Senior Data Analyst (Census) (5194)

Do you want to shape the delivery of Scotland’s Census, enabling governments and other public bodies to plan the services we all rely on, and telling the story of Scotland's people for generations to come? If so, this post could be for you.

We are the trusted producer of Scotland’s population statistics, including taking the Census of Scotland’s population every 10 years. The next Census is in 2031 and will be delivered in partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research

Agency (NISRA). This is one of the largest digital programmes delivered in Scotland, gathering data from every household across a population of c.5.7m.

NRS requires a Senior Data Analyst, the role is being offered on a Fixed Term Appointment (Fair and Open) basis for 2 years to support the delivery of Census 2031 by leading the design and implementation of data models and analytical structures, working closely with data architecture to shape how census and administrative data is structured, integrated and used.

You should note that Scotland’s Census 2031 is a time limited project and as such the position is being offered on a Fixed Term (fair and open basis). Please contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions.

The candidate will take a hands‑on role in developing and delivering census data models, ensuring that data is structured in a way that supports high‑quality statistical outputs, operational delivery, and integration with administrative data sources. This role combines advanced analytical expertise with practical delivery, focusing on building and implementing robust data models and transformation logic.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build and maintain data models and analytical structures for Census and population data
• Translate data architecture designs into implementable data models and transformation pipelines
• Define and apply standards for structuring, transforming and quality‑assuring census data
• Develop schema designs that enable efficient querying and analysis of large‑scale demographic datasets
• Deliver data integration and linkage with administrative data sources, supporting consistency and comparability
• Implement estimation, aggregation and geographic data structures to support statistical outputs
• Document data models, metadata and transformation processes to ensure transparency and reproducibility

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Apply using the link below

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.