Economist

Alexforbes; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Macroeconomic Analyst to support the Executive Chief Economist. This role involves analyzing global and domestic macroeconomic developments, compiling economic publications, and constructing economic models. Ideal candidates should hold at least a Bachelor's degree in Economics and have 2-3 years of investment industry experience. The company offers significant growth opportunities and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Bursary and Leadership Development Programs

Flexible working model

Medical cover with Discovery/Bonitas

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in the investment industry is required.
• Strong passion and understanding of financial markets is essential.
• Proven track record in delivering economic research.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chief Economist in macroeconomic framework design.
• Compile economic publications like Weekly Economic Focus.
• Construct models for sector multiplier analysis.

Skills

Financial market analysis

Research delivery in economics

Influencing skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Economics/Econometrics/Investments

Master's Degree in Economics

CFA

Job description

Purpose of the Role

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

Dynamic Asset Allocation input (DAA)

• Construct the macroeconomic framework for the DAA 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 conceptualizing and delivering research in economics, and developed influencing skills

Why Join Alexforbes?

At Alexforbes, we don’t just offer jobs - we build careers. Here’s what makes us stand out:

Growth & Development

• Bursary and Leadership Development Programs to help you grow professionally.
• E-Learning Forums and continuous learning opportunities.
• Financial Planning Support tailored for staff.

Rewarding Performance

• Total Rewards Package: Competitive short- and long-term incentives.
• Power Of One: Monetary recognition for outstanding performance.
• Lead Incentives & Referral Bonuses for helping us grow our talent pool.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Retirement Fund Contributions starting at 13% of CTC.
• Group Risk Cover: Funeral, Dread Disease, and Life Insurance.
• Medical & Gap Cover: 100% of CTC with Discovery/Bonitas (Mandatory unless you are a dependent).

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible Ways of Work: Hybrid work model to suit your lifestyle.
• Connectivity Benefit: Wi-Fi allowance.
• Employee Wellness & Assistance Programs to support your wellbeing.
• My Savings Account to help you plan for the future.

Join a company that values its people, invests in their growth, and rewards excellence. Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of financial services.