Agricultural Economist - Market Analysis & Strategy

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging seeks an Analytical Agricultural Economist to provide strategic market intelligence and economic analysis for diverse agricultural clients in South Africa.

The role entails forecasting commodity prices, building economic models, and delivering clear, actionable insights to support growth across the agricultural value chain. A strong quantitative background and SA sector knowledge are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in economic analysis or market research, preferably within the agricultural sector.
• Proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, SPSS) and Excel.
• Strong understanding of microeconomics, econometrics, and financial modeling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with the South African agricultural landscape and its key players.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong report writing and presentation development skills.
• A valid driver's license for occasional travel to client sites near Vereeniging.

Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive market research and analysis for various agricultural commodities and sectors.
• Developing economic models to forecast market trends, supply, demand, and prices.
• Analyzing the financial performance of agricultural enterprises and identifying areas for improvement.
• Providing strategic advice to clients on market entry, expansion, and risk management.
• Preparing detailed reports, presentations, and economic briefs for clients and stakeholders.
• Monitoring relevant government policies, trade agreements, and regulatory changes affecting the agricultural sector.
• Assessing the economic viability of new agricultural projects and investments.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external experts to gather data and insights.
• Staying informed about global agricultural economic trends and their implications for the South African market.
• Contributing to the development of thought leadership and industry publications.

Skills

Statistical software (Stata,R,SPSS)

Excel proficiency

Quantitative analysis

Economic modeling

Strong communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Agricultural Economics / Economics / Finance

Tools

Stata

R

SPSS

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural consultancy firm, is seeking an analytical and insightful Agricultural Economist to join their team in Vereeniging . This role is pivotal in providing strategic market intelligence and economic analysis to support the growth and development of agricultural businesses. You will be responsible for conducting in-depth market research, analyzing economic trends, forecasting commodity prices, and developing robust business strategies for clients across the agricultural value chain. The ideal candidate possesses a strong quantitative background, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the agricultural sector in South Africa. This position offers a stimulating environment where you can apply economic principles to real-world agricultural challenges, contributing to informed decision-making for key industry players. You will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, influencing the strategic direction of agricultural enterprises.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive market research and analysis for various agricultural commodities and sectors.
• Developing economic models to forecast market trends, supply, demand, and prices.
• Analyzing the financial performance of agricultural enterprises and identifying areas for improvement.
• Providing strategic advice to clients on market entry, expansion, and risk management.
• Preparing detailed reports, presentations, and economic briefs for clients and stakeholders.
• Monitoring relevant government policies, trade agreements, and regulatory changes affecting the agricultural sector.
• Assessing the economic viability of new agricultural projects and investments.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external experts to gather data and insights.
• Staying informed about global agricultural economic trends and their implications for the South African market.
• Contributing to the development of thought leadership and industry publications.

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, market research, or strategic consulting, preferably within the agricultural sector.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, SPSS) and Excel.
• Excellent understanding of microeconomics, econometrics, and financial modeling.
• Proven ability to interpret complex data and translate it into clear, actionable insights.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in presenting to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with the South African agricultural landscape and its key players.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong report writing and presentation development skills.
• A valid driver's license for occasional travel to client sites near Vereeniging .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a performance-based bonus structure, alongside comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, attending industry conferences, and career advancement are readily available.
• This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, balancing remote work with collaborative office time in Vereeniging . Join a reputable firm at the forefront of agricultural economic consulting.