Agricultural Economist - Market Analysis and Strategy

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development & conferences

Career growth opportunities

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agricultural Economist for a hybrid role in Benoni, Gauteng. You will conduct market research, forecast commodity prices, and develop data-driven strategies to guide investments and operational planning.

You will evaluate market dynamics, government policies, and consumer behavior to identify opportunities and mitigate risks in the agricultural sector. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential to present findings to stakeholders and drive

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, market research, or strategic planning within agriculture.
• Strong understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
• Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools (R, Stata, Eviews, Python).
• Excellent quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough market research and analysis of agricultural commodities and related sectors.
• Develop economic models and forecasts for commodity prices and supply/demand dynamics.
• Analyze impact of government policies, trade agreements, and global trends on agriculture.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and assess financial viability of agricultural projects.
• Provide economic insights and strategic recommendations to management.
• Monitor and report on key economic indicators relevant to agriculture.

Skills

Market research

Forecasting

Econometrics

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Masters/PhD in Agricultural Economics or related field

Tools

R

Stata

EViews

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural investment firm, is seeking an experienced Agricultural Economist to join their strategic team in **Benoni, Gauteng**. This hybrid role will involve conducting in-depth market analysis, forecasting trends, and developing data-driven strategies to support investment decisions and optimize agricultural operations. You will be instrumental in evaluating market dynamics, commodity prices, government policies, and consumer behavior to identify opportunities and mitigate risks within the agricultural sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical acumen, a deep understanding of economic principles as applied to agriculture, and excellent communication skills to present complex findings to stakeholders. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a passion for the agricultural industry and a proven ability to leverage economic data for informed decision-making in **Benoni, Gauteng**. This position offers a significant impact on the company's strategic direction and growth. Your insights will shape investment portfolios and operational planning, contributing to the firm's success in the competitive agricultural market. The role demands a proactive approach to research and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough market research and analysis of agricultural commodities, input markets, and related sectors.
• Develop economic models and forecasts for commodity prices, supply, and demand dynamics.
• Analyze the impact of government policies, trade agreements, and global economic trends on the agricultural sector.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and assess financial viability of agricultural projects.
• Provide economic insights and strategic recommendations to management and investment teams.
• Monitor and report on key economic indicators relevant to the agricultural industry.
• Develop market entry strategies and assess competitive landscapes.
• Prepare detailed economic reports, presentations, and policy briefs.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to gather market intelligence.
• Contribute to the development of risk management strategies for agricultural investments.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, market research, or strategic planning within the agricultural sector.
• Strong understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics.
• Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools (e.g., R, Stata, Eviews, Python).
• Excellent quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Experience with financial modeling and investment analysis is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with the South African agricultural market and policy environment is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops and conferences.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Exposure to diverse agricultural markets and investment strategies.
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Significant impact on strategic decision-making within the firm.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave allowance.
• Access to industry-leading data and research resources.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.