Agricultural Economist - Farm Business Analysis

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Remote contractor (work remotely)

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Agricultural Economist for a remote contractor role covering Soweto, Gauteng, with potential broader reach. You will apply economic and financial modeling to assess farm profitability, identify cost-saving opportunities, and advise on investment strategies for agribusiness clients.

You will work independently, gathering data remotely, building robust models, forecasting revenues and costs, evaluating ROI on inputs, and delivering structured reports and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, financial modeling, and business consulting, preferably within the agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of farm business management, production economics, and agricultural markets.

Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive economic and financial analysis of farm operations and agribusinesses.
• Developing financial models to forecast revenue, costs, and profitability.
• Assessing the economic viability of new projects, investments, and agricultural technologies.
• Analysing market trends, commodity prices, and policy impacts on farm businesses.
• Providing recommendations for improving farm efficiency, cost management, and risk mitigation.
• Preparing detailed reports and presentations summarizing findings and strategic advice.
• Advising clients on financial planning, budgeting, and funding strategies.
• Evaluating the return on investment (ROI) for various agricultural inputs and practices.
• Interpreting complex economic data and communicating it clearly to clients with varying levels of financial literacy.
• Staying current with economic developments and policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Collaborating with other consultants or specialists as needed to provide holistic advice.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Financial modeling

Client communication

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural Economics / Economics / Finance

PhD in Agricultural Economics / Economics / Finance

Tools

Statistical software

Financial modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural consultancy firm, is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Agricultural Economist for a remote contractor role. This position focuses on providing expert financial and business analysis for farms and agribusinesses, primarily located within the **Soweto, Gauteng** region, but with potential for broader reach. The ideal candidate will leverage their economic and financial expertise to assess farm profitability, identify areas for cost reduction, advise on investment strategies, and forecast financial performance. You will work independently, interacting with clients remotely to gather data, conduct analyses, and present findings and recommendations. This role requires a deep understanding of agricultural markets, production economics, and financial modeling. We are looking for a self-starter with exceptional analytical skills and the ability to translate complex economic principles into practical, valuable advice for agricultural enterprises. Your insights will be crucial in guiding sustainable business growth and optimizing financial outcomes for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive economic and financial analysis of farm operations and agribusinesses.
• Developing financial models to forecast revenue, costs, and profitability.
• Assessing the economic viability of new projects, investments, and agricultural technologies.
• Anaylzing market trends, commodity prices, and policy impacts on farm businesses.
• Providing recommendations for improving farm efficiency, cost management, and risk mitigation.
• Preparing detailed reports and presentations summarizing findings and strategic advice.
• Advising clients on financial planning, budgeting, and funding strategies.
• Evaluating the return on investment (ROI) for various agricultural inputs and practices.
• Interpreting complex economic data and communicating it clearly to clients with varying levels of financial literacy.
• Staying current with economic developments and policies affecting the agricultural sector.
• Collaborating with other consultants or specialists as needed to provide holistic advice.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, financial modeling, and business consulting, preferably within the agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of farm business management, production economics, and agricultural markets.
• Proficiency in statistical software, financial modeling tools, and data analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information concisely.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage client relationships remotely, and meet project deadlines.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural economic conditions is advantageous.
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling client financial information.

Benefits

This contractor position offers a competitive remuneration package, commensurate with expertise and project scope. As a remote contractor, you will have significant flexibility in managing your work schedule. Our client provides opportunities to engage with diverse agricultural businesses and contribute to their financial success. You will work on impactful projects that shape the strategic direction of farms. Professional development resources and access to industry insights will be available. This role is ideal for an experienced economist seeking challenging, remote advisory work in the agricultural domain. Project completion bonuses may be applicable.