Economist – Country Risk & Industry Analysis

Export Credit Insurance Corporation; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A government-backed financial entity is seeking an Economist to assess country and industry risks, compile reports on trade opportunities, and prepare strategic economic reports. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Economics or related fields and at least 3 years of experience in economic research. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this on-site role in Centurion, South Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in economic research or country risk analysis.
• Experience in industry/sector analysis in a business or financial environment.

Responsibilities

• Apply analytical tools to assess country and industry risks.
• Compile reports identifying trade opportunities for South African exporters.
• Prepare quarterly economic strategy reports for clients and executives.

Skills

Economic research

Data analysis

Report writing

Risk analysis

Excellent communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Econometrics, Commerce or related field

Job description

ROLE OF THE ECONOMIST

• Daily, apply analytical tools necessary to identify, assess, manage and monitor country / industry risks; and implement and maintain the ECIC underwriting engines to comply with international best practice.
• Compile country/ industry/ sector reports as well as providing inputs to publications that identify trade and investment opportunities for the benefits of South African exporters and investors.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, MEASURES & INTERFACES

• Research, analysis, interpretation and preparation of reports summarising economic data.
• Apply risk assessment methodologies and models for country, industry/ sector and pricing.
• Independently investigate and prepare political, economic and industry briefs/reports of countries in which ECIC would have political and commercial risk appetite.
• Conduct debt sustainability analysis on countries and make recommendations to key committees.
• Compile country and industry risks assessment reports, that enable effective decision making.
• Monitor and manage country/sector risk exposure limits as well as single obligor limits, in line with the Corporation’s risk appetite.
• Liaise with the other Business Units and management on operational issues and evaluation of project insurance applications.
• Work with Senior Economists and contribute to key publications.
• Prepare quarterly economic strategy reports. This includes South African and global economic write-ups. This must be presented to clients, executives and at strategic Board meetings.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, MEASURES & INTERFACES

Key Measures

• Technical reports writing
• Strategic ad hoc research & analysis
• Interaction with internal & external clients & stakeholders

Key Interfaces

• All Operational functions
• ECIC key stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Econometrics, Commerce, International Studies, Business Sciences, Political Sciences or any relevant field with subjects in Economics or Econometrics as majors. Minimum 3 years' experience is required in the field of economic research, country risk analysis and/or industry/ sector analysis in a business, academic or financial environment.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

The incumbent should have demonstrated the following competencies:

• Economic research & International relations research
• Data analysis,
• Report writing,
• Risk analysis
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to use own initiatives.
• Ability to prioritize own tasks effectively
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to forge relationships with other areas of the business and at all levels;
• Problem solving skills to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

The incumbent is required to have the following Behavioural competencies:

• Problem solving: Demonstrates adequate problem-solving skills and appropriately applies proven solutions.
• Delivery: Translates business objectives into practical, prioritised and organised action plans; ensures plans are safely and successfully implemented.
• Conflict resolution: Identifies and pushes for solutions in which all parties can benefit.
• Team participation: Consistently offers relevant inputs to team discussions as issues are being clarified and solutions are being developed.
• Flexibility: Available to work more than ordinary business hours.

Closing Date: Monday, 18^th July 2025

NOTE: It is ECIC’s intention to promote equity through the filling of posts, according to the set Employment Equity targets.

Data Protection

Personal information collected and processed for purposes of recruitment will be protected from unauthorised access and improper use or disclosure.

Declaration and Informed Consent

By submitting your application for the advertised role, you give ECIC permission to process your personal information and you acknowledge that you understand the purpose for which it is required and for which it will be used. Furthermore, you declare that all personal information supplied to the ECIC for the purposes of recruitment is accurate, up to date, not misleading and that it is complete in all respects.