Economist

The Competition Commission; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1 093 000; Full time

Job summary

A South African regulatory agency seeks an Economist to conduct economic research, provide case analysis, and develop competition policies. The role demands a Master's in Economics and at least 4-6 years of experience in economic analysis. Candidates must possess strong analytical, research, and communication skills. The successful applicant will participate in addressing anti-competitive conduct and contribute to rigorous investigations within the Commission's mandate. The position offers a competitive salary and a fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years work experience in a rigorous economic analysis environment.
• Training and experience in Microeconomics and Econometrics is advantageous.
• Knowledge of the Competition Act and South African economy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct economic research and case analysis.
• Assist with rigorous economic analysis of competition cases.
• Draft expert economic reports for Competition Tribunal cases.
• Research on competition issues and market inquiries.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Research and analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Planning and organising skills

Education

Masters degree in Economics

Job description

Job title: Economist

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: January 23, 2026

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Job Description

• The Competition Commission seeks to recruit dynamic, hard‑working and committed individuals.
• Applicants should be organised, thorough and enjoy challenging situations. Attention to detail, ensuring quality and standards are met and keeping errors to a minimum are important factors in this position. Researching and gathering facts are an important part of the job. The successful individuals will participate in economic research in line with the Commission’s mandate to address anti‑competitive conduct and evaluate mergers.
• A starting annual total Cost to Company package of R 1,092,619.93 (negotiable commensurate with experience).
• Please note this position is available on a five‑year fixed term contract, renewable.

Key Accountabilities

The main responsibilities of the incumbent will, amongst others, include to :

• Assist with the gathering of evidence and rigorous economic analysis of competition cases under investigation along with the drafting of investigation reports within the cartels, market conduct and mergers divisions.
• Assist with the drafting of expert economic reports filed with the Competition Tribunal on competition cases in litigation.
• Assistance to the expert economist and legal teams for cases in litigation before the Competition Tribunal, including rebuttal evidence and cross‑examination of witnesses.
• Contribute to and lead economic research in support of the Commission’s strategy including research on specific sectors or competition issues, scoping of market inquiries, monitoring economic concentration, identification of barriers to entry and expansion, identifying the underlying causes of the high cost of living and key developments in other jurisdictions.
• Contribute to and lead research into the proactive initiation of competition complaints.
• Contribute to and lead research into regional, continental and international cross‑border competition issues.
• Contribute to the provision of the theoretical and intellectual platform for the effective implementation of the Competition Act, including the drafting of guidelines.
• Assist in preparing an address to various industry forums with respect to the economic implications of decisions taken on specific cases, participating in the meetings as appropriate.

Job Requirements

• Applicants MUST have a Masters degree in Economics.
• Training and experience in Microeconomics, Econometrics, Industrial Organization and / or International Trade is considered to be advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills are essential.
• Minimum of 4 – 6 years work experience in a rigorous economic analysis environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Competition Act, the Competition Commission and the South African economy is highly recommended.

Other considerations

• Practical work exposure to area of expertise will be further considered to balance against other requirements.

Primary Purpose of the job

To conduct economic research, case analysis and competition policy development; ensuring the application of sound economic principles in all work performed.

Personality and Attributes

• Fit with the Commission's Values (Communication, Ownership, Making a difference, Professionalism, Employee Welfare, Teamwork, Efficiency).
• Be a strategic thinker.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Have strong interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work under pressure.
• Planning and organising skills.
• An energetic, committed individual with strong attention to detail.
• Have leadership and team supervision skills.
• Have diplomacy, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
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