Centurion: Data Technologist posted by Makhado Consulting

•  A degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, business information systems/analysis, finance, or law enforcement support.
• SAS and/or SQL Server certifications.
• At least 3 years of experience in the aforementioned fields or in data mining, modeling, or coding.
• Exceptional quantitative skills, demonstrated through formal training in statistics, data mining, and coding to develop models, with relevant experience applying these skills in research or operational environments.
• Expertise in financial and banking transactional analysis and developing mathematical or statistical models through coding and data mining.
• Knowledge of financial flows, particularly illicit financial flows, with an understanding of the illicit economy and criminal activities that generate illicit finances is advantageous.
• Communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective interaction at all organisational levels and with clients.
• Confidence and credibility to engage persuasively at all levels within the organisation and with clients.
• Demonstrated presentation skills.
• Proficiency in PowerBI and other business intelligence and visualisation software.
• Strong programming skills.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS :

• Data Engagement and Requirements Analysis
• Engage with business teams to understand project requirements, ensuring alignment with forensic investigation needs and the goals of supporting law enforcement agencies.
• Identify and develop new information sources by establishing relationships with potential data providers, enhancing the depth and breadth of data available for forensic analysis.
• Create custom management tools to facilitate the information gathering process, ensuring efficiency and comprehensiveness.

Database Programming and Development:

• Perform database programming for new and existing projects, writing scripts, stored procedures, and functions to support complex analytical procedures related to financial data use to solve financial crimes.
• Assist in planning and implementing data integration and data migration activities to support forensic investigations, ensuring seamless and secure data handling.
• Provide valid input in database architectural discussions, contributing to the design and optimisation of robust and scalable database systems.
• Data Quality Assurance and Problem Resolution
• Conduct quality assurance tests to ensure data integrity and quality, maintaining the reliability of forensic evidence used in investigations.
• Resolve database problems, queries, and error reports promptly and accurately, minimising downtime and ensuring data availability for ongoing investigations.
• Assist in identifying process improvements for database performance, reliability, and stability, enhancing the overall effectiveness of data management within the FIC.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Design models to detect anomalies in data based on project specifications, contributing to the identification of suspicious financial activities and potential financial crimes.
• Apply diagnostic skills to identify multiple relationships and causal links, formulating hypotheses to support forensic investigations.
• Prepare reports containing inferences and conclusions for medium-term planning purposes, providing actionable insights to law enforcement agencies.

Data Management and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and complete database programming documentation, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in forensic data processes.
• Contribute to the development document templates that reflect data checks, providing guidance on data inclusion and exclusion during analyses, and supporting auditability and compliance.
• Conduct data audits by scrutinising and monitoring the quality of raw data, driving data integrity and ensuring the accuracy of forensic

Big Data Evaluation and Analytical Support:

• Conduct big data evaluations within the unit by searching and analysing large datasets to extract critical information related to specific queries and investigations.
• Provide analytical support by retrieving raw data and conducting preliminary statistical analyses, assisting in the data analysis process and supporting forensic investigations.
• Compile user-friendly reports by translating technical results into understandable information, enabling informed decision-making by end-users and law enforcement agencies.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Provide briefings and presentations with internal and external FIC stakeholders and clients, effectively communicating data findings, methodologies, and implications for ongoing investigations.
• Disseminate approved information as per agreed timelines and specifications, ensuring that data is shared responsibly and in a timely manner to support law enforcement activities.

Planning and Execution:

• Plan personal work execution to achieve milestones of agreed deliverables, ensuring timely and accurate completion of tasks related to forensic data management and analysis.
• Perform any other data analysis as required by management, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to evolving investigative needs.