloudera/CDP clusters, manage HDFS/Ozone storage, and ensure security (Kerberos, Ranger, Sentry).
• Data Pipelines: Build and optimize ingestion and processing pipelines using NiFi and Informatica BDM/DEI, supporting both real-time and batch flows.
• ETL Integration: Develop Informatica mappings and workflows, leveraging pushdown execution to Hive/Impala/Spark; integrate diverse on-prem and cloud data sources.
• Performance Governance: Optimize queries, orchestrate jobs (Airflow, Oozie, Control-M), and ensure compliance with governance/security standards.

• Required Skills: Strong hands-on expertise in Cloudera tools: Hive, Impala, HDFS, Ozone, Hue, NiFi. Proficiency with Informatica BDM/DEI (ETL/ELT, pushdown optimization, data quality). Solid SQL, Linux administration, and scripting (Bash, Python).
• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Experience in hybrid or cloud-based big data environments.

Why You Should Apply

This is an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to take their skills to the next level and contribute to high-profile projects.