Senior Economist : Country Risk & Industry Analysis

Job Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Head of the Unit, the Senior Economist; Country Risk & Industry Analysis will:
• Apply analytical tools necessary to identify, assess, manage and monitor country credit / industry risks; and implement and maintain the company's underwriting engines to comply with international best practice.
• Conduct debt sustainability analysis on countries and make recommendations to key committees.
• Conduct macro-economic research and analysis (incl. trends, drivers, risks) leading to the compilation of publications, reports on recent trends, speeches and presentations.
• Develop methods and procedures for collecting and processing data, utilizing knowledge of available sources of data and various econometric and sampling techniques.
• Source, compile and analyze statistical information, for use in quantitative as well as graphical analyses.
• Provide macroeconomic insights to assist in fundamental sector / industry research.
• Analysis and feedback on major free trade agreements (impact on countries, sectors, timing, etc.), major legislation and its impact on various sectors (including national development plans).
• Prepare quarterly economic strategy reports, including South African and global economic write-ups, to be presented to clients, executives, and at strategic Board meetings.
• Lead economic research projects (country and industry) that identify trade and investment opportunities for the benefit of South African exporters and investors, including socio-economic and/or regional development.
• Supervise, edit, and oversee quality control issues.
• Prepare and write articles that correctly and positively position the Corporation's brand, products, and services across all its target markets.
• Opinion editorials on issues of regional development and export credit insurance industry transformational initiatives in various media channels.
• Conduct presentations on various media platforms and participate in various forums (locally & internationally).

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 7 years of relevant experience.
• A Master Degree in Economics / Econometrics / Political Science and Development Finance is a requirement.
• Ability to research and analyze information on countries and key industries.
• Compilation of country and industry reports.
• Advanced Microsoft (Excel / Word / PowerPoint) and usage of econometric models.
• Ability to utilize Bloomberg and other Terminal Services.
• Demonstration of previous published articles is a requirement.
• The candidate must be able to present various research topics on various platforms.