Economist

Alexforbes; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An investment advisory firm seeks an Economist to formulate macroeconomic analyses for its investment strategies. The successful candidate will engage in developing economic frameworks, collaborating on investment committee meetings, and contributing to client communications. A Bachelor's degree in Economics is required, with a preference for a Master's or CFA. This role offers a competitive full-time package within a supportive and growth-oriented environment.

Benefits

Bursary and Leadership Development Programs

Competitive incentives and bonuses

Flexible work model

Employee Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in the investment industry.
• Strong appreciation of financial markets is essential.
• Proven track record in research and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyse global and domestic macroeconomic developments.
• Support the Executive Chief Economist in framework development.
• Assist in compiling economic publications.
• Design and maintain macroeconomic models.

Skills

Macroeconomic analysis

Investment strategies

Financial market knowledge

Research in economics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Economics/Econometrics/Investments

Master's Degree in Economics

CFA

Job description

Economistrole at Alexforbes Investment and Lean Group

To formulate an analysis of the macroeconomic framework for AF Investments and AF Group.

Responsibilities

• Analysing the global and domestic macroeconomic developments (ECONOMICS)
• Support the Executive Chief Economist in designing, developing, and managing a macroeconomic framework to identify economic risks and opportunities in line with our Living Investing investment process and philosophy.
• Assist in compiling the Weekly Economic Focus, the Monthly Economic Update, the Quarterly Investment Outlook, and the Alexander Forbes Year Ahead publications for use within Client Channels, Investments, and the Group.
• Design and maintain a suite of macroeconomic models that will form the basis for economic assumptions.
• Assist portfolio managers in the preparation of implementation documents in line with the AF investment operational process.
• Proactively assess risks, portfolio limit breaches, and engage portfolio managers on how to rectify these.
• Drive the preparation of portfolio enhancement proposals and deliver and defend the proposal in team forums.
• Sector multiplier analysis to identify risks and opportunities in line with the benefits barometer (SECTORIAL ANALYSIS)
• Construct models to assess employment, income, and output multipliers across different sectors of the economy.
• Use the multiplier analysis to identify risks and opportunities for the business and private markets investment process.
• Collaborate with the research institute on relevant Group research topics.
• Construct the macroeconomic framework for the Dynamic Asset Allocation process, working with the Asset Allocation team.
• Monitor asset price valuations and positioning to help with the DAA process.
• Compile presentations, commentary, and bulletins, and facilitate and create a media presence.
• Communicate new ideas, analytical results in a clear and concise manner.
• Consistent interaction, communication, and information transfer with other parts of the business, such as Advisory, client channels, and retail, is mandatory.
• Keep abreast of any market developments and be willing to meet with investment managers and gather insights about investment strategies, positioning, risks, and themes.

Investment Management

• Define and drive the key economic messages from the Investment team.
• Make meaningful contributions to the investment committee meetings.
• A contributing member of the Dynamic Asset Allocation framework, ensuring that macro and market views are aligned across the business in economics and asset allocation.
• Develop and channel research capability into the growth of emerging markets in Africa.
• Work closely with the head of Asset Allocation to ensure consistency of messaging both internally and externally.

Client Channels

• Provide standard updates and outputs relating to key economic events to clients within the Living, Investing, and Financial Well-being frameworks.
• Presentations and interactions when required with clients to discuss the economic environment and macro views, ensuring consistency of message with the asset allocation team.
• Enhance AF's external profile through credible and professional communication to the media, policy makers, and opinion-formers.

Marketing

• Support and contribute to the marketing effort by utilising the platform created in economics to disseminate key business messages.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: Economics / Econometrics / Investments
• Master's Degree: Economics (Advantageous)
• CFA (Advantageous)
• 2-3 years Investment Industry experience
• Specific reference to the financial market, economic and investment-related fields
• A demonstrable passion and strong appreciation of financial markets is non-negotiable
• Proven track record in conceptualising and delivering research in economics, and developed influencing skills

Why Join Alexforbes?

• Growth & Development – Bursary and Leadership Development Programs, E-Learning Forums, Financial Planning Support
• Rewarding Performance – Competitive short- and long-term incentives, Monetary recognition for outstanding performance, Lead Incentives & Referral Bonuses, Retirement Fund Contributions starting at 13% of CTC
• Group Risk Cover – Funeral, Dread Disease, and Life Insurance
• Medical & Gap Cover – % of CTC with Discovery / Bonitas (Mandatory unless you are a dependent)
• Work-Life Balance – Flexible Ways of Work: Hybrid work model, Connectivity Benefit: Wi‑Fi allowance, Employee Wellness & Assistance Programs, My Savings Account to help you plan for the future
• Be part of a team that's shaping the future of financial services

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Research, Writing / Editing, and Analyst

Industries

Financial Services, Banking, and Investment Banking