Data Scientist

At the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA), we’re responsible for collecting and managing two devolved Welsh taxes; Land Transaction Tax and Landfill Disposals Tax, on behalf of the Welsh Government. The revenue we raise funds public services, like the NHS and schools, in communities across Wales.

We’re committed to helping deliver a fair tax system for Wales through what we call ‘Our Approach’ - a Welsh way of doing tax. By working collaboratively with representatives, partner organisations, taxpayers, and the public, we make sure taxes are collected efficiently and effectively.

We base everything we do on our Corporate Plan 2019 to 2022. This sets out our purpose, strategic objectives, and longer-term ambitions. We report on our work annually - see our latest Annual Report and Accounts 2019 to 2020.

We’re a small and multi-skilled organisation of more than 70 staff, with talents, skills and experience spanning 14 different professions. We champion innovation, collaboration and shared decision-making. And we empower and entrust our people with high levels of responsibility and autonomy.

Find out more about what it’s like to work with us in our latest People Survey.

For further information, please visit gov.wales/wra

Working directly to the Head of the Data Analysis Function, the Data Scientist will play a vital role in developing and maintaining the capacity of the organisation to analyse its data, taking advantages of developments in data science and technology, while applying sound data management principles alongside data security and protection considerations. 

The Data Analysis Function is helping the WRA to develop some of its key priorities around a fair and accurate taxation system. There is much work to do in developing the data analysis capability that will support this. The primary focus of the role will be to lever more value from the data estate available to the WRA, enhancing the links that can be drawn between different data entities, and ultimately our operational understanding and intelligence. Analysis will generally be internally focussed but improvements may also be made to public-facing analyses as the role develops.

You will need to be a self-motivated and competent user of IT, particularly in the use of databases and code frameworks, as well as a sound data analyst who is adaptable to quickly changing requirements. Able to confidently support and advise colleagues at all levels, you will be a key player both as part of the Data Analysis team, and in providing excellent service to the wider organisation. To be successful in the role, you will need to enjoy problem solving, as well as being a sound communicator.

We are looking for an individual who can work both independently and in a team environment and adapt to quickly changing requirements. To enjoy the role, you will appreciate that the WRA is still forming and there is much to do, and that the role will change over time.

This role will be considered part of the Government Statistical Service (GSS) and it is a requirement of the role that the successful candidate will achieve admittance into the Government Statistician Group (GSG) within 6 months of joining WRA. Entry into the GSG will involve undergoing an assessment known as a ‘badging exercise’ through the Government Statistical Service.

Data sits right at the heart of the WRA. Not only is it at the heart of our decision making, but it touches and supports everything we do as an organisation. You will be part of our Data Analysis Function at an exciting time as we expand our data skills and you will play a key role in helping us make the most of our data. You will undertake a wide variety of data analysis tasks as part of ensuring evidence is at the heart of the organisation’s decision-making.

Rebecca Godfrey, Head of Strategy

Developing the WRA’s data analysis capacity, including the following:

• support the Head of Data Analysis to develop a high level approach to wider and innovative data analysis, including consideration of appropriate data science/artificial intelligence techniques and sustainable technological approaches 
• work with the Head of Information Governance to ensure all data capture and analysis are covered by appropriate applications of data protection principles, including consideration of impact on data subjects and regulatory guidance 
• develop and maintain a data science presence in the organisation in keeping with the general direction of travel for the Government Statistical Service, and developments in the Code of Practice for Statistics 
• support all parts of the organisation to extract value from underlying information sources, for example: 
  • build new analyses to increase the organisations ability to identify tax error and risk, for example detection of deliberate or accidental errors in existing tax returns 
  • develop a system to find and record relationships between different items of data and information to facilitate the above and to support the recognition of unauthorised and otherwise taxable activities 
  • develop the art of the possible, taking account of wider organisational requirements and views of other analysts in the team
  • wider data acquisition to support each of the above, liaising with the team’s Data Manager to ensure effective and efficient integration of new data into the existing WRA data architecture
• support the development of new statistics with a view to publication, and increased value for new and existing users of external-facing statistical information 
• development of self and team members in data science skills and cloud computing techniques (in both the coding and no-code environments), including Microsoft T-SQL and use of Azure Data Studio, Python and other languages/development frameworks as necessary

We recruit using success profiles. Our success profiles guidance will help you in completing your application. 

In brief, this approach means: 

• we look for evidence of what you have done and what you can do. This means we look for the behaviours, strengths and ability needed to do the job 
• where necessary or relevant, we also consider experience and technical knowledge 
• this approach starts at application stage and continues throughout the recruitment process 
• we may only look for some things at certain stages. We’ll always be clear what we’re looking for and when 

You should highlight evidence from the table below during the recruitment process. You may also wish to refer to the main tasks mentioned above.

Behaviours

Strengths

Experience and technical knowledge

Qualifications

The following list of language requirements represents an objective assessment of the Welsh language skills required to undertake the duties of this post:

Welsh desirable means that having Welsh language skills would be useful in this role, but it is not an assessment criteria so it won’t put you at any disadvantage during recruitment if you aren’t a Welsh speaker. We support all staff to learn or improve their Welsh language skills once they join us.

As a civil service department, all our people have access to government assets. Different roles require different levels of national security vetting.

Our assessment process includes a blended interview, where we test you against the criteria above. Depending on the role, we may:

• test for strengths relevant to the behaviours
• ask you to complete an exercise, test, or presentation at interview stage
• ask if you have any requirements you would like us to be aware of

To apply for this role, please send us:

1. Your CV (no more than 2 pages of A4).
2. A personal statement (800 to 1,200 words) on how you meet the criteria.
3. Your Details form. This allows us to make sure our recruitment process remains fair. It will not be shared further than our HR team.

Send all 3 documents to recruitment@wra.gov.wales

To be fair to all, we do not accept:

• late applications
• incomplete or missing documents
• personal statements over 1,200 words

We're unable to discuss opportunities with recruitment agencies, please apply directly. 

We offer a wide range of benefits when you join the WRA, such as:

• a generous pension
• progression related pay
• 31 days holiday

Find out more about the benefits of working for us.

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