Senior Data Engineers (Azure) at GEMS

About the position

Introduction

Two (2) positions for ICT Senior Data Engineer (Azure) are vacant. The ICT Senior Data Engineer will report directly to the Senior Manager: Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence and will form part of the ICT Division within the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). The position is based at Head Office in Pretoria.

Overview:

The Senior Data Engineer (Azure) is a senior technical position within the ICT Division of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), reporting to the Senior Manager: Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence. The role is based at GEMS Head Office in Pretoria and focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing enterprise-level data solutions using Microsoft Azure technologies.

The Annual Total remuneration package for this position is between R1,165,101 and R1,456,304, based on qualifications and experience.

The closing date for applications will be Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

Duties & Responsibilities

The ICT Senior Data Engineer (Azure) will be required to perform the following functions within the ICT Division through the design, delivery, and optimization of enterprise data solutions and infrastructure:

• Design, build, and optimize data pipelines and architectures using Microsoft Azure technologies to support analytics, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with data scientists, BI specialists, data analysts, and ICT application teams to deliver high-performance, scalable data solutions.
• Implement and manage ETL/ELT workflows in Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, Databricks, and related tools.
• Develop and maintain data lakes and data warehouses to support enterprise reporting and analytics.
• Ensure data quality, security, and governance by implementing validation, monitoring, and access control frameworks.
• Maintain documentation and ensure adherence to data architecture standards and compliance requirements (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Support automation and DevOps practices, including version control, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code.
• Provide technical input in budget planning, tool procurement, and cost optimization of cloud infrastructure.
• Participate in data-related forums, project committees, and ICT governance initiatives to promote collaboration and innovation.
• Stay abreast of advancements in cloud data engineering, share knowledge with the team, and lead the implementation of best practices.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualification requirements are:

• Diploma/Degree (NQF Level 6) in Computer Science, Information Management Systems, or Data Science (Essential).
• 3 years managerial level and 5+ years' experience in data engineering or a similar role (Essential).

Strong expertise in Microsoft Azure, including:

o Azure Data Factory

o Azure Synapse Analytics

o Azure Databricks

o Azure Data Lake Storage (Gen2)

• Proficiency in SQL, data modeling, and data warehousing concepts.
• Hands-on experience with Python and/or R, including data processing (e.g., Pandas, PySpark).
• Experience with version control systems (Git), CI/CD, and infrastructure-as-code (ARM templates, Terraform).

Advantageous:

• Familiarity with real-time data streaming (Kafka, Event Hubs).
• Experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Exposure to machine learning lifecycle tools (MLflow, Azure ML).
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and orchestration tools (Airflow).
• Experience with API development and automation frameworks.

Skills and Experience

• Ability to analyze complex data challenges and design efficient, maintainable solutions.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and optimization skills.
• Knowledge of data security, compliance, and governance best practices.
• Excellent collaboration, documentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-functional, fast-paced, and data-centric environment.

Behavioural Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Applies structured logic to solve complex data problems.
• Innovation: Continuously seeks and implements new solutions to improve performance.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional and cross-divisional teams.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of deliverables and ensures quality execution.
• Adaptability: Remains flexible and agile in evolving project requirements.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Consistently demonstrates ethical and transparent behaviour.
• Member and Stakeholder Focus: Understands internal and external stakeholder needs.

Desirable

• Understanding of the medical schemes industry.

Interested?

GEMS employs people with the highest level of integrity - submission to the appropriate pre-employment assessment is obligatory to be considered for the position.

Kindly note that the information provided on the application for the position may be shared with a third party for vetting purposes and will be stored by GEMS for a period of 5 years.

Kindly note that information is required for the Recruitment and Selection Process Purposes, and information gathered is strictly used according to the intended purpose of collection, unless there is a legal need or permission is granted from the applicant themselves to make use of it for other purposes

Should you wish to have your information removed from the GEMS database, kindly send a request in writing to [Email Address Removed] .

GEMS adopts a hybrid work model

An internal employee must be in their current role for at least 12 months before they will be considered for other vacancies within the Scheme.

GEMS reserves the right not to proceed with an appointment.

GEMS is guided by the principles of employment equity. Preference will be given to groups who are underrepresented in accordance with the GEMS employment equity plan.

Successful candidates will be required to seek approval to conduct other work outside of GEMS.

GEMS Employees are required to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the organisation's paramount values: Excellence, Member Value, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration.