Data Analyst

About Maharashtra - Decision Support System (DSS)

The Decision Support System is envisioned to be the CMOs first port of call for enabling data-driven governance backed by analytical evidence. The key objectives of the DSS include 1) Setting and measuring outcome goals against benchmarks from national and international indices, 2) Triangulating administrative data with own/national surveys to reduce data discrepancies, 3) Improving citizen feedback through efficient use of existing supervision mechanisms at the department level. A Data Analytics Unit (DAU) will be set up to conduct analytics for the DSS.

The primary objective of the DAU will be to deliver advanced analytical work on programmatic data (outputs, outcomes) and its determinants, typically:

• Utilise administrative data to assess district-level performance of priority schemes and enable benchmarking against relevant national and international indices, thereby informing strategic goal-setting.
• Address known limitations in administrative data quality by instituting systematic, periodic collection of citizen-level data focused on outcomes across sectors such as health, education and nutrition.
• Diagnostics to determine causality and correlations
• Regular and ad hoc data aggregation, analysis, and developing dashboards as required for senior stakeholders

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Data Analyst to join the unit. As an Analyst, you will play a critical role in problem statement definition, background research and solution design, translation of the functional requirements for the technical team, quality checks, insight generation and visualisation and presentation of outputs. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in database management, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and data warehousing, along with optimising data pipelines and ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

The role will report to the DAU Team Lead and would require active interaction with other team members (Economist, Data Scientist and Data Engineers, etc.) for effective project delivery.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Problem statement formulation

• Actively carries out issue identification and analysis using secondary research and techniques such as root cause analysis, pattern analysis, among others to develop data frames and analytical solutions.
• Leverages working relationships with the Lead/Data Scientist/Senior Analyst/Economist and other stakeholders to determine data needs and optimal methods for issue identification and analysis.

• Research and insights analysis

• Performs supporting secondary research and conducts analysis to support project delivery.
• Analyses qualitative and quantitative data from a range of literature to provide actionable insights for informed decision making.
• Keeps abreast of research and findings in key thematic areas within data and technology, actively sharing this information with colleagues.
• Helps in drafting the first level of insights for internal discussion, including storyboarding and communicating insights effectively.
• Refines the insights based on feedback and prepares output for stakeholder presentations so it is accessible and actionable.

• Data Mapping and Transformation

• Develops and maintains metadata, data models, data mapping, and transformation documentation to ensure accuracy and consistency over time
• Works closely with the Data Engineers to gather and analyse data mapping requirements, and ensure efficient ETL procedures so that data is accurately mapped and transformed to meet requirements
• Collaborates with Data Scientists and other Analysts to understand data structures for optimal analysis
• Stays updated with emerging trends and technologies in data mapping and transformation, while recommending improvements to the units data integration practices

• Project Management

• Delivers on tasks in association with the Project Lead / Data Engineers and identifies risks or dependencies as they arise through the project lifecycle
• Reviews outputs, checking against data standards and data quality
• Presents / assists the Team Lead in presenting the outputs and findings
• Conducts workshops/training to functional users, where applicable
• Documents functional requirements, processes, use-cases, and other project artefacts
• Provides input to the Lead on timelines, estimates, risks, deviations, and other challenges during the planning and implementation of the project.
• Collaborates with IT and software development teams to integrate data engineering solutions with existing systems.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field or a Management Graduate from a reputed institution
• Proficiency in data analytics tools like R/Stata/Python, and visualisation tools like Power BI or Tableau, or equivalent
• Proficient in SQL for database handling
• Good knowledge of MS Office tools is important. Knowledge of any other productivity tools is a bonus
• 3+ years proven experience in Data/Business or Systems/Process Analysis or similar role
• Experienced in using large and diverse datasets, including real-world data and the ability to draw inferences across
• Basic knowledge of AI/ML concepts
• Knowledge of using analytics frameworks for root cause analysis and solution framing
• Ability to distil volumes of information into easily digestible conceptual frameworks
• Must be fluent in Hindi and English. Working knowledge of Marathi is highly preferred.

Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of articulating complex information clearly and compellingly.
• Ability to build and maintain positive and collaborative relationships within the organisation
• Ability to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple concurrent tasks
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability/willingness to constantly learn
• High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others views
• Public-spirited and generous temperament
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in data analysis

Location and Compensation

This role will be based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidates experience levels.