Deputy Director: Data Scientist (X2 Posts) – National Department of Health Vacancies 2026

Data Scientist
South Africa, Pretoria
August 21, 2026
Permanent

Job Overview

Job Description

The National Department of Health is recruiting for Deputy Director: Data Scientist (X2 Posts) within the Chief Directorate: Digital Health Information Systems in Pretoria. The positions offer an all-inclusive remuneration package of R932 292 per annum.

Job Overview

Position: Deputy Director: Data Scientist
Reference Number: NDOH 73/2026
Number of Posts: X2 Posts
Chief Directorate: Digital Health Information Systems
Centre: Pretoria
Salary: R932 292 per annum, (an all-inclusive remuneration package), (basic salary consists of 70% or 75% of total package, salary package will be structured according to Middle Management Service guidelines)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • A Grade 12 certificate.
  • NQF 7 qualification in one of the following sciences:
    • Data Science
    • Statistics
    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Information Systems
    • Health Informatics
    • Epidemiology
    • Biostatistics
    • Actuarial Science
    • Engineering (with a data analytics focus)
  • Proven work experience of 3–5 years in data analysis, analytics, statistics, machine learning, or health data management.
  • A valid driver’s license.

A postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) in Data Science, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or Health Informatics will be an advantage.

Experience related to building ETL processes will be an advantage.

Relevant Work Experience

The required experience may be in the fields of:

  • Health information systems
  • Clinical data
  • Public health programmes
  • Research datasets
  • Monitoring and evaluation systems
  • Disease surveillance systems

Required Competencies

Applicants must have proven competencies in:

COMPLETE JOB APPLICATION

  • Epidemiology and disease surveillance
  • Health systems and service delivery
  • Health indicators and reporting frameworks
  • Health information systems
  • Data quality management
  • Health data interoperability standards
  • Research methods and biostatistics
  • Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
  • Ethical use of health data during the handling and manipulation of large health datasets using enterprise database technologies

Technical Skills

Key technical skills required include:

Programming Languages

  • Python
  • SQL

Data Science and Analytical Skills

  • Machine learning
  • Statistical modelling
  • Predictive analytics
  • Data mining
  • Natural language processing will be advantageous

Data Visualisation Skills

  • Power BI
  • Tableau
  • Python visualisation libraries

Database Technology

  • MS SQL Server
  • PostgreSQL

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidates will:

  • Plan, coordinate and execute data science project activities that transform health data into actionable insights in support of decision-making.
  • Develop and maintain advanced analytical solutions.
  • Ensure the integrity and reliability of health data.
  • Enable evidence-based digital health products and services.
  • Advance digital health knowledge and innovation.
  • Ensure analytical work supports organisational objectives.
  • Ensure responsible use of health data that relates to regulatory compliance, privacy (POPIA) and ethics in health data, including ethical use of AI, ML and DL in the digital health ecosystem.
  • Enhance the analytical maturity of Data Science in the Digital Health Unit.
  • Contribute towards solutions for solving analytic problems that can be incorporated into the Business Intelligence (BI) solutions for the NHI Fund Design.
  • Participate and contribute to Data Governance and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants with a Grade 12 certificate, relevant NQF 7 qualification, 3–5 years of relevant work experience and a valid driver’s license who meet the required technical and professional competencies can apply.

Salary

The position offers R932 292 per annum, (an all-inclusive remuneration package).

The basic salary consists of 70% or 75% of the total package, and the salary package will be structured according to Middle Management Service guidelines.

Centre

Pretoria

Enquiries

Ms E Vosloo
E-mail: Elbie.Vosloo@Health.gov.za