Data Visualization Specialist / Data Analyst

ABOUT US

Imperative is a global ecosystem restoration company that aims to be in the top decile for quality in the carbon projects market. We have a build-own-operate model and specialise in the design, development and operation of carbon credit projects that help combat climate change while promoting biodiversity conservation, economic growth and social development in the countries in which we operate. With a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Visualization Specialist to join our dynamic team.

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting directly to our Head of South Africa and Spekboom Project Director with a dotted reporting line to our Global Head of Technology Engineering, the Data Visualization Specialist is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining data visualization solutions while working closely with the project controls and finance teams. This role includes creating detailed, on-the-ground project health dashboards for day-to-day operations and developing high-level management dashboards that provide clear, strategic insights for Imperative’s executive leadership and investors. While our primary tool has been PowerBI, we are open to candidates with advanced data analytics and visualization skills to help us overcome current limitations and drive innovation in our reporting systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Dashboard Development & Management:

• Operational Dashboards: Design, develop, and maintain detailed project health dashboards that monitor key performance indicators, operational metrics, risks, and progress indicators essential for project teams on the ground.
• Management-Level Dashboards: Develop and deliver high-level dashboards and reporting tools tailored for Imperative executive leadership and investors. These dashboards should clearly communicate project performance, strategic risks, milestones, and overall progress.
• Leverage PowerBI and, where applicable, integrate additional data visualization tools and techniques to enhance reporting capabilities.
• Ensure that the dashboards and reports follow best practices in data story telling providing actionable insights to stakeholders.

Data Integration & Quality Assurance:

• Work with cross-functional teams to gather data requirements and ensure dashboards present reliable, accurate, and timely information.
• Establish data validation processes and routinely audit dashboards to maintain data integrity. Collaborate with data engineers to build and optimize ETL pipelines, ensuring seamless data flow into reporting systems.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Liaise with project teams, field personnel, and technology department to understand data collection methods and align dashboard outputs with the needs of various stakeholders.
• Conduct regular feedback sessions with end users to optimize dashboard functionality and visual clarity.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to enhance our digital data ecosystem by recommending innovative analytics solutions.
• Develop automated data pipelines and refresh schedules to ensure near-real-time data updates across dashboards from various data sources.
• Stay current with industry trends in data analytics and visualization, ensuring that Imperative’s tools remain best-in-class.

Reporting & Communication:

• Prepare clear, concise reports and presentations that translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations for both operational teams and senior leadership.
• Collaborate with the Global Head of Technology Engineering and his team to align visualization efforts with the broader technology and engineering strategy.

IMPORTANT SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Data Visualization Expertise:

• Proficiency with PowerBI is essential; experience with additional analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Qlik, or advanced Python/R libraries) is a significant plus.
• Experience with SQL and DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in Power BI to develop advanced calculations, dynamic metrics, and custom aggregations to meet complex business reporting needs and interactivity on large data sets.

Analytical Acumen:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and translate them into meaningful visual insights.
• Advance Statistical skills for data analysis and interpretations with the ability to identify trends, anomalies and correlations in time series data sets.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to data accuracy and quality.

Technical Proficiency:

• Familiarity with data integration, transformation, and database concepts. Experience working with cloud-based data platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Snowflake, or Redshift
• Experience working with cloud-based data platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Snowflake, or Redshift
• Leverage predictive analytics and machine learning insights to provide forward-looking metrics and recommendations within dashboards.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where multiple tools and data sources are in play.
• Optimize reports for scalability, allowing them to handle large data volumes efficiently while maintaining performance.
• Leverage existing automation products such as MS Power Automate to incorporate manually collected data sources.

Collaborative Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience liaising across various departments and with field teams.
• Ability to simplify technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Problem Solving & Innovation:

• A proactive approach to identifying challenges and driving innovative solutions in data visualization.
• Willingness to explore and implement new technologies to enhance dashboard functionality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a related field. A master’s degree is desirable.
• Relevant certifications in data analytics, visualization, or software development are advantageous.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

Professional Background:

• A minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in data analytics, visualization, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing dashboards for large-scale projects, with exposure to both operational and management-level reporting.

Industry & Functional Experience:

• Experience working on projects that require integrating multiple data sources and delivering insights to diverse stakeholder groups.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of data management in emerging markets is a plus.

POSITION LOCATION 

Preferably based in South Africa with flexible working arrangements aligned to the South African time zone. Frequent coordination with international teams in the US and Australia is required. Occasional travel to our PE office and field sites is required to collaborate with teams on the ground.

LANGUAGE

Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement.

VALUES

At Imperative, we are passionate about our values are encourage all team members to embrace them.

• Integrity: We act honourably and are guided by a strong moral compass. If things go wrong, we put our hand up, admit it and adapt.
• Momentum: Speed matters. We have a bias to action. We think quick, we plan tirelessly, we mitigate risks but above all, we take action.
• Purpose: We are driven by our desire to make the world better, with every interaction, process and project.
• Accountability: We do what we say, and we deliver. We seek to be the best at what we do.
• Collaboration: We celebrate diversity of thought, values and backgrounds and seek to harness the strength of our people and partners to achieve more than we individually can, through teamwork and creativity.
• Tenacity: We are highly ambitious, driven and hardworking. We persist until we deliver impact.