This past Sunday (15 July 2012) in the Sunday Times there was an advert for a vacancy at Statistics South Africa (at the Pretoria office). The advert is titled "Principal: Management Information Officer (PHP Developer)" and details a loooooooooong list of requirements and prerequisites, but this in essence a PHP/MySQL/Linux developer position.

Cost to company is around R 434,505 per annum (around R30,000 gross per month - before tax, pension & medical deductions). You also get a 13 cheque on your birthday month.

The requirements (in a nutshell - read the actual advert for all the details) is:
* 3 year I.T. qualification (even if you have a National Diploma only, please still apply - the advert will state something like a post-grad qualification - don't let this hold you back.)
* Experience in PHP and MySQL development is essential, preferably on a Linux platform. Even better if you know CodeIgniter, but this is not essential. Anything from 2/3 years upwards is worth a try.
There are other requirements as well, but the above are the most important ones.

Now, the only pain in the backside is that you MUST get CERTIFIED copies of your qualifications and your ID document. Also you MUST complete a Z83 application form (http://www.statssa.gov.za/inside_statssa/z83.pdf), and you MUST hand deliver all these documents, together with a full CV as application to the Pretoria Head Office (De Bruyn Park building, 170 Andries street, Pretoria). They do not accept faxed or emailed applications.

If you do decide to apply and deliver your CV, please drop me a PM, with the date and time you dropped off the CV, and your name, so we can keep an eye out for your application.

Here is the advert, for those who could not get a copy of the Sunday Times yesterday:

Key Performance Areas:

• Develop framework for, as well as develop, implement and continuously improve policies, procedures, standards and processes for the management information repository of Stats SA • Research, recommend and implement new technologies, techniques and best practices for the management information repository of Stats SA • Interact closely with users to identify business needs, do in depth analysis and interpret needs, determine feasibility including costs (budget), communicate benefits of implementing alternative solutions and implement agreed solution • Develop, implement and review project plans and related budgets for the management information repository component • Design, develop, integrate, test, train users, implement, manage, maintain, improve and report on the management information repository of Stats SA • Compile, write, implement and continuously improve relevant detailed design and system documents, statistical and management information reports, operational procedures, and training materials • Compile, manage, monitor and evaluate specifications for outsourcing contracts related to the management information repository • Participate in other system initiatives that should link with the management information repository across Stats SA e.g. data warehouse, National Statistics System • Develop, implement and manage a comprehensive disaster recovery plan for the management information repository and ensure that quality controls are implemented • Manage and maintain the systems needed to develop and run the management information repository • Do regular backup of all management information repository modules • Do risk management • Ensure quality • Compile relevant integrated reports as requested for Programme Office and the organisation • Implement and manage audit recommendations • Supervise junior management information repository professionals and participate in resource management within management information repository component • Lead and ensure success of management information repository projects and/or assignments in the organisation • Participate in other activities within Programme Office and other divisions across Stats SA as assigned according to needs of Stats SA.

Prerequisites for post:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, Computer Programming languages – Candidates with Honours Degree and CodeIgniter PHP framework experience will have an added advantage • • Supervisory and project management experience • Proven extensive knowledge, experience and skills in system, database and web analysis, design, development, testing and implementation and relevant specifications compilation • Conceptualisation, interpretation, report writing and presentation skills • Proven experience and skills in and extensive knowledge of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), MVC, jQuery, UML, SQL, HTML, Net, XML and JavaScript environments, MS Project, MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS FrontPage); and Visio Standard • At least one year experience in basic Linux administration (SUSE Linux Enterprise Server experience will be advantageous), database design on a MySQL database platform and PHP scripting • Good working knowledge of Adobe (Macromedia) Dreamweaver • Demonstrated in-depth technical and working knowledge and experience regarding Government financial concepts and management; principles of public administration, organisation and management; project management; quality management; knowledge management; systems management and document management • Knowledge and experience in the following work areas will be a further advantage: working knowledge of statistics and statistical processes

Person profile:

This position will suit a person who: • Is able to apply creative thinking in the design of methods for processing management information with information technology systems • Is able to analyse information and situations, identify and solve problems, reason logically, and draw valid conclusions • Is able to develop effective solutions • Is able to write technical reports • Has good presentation skills • Has excellent written and verbal communication skills • Has excellent interpersonal skills and networking skills • Has excellent organising and logistics skills • Is sensitive to the needs of stakeholders • Appreciates diversity • Has knowledge of relevant legislation • Is self motivated, responsible and assertive • Is able to work under pressure • Is willing to work long hours.

Note:

Short-listed applicants must be willing to undergo a rigorous competency assessment and security clearance as part of the selection process• Successful applicants must be willing to enter into a performance contract.

Applications:

Suitable and interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV (including three names of contactable references and certified copies of qualifications accompanied by transcripts) to The Human Resources Division, Stats SA, Private Bag X44, Pretoria 0001.