Agricultural Economist - Market Analysis & Planning

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Hybrid work in Queenstown

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Economist to join a major organization in the Agriculture & Forestry sector, serving clients mainly in the Eastern Cape. The role centers on market analysis, forecasting, and strategic economic advice for agricultural businesses and stakeholders in a hybrid work setting.

You will develop economic models, analyze policy impacts, and prepare reports and briefs for management, clients, and government. A Master's/PhD and 5+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years in agricultural economic analysis, market research or financial modeling.
• Proven expertise in econometrics, statistical modeling and data interpretation.
• Strong understanding of agricultural markets, policy frameworks, and supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research and analysis for agricultural commodities and inputs.
• Develop economic models and forecasts for production, prices, and trade.
• Analyze impact of policies, global trends, and environmental factors on agriculture.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and policy briefs for clients and agencies.
• Provide feasibility studies for agricultural projects and investments.
• Advise on risk management and financial planning for agricultural enterprises.
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of programs and initiatives.
• Collaborate with government bodies and industry stakeholders to gather data.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Economics knowledge

Communication

Team player

Education

Master's or PhD in Agricultural Economics

Tools

R

Stata

SPSS

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key organization within the Agriculture & Forestry sector, is seeking an analytical and insightful Agricultural Economist to join their team, serving clients primarily in the Eastern Cape region. This role is crucial for conducting in-depth market analysis, forecasting agricultural trends, and providing strategic economic advice to support informed decision-making for agricultural businesses and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative skills, a comprehensive understanding of agricultural markets (both domestic and international), and the ability to translate complex economic data into actionable insights. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the economic viability and strategic planning of the agricultural industry in a region undergoing significant development. Working with a hybrid model, you'll balance office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis for various agricultural commodities and inputs.
• Develop economic models and forecasts for agricultural production, prices, and trade.
• Analyze the impact of economic policies, global market trends, and environmental factors on the agricultural sector.
• Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and policy briefs for management, clients, and government agencies.
• Provide economic feasibility studies for agricultural projects and investments.
• Advise on risk management strategies and financial planning for agricultural enterprises.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural programs and initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to gather data and share insights.
• Utilize statistical software and databases for data analysis and interpretation.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, or a closely related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural economic analysis, market research, or financial modeling.
• Proven expertise in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and statistical modeling techniques.
• Strong understanding of agricultural markets, supply chains, and policy frameworks.
• Proficiency in statistical software packages (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS) and spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel).
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape of the Eastern Cape is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, pension fund, and opportunities for continuous professional development.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility in your work arrangements, balancing office-based collaboration in Queenstown, Eastern Cape with remote working.
• You will have the opportunity to engage with diverse agricultural projects and contribute to strategic economic planning.
• Join a dedicated team focused on enhancing the agricultural sector through robust economic analysis.