ABOUT ALA:

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Data Associate role is an entry-level position within the Institutional Learning department at the African Leadership Academy. The role primarily involves managing Salesforce user setups, maintaining data integrity, and supporting internal operations through data management. Key responsibilities include updating and validating records, building dashboards, transferring data between systems, and monitoring data quality.

The position requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to follow established procedures diligently. This role will work closely with the Data Systems Manager and provide administrative support to the Institutional Learning team.

• Manage user setup, field configurations, permission sets, and record types.
• Maintain reports, dashboards, and system flows.
• Support campaign execution and list uploads.
• Monitor data quality and run bulk updates as needed.
  
• Act as the first point of contact for Salesforce support requests.

• Maintain and update subscriber records meticulously in various online portals, ensuring accuracy and consistency at all times.
• Transfer and standardize data across multiple systems, ensuring that information is seamlessly integrated
• Validate data accuracy, ensuring that all addresses, identifiers, allocation values, and dates are correct and up to date.
• Identifying discrepancies in data will be a crucial element of your duties, requiring you to escalate issues appropriately to maintain data integrity
• Following established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal quality controls will be paramount in your role.

• Develop, consolidate, and maintain user-friendly dashboards and data visualization tools for internal stakeholders.
• Work closely with the IL team and other departments to understand their data needs and provide administrative support as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience with relational databases and data integration tools; Salesforce experience preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years’ work experience within a nonprofit organization or education environment. Experience in data entry, admin processing, or back-office work, underscoring a background in handling administrative responsibilities with accuracy and efficiency.
• Limited work experience will be considered if technical skills and qualifications are strong.
  

COMPETENCIES: 

Technical competencies: 

• Experience with Salesforce administration, hands-on configuration, and customization strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in tools like Tableau or Power BI is needed to present data insights in a clear and actionable manner. 
• Strong project management skills are needed to oversee data-related initiatives and ensure timely completion.

Core Competencies

• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Reliable with repetitive operational tasks, showcasing the ability to consistently perform duties with precision and dependability.
• Good computer skills and a quick learner in web-based systems, demonstrating adaptability and the ability to swiftly acquire new skills to operate various online platforms and tools effectively.
• Strategic and analytical skills - Analyzing complex data and research to identify opportunities for increasing impact.
• Project management skills - Strong skills in planning, executing, and monitoring projects to ensure efficiency and maximum impact.

Attributes

• High levels of integrity and confidentiality, and emotional maturity.
• Good Interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders and staff at all levels, together with the ability to resolve conflict.
• Capacity to remain calm and work under pressure of deadlines.
• Self-confidence and a willingness to accept responsibility, and where required, take initiative.
• Committed and enthusiastic, with a willingness to learn.
  

Report to: Director of Institutional Learning
Job Location: ALA Campus, Honeydew, Johannesburg
Start date: 01 June 2026