Posted by The Education Authority (EA) is recruiting a Data Analyst for a full-time, fixed-term opportunity based primarily at its Belfast Office in Northern Ireland. The role carries regional responsibilities and involves using data analysis to improve public education services, support projects, strengthen data processes, and enable better decision-making.
The position is offered at Assistant Principal Officer level with an annual salary of £48,226 to £51,356. The contract is scheduled to run until 1 November 2027, subject to the terms stated in the vacancy.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Data Analyst
- Employer: Education Authority
- Primary Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Other potential locations: Dundonald, Antrim, Ballymena, Derry/Londonderry and Omagh
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Contract: Fixed-term/secondment
- Contract End Date: 1 November 2027
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week
- Schedule: Monday to Friday
- Salary: £48,226–£51,356 per year
- Grade: Assistant Principal Officer, NJC points 37–40
- Reporting To: Senior Data Analyst
- Reference: 26006514
- Travel: Regional travel across Education Authority sites is required
About the Education Authority
The Education Authority is a regional public service organisation responsible for education services in Northern Ireland. The role supports EA programmes and services, including the EnAble Programme and EdIS, as directed by management.
The successful candidate will contribute to improving how education-related information is collected, exchanged, analysed and used across the organisation.
Data Analyst Job Description
The Data Analyst will apply analytical methods to help the Education Authority understand and optimise its data. The position involves working with project managers, EA services and other stakeholders to turn information into useful analytical outputs that can support improved workflows and decision-making.
The role also includes reviewing data acquisition and exchange processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, developing solutions, and supporting the quality and security of organisational data.
Because the position has regional responsibility, travel between EA sites will be necessary. Some off-site working may also be required.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse data and interpret results using appropriate statistical techniques.
- Develop and improve database processes, data collection systems and analytical strategies.
- Identify trends and patterns within complex datasets.
- Review datasets for potential security weaknesses and support corrective measures.
- Clean and validate data by identifying and correcting data or coding issues.
- Work with management to establish and prioritise business and information requirements.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Support the strategic direction of Data Services.
- Manage the relevant strand of the Data Strategy in line with organisational requirements and applicable legislation.
- Line manage employees supporting the Insights Centre of Excellence where assigned.
- Establish clear structures, responsibilities, policies and processes for supported systems and services.
- Manage project risks and provide early warnings on assurance matters.
- Ensure deliverables are managed effectively against scope, time and cost requirements.
- Work with senior data leadership to ensure project deliverables follow the relevant project management framework.
- Maintain clear technical documentation and project records.
- Support service budgets in accordance with financial procedures.
- Maintain quality assurance standards and investigate complaints or adverse incidents within areas of responsibility.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following qualification and experience routes:
- A bachelor’s degree at QCF Level 6 or an equivalent/higher qualification in a relevant discipline such as Science, Technology, Engineering, ICT, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics or Business, together with two years of relevant experience; or
- Five years of relevant experience.
Relevant experience means delivering analysis that supports decision-making or service improvement and working with stakeholders to understand information requirements and translate them into analytical outputs.
Candidates must also demonstrate experience with:
- Structured datasets, including querying, transforming and validating information using SQL.
- Developing dashboards or reports with business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Oracle Analytics Server, Tableau, Qlik or similar.
- Presenting analytical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Managing multiple priorities and meeting agreed deadlines.
- Working with stakeholders to understand requirements and produce useful outputs.
- Analysing business processes and documenting data or system requirements for change or system implementation.
The successful applicant must also have access to a suitable vehicle that is appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business, or demonstrate access to an alternative form of transport capable of meeting the role’s mobility requirements.
Additional Interview Requirements
The selection process will assess knowledge of current and anticipated challenges facing the Education Authority, analytical problem-solving ability, communication skills, stakeholder relationship management, prioritisation, professional development and the ability to work within a programme environment.
Candidates will also be assessed against EA’s ethos, values and expectations around equality and excellence in service delivery.
Desirable Experience
The following may be used to shortlist candidates if required:
- Experience working with enterprise systems.
- Experience with programming languages such as Python and R.
- Knowledge or experience of statistical methodologies or predictive analytics.
- Experience in a public sector or complex organisational environment.
Salary and Benefits
The Data Analyst position pays £48,226 to £51,356 per year at Assistant Principal Officer level. The vacancy does not specify additional allowances.
The listing states that the contract is fixed-term/secondment and is scheduled to end on 1 November 2027, with the possibility of extension or reduction subject to the stated conditions.
Who Should Apply?
This Education Authority Data Analyst vacancy is suited to experienced analytical professionals who can work confidently with structured data, SQL and business intelligence tools. Strong communication skills are particularly important because the role requires translating analytical information for non-technical stakeholders.
Candidates with experience in process improvement, data requirements, dashboards, statistical analysis, stakeholder engagement or complex organisational environments may be well aligned with the position.
FAQs
What is the salary for the Data Analyst role?
The salary is £48,226 to £51,356 per year.
Where is the Data Analyst position based?
The primary location is the Education Authority’s Belfast Office. Other potential locations include Dundonald, Antrim, Ballymena, Derry/Londonderry and Omagh.
Is this a full-time position?
Yes. The role is full-time at 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Is the Data Analyst position permanent?
No. It is a fixed-term/secondment opportunity with a stated contract end date of 1 November 2027.
What degree is required?
Applicants can qualify with a bachelor’s degree at QCF Level 6 or equivalent/higher qualification in a relevant field plus two years of relevant experience, or through five years of relevant experience.
Is SQL experience required?
Yes. Demonstrable experience querying, transforming and validating structured datasets using SQL is an essential requirement.
Are Power BI or similar tools required?
Candidates must demonstrate experience developing dashboards or reports using business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Oracle Analytics Server, Tableau, Qlik or similar.
Is travel required?
Yes. Because the role has regional responsibility, travel across Education Authority sites will be required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience criteria should submit their application.
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