Economist

Alexforbes; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm seeks an Economist to analyze macroeconomic factors affecting investments. The role involves constructing models to assess economic opportunities and risks, supporting the investment team, and communicating insights to clients. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Economics and relevant industry experience.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years in the Investment Industry.
• Experience in economic and investment-related fields.
• Proven track record in delivering research in economics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze global and domestic macroeconomic developments.
• Support the Executive Chief Economist in managing economic frameworks.
• Prepare economic publications for clients and internal use.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Influencing Skills

Risk Assessment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Economics

Master's Degree in Economics

CFA Certification

Job description

Designation: PP2172 - Economist

Category: AF Invest CEO - OF8300

Posted by: Alexander Forbes

Posted on: 26 May 2025

Closing date: 03 Jun 2025

Location: Johannesburg

Purpose Of The Job

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

Overview

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 suit of macroeconomic models that will form the basis for economic assumptions.
• Assist portfolio managers in 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 investments process.
• Collaborate with the research institute in relevant Group research topics
  
  

Dynamic Asset Allocation input (DAA)

• Construct the macroeconomic framework for 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 growth 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 economic environment and macro views, ensuring consistency of message with 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.
  
  

Qualifications

• 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