Junior Economist

PwC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consulting firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Junior Economist to join their sustainability consulting team. The role involves conducting economic analysis and market research to assist clients in navigating climate-related challenges. Candidates should possess a master's degree in a quantitative field, along with 2-4 years of relevant experience. This position offers competitive compensation, professional development, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Competitive compensation and benefits pack

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of professional experience in economic analysis, research, or consulting.
• Strong academic background with demonstrated analytical capabilities.
• Experience working with corporate clients on strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive market analysis and economic research.
• Perform quantitative analysis related to climate risk assessments.
• Prepare and present analytical findings to clients.

Skills

Analytical capabilities

Communication skills

Project management

Client engagement

Education

Master's degree in Economics, Finance, or related field

Tools

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

SummaryAt PwC, our people in finance consulting specialise in providing consulting services related to financial management and strategy. These individuals analyse client needs, develop financial solutions, and offer guidance and support to help clients optimise their financial performance, improve decision-making, and achieve their financial goals.

In economics consulting at PwC, you will apply economic principles and analytical techniques to offer advice and guidance to businesses, public agencies, or organisations. Your work involves conducting research, analysing data, and interpreting economic trends to help clients make informed decisions on various aspects such as financial strategies, market dynamics, policy implications, and resource allocation. Working in this area, you will be responsible for providing valuable insights into economic conditions, helping clients navigate challenges, optimise performance, and achieve their goals in a dynamic and ever-changing economic landscape.

Focused on relationships, you are building meaningful client connections, and learning how to manage and inspire others. Navigating increasingly complex situations, you are growing your personal brand, deepening technical expertise and awareness of your strengths. You are expected to anticipate the needs of your teams and clients, and to deliver quality. Embracing increased ambiguity, you are comfortable when the path forward isn’t clear, you ask questions, and you use these moments as opportunities to grow.

Examples of the skills, knowledge, and experiences you need to lead and deliver value at this level include but are not limited to :

• Respond effectively to the diverse perspectives, needs, and feelings of others.
• Use a broad range of tools, methodologies and techniques to generate new ideas and solve problems.
• Use critical thinking to break down complex concepts.
• Understand the broader objectives of your project or role and how your work fits into the overall strategy.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the business context and how it is changing.
• Use reflection to develop self awareness, enhance strengths and address development areas.
• Interpret data to inform insights and recommendations.
• Uphold and reinforce professional and technical standards (e.g. refer to specific PwC tax and audit guidance), the Firm's code of conduct, and independence requirements.

We are seeking a talented Junior Economist to join our sustainability consulting team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge market analysis, strategic consulting, and climate risk assessments for a diverse portfolio of clients. The successful candidate will contribute to high-impact projects while developing expertise in economic analysis and sustainability consulting.

Key Responsibilities

Economic Analysis & Research

Conduct comprehensive market analysis and economic research to support client projects

Perform quantitative analysis related to climate risk assessments and sustainability strategies

Develop economic models and forecasts to inform strategic decision-making

Research and analyze market trends, regulatory impacts, and economic indicators

Client Engagement & Delivery

Prepare and present analytical findings to clients in clear, actionable formats

Contribute to the development of client reports, presentations, and deliverables

Support client meetings and workshops with data-driven insights

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated consulting solutions

Business Development

Identify and help develop new business opportunities in sustainability and climate economics

Support proposal writing and pitch development for potential consulting engagements

Contribute to thought leadership content and market positioning initiatives

Participate in industry events and networking activities

Data Management & Visualization

Design and maintain databases for economic and market data

Create compelling data visualizations and dashboards for internal and client use

Ensure data quality, integrity, and accessibility across projects

Develop automated reporting tools and analytical workflows

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Master's degree in Economics, Finance, or related quantitative field

2-4 years of professional experience in economic analysis, research, or consulting

Strong academic background with demonstrated analytical capabilities

Technical Skills

Proficiency in database management tools (SQL, Access, or similar)

Advanced skills in data visualization software (Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent)

Strong quantitative analysis capabilities and statistical knowledge

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint

Professional Competencies

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong project management and organizational abilities

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Client-focused mindset with strong interpersonal skills

Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality deliverables

Preferred Qualifications

Specialized Knowledge

Background in statistics, data science, or environmental economics

Knowledge of climate risk assessment methodologies

Understanding of sustainability frameworks and ESG principles

Experience with regulatory economics or policy analysis

Industry Experience

Previous consulting experience, particularly in sustainability or environmental sectors

Experience working with corporate clients on strategic initiatives

Knowledge of carbon markets, renewable energy, or climate finance

Reporting Structure

Reports to : Lead Economist - Sustainability

Team : Part of a 6-person economics team

Collaboration : Works closely with multidisciplinary consulting teams across the firm

What We Offer

Opportunity to work on meaningful projects addressing climate change and sustainability challenges

Professional development and training opportunities

Collaborative and innovative work environment

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Clear career progression pathway within the consulting practice

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive application including :

Current resume / CV

Cover letter highlighting relevant experience and interest in sustainability consulting

Portfolio of relevant analytical work or case studies (if available)

References from previous employers or academic supervisors

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%

Available for Work Visa Sponsorship?

Job Posting End Date

August 13, 2025