Senior Agricultural Economist - Market Analysis

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development support

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Agricultural Economist specialized in Market Analysis to join a strategic team based in Paarl, Western Cape. You will forecast trends, analyze commodity markets, and develop financial models to guide investment decisions and policy impacts.

The role offers hybrid work, integrating in‑office collaboration with remote flexibility to support market intelligence and strategic planning in the agricultural sector.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of agricultural commodity markets including supply, demand, pricing and trade flows.
• Develop economic models and forecasts for agricultural production, consumption and market trends.
• Assess the economic impact of agricultural policies, regulations and global events.
• Provide strategic recommendations to management based on market analysis and insights.
• Prepare market reports, presentations and briefs for stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate financial performance of agricultural projects and investments.
• Collaborate with research institutions, industry associations and government agencies on economic studies.
• Identify new market opportunities and risks for the company's agricultural operations.
• Contribute to the development of long‑term business and investment strategies.

Skills

Econometric modeling

Statistical analysis

Market analysis

Strong communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Agricultural Economics or related field

Tools

R

Stata

SPSS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the agricultural sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Agricultural Economist specializing in Market Analysis to join their strategic team based in Paarl. This role is critical for understanding market dynamics, forecasting trends, and providing data-driven insights to guide business decisions and investment strategies. You will analyze agricultural commodity markets, assess economic impacts of policies, and develop financial models for agricultural projects. This is a hybrid position, offering the advantage of both in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing you to contribute effectively to market intelligence and strategic planning within the thriving agricultural landscape of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of agricultural commodity markets, including supply, demand, pricing, and trade flows.
• Develop economic models and forecasts for agricultural production, consumption, and market trends.
• Assess the economic impact of agricultural policies, regulations, and global events.
• Provide strategic recommendations to management based on market analysis and economic insights.
• Prepare comprehensive market reports, presentations, and briefs for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate the financial performance of agricultural projects and investments.
• Collaborate with research institutions, industry associations, and government agencies on economic studies.
• Identify new market opportunities and potential risks for the company's agricultural operations.
• Contribute to the development of long‑term business and investment strategies.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in agricultural market analysis, economic consulting, or a similar role.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with expertise in econometric modeling and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical software packages (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent understanding of agricultural markets, policies, and international trade.
• Proven ability to interpret complex economic data and translate it into actionable business insights.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Experience with financial modeling and investment appraisal is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and in-office responsibilities.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package commensurate with your expertise and experience.
• Opportunity to influence strategic decisions within a leading agricultural organization.
• Exposure to dynamic national and international agricultural markets.
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuous learning.
• A flexible hybrid work model offering a healthy work‑life balance.
• Be part of a respected firm contributing to the economic vitality of the agricultural sector.