Senior Energy Economist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and performance‑drp

Flexible working hours and remote work

Comprehensive health and wellness

Professional development & industry 3

Exposure to high-profile energy proj./

Thought leadership in energy economics

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Energy Economist for a remote role within South Africa. You will conduct rigorous energy market analysis, forecast prices and demand, and advise on policy, market design and investments.

The position demands advanced quantitative skills and the ability to translate complex results into actionable guidance. You'll work with energy sector clients, develop econometric models, and contribute to policy and project evaluations.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Economics, Econometrics or a quantitative field with energy focus.
• 7+ years in energy economics, market analysis or economic consulting.
• Proven econometric modeling, statistical analysis and forecasting skills.
• Strong understanding of electricity, gas, renewables and fossil-fuel markets.
• Experience advising on energy policy and market design is advantageous.
• Proficiency in R, Stata, EViews or Python with relevant libraries.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive economic assessments of energy markets, including supply, demand, pricing and policy implications.
• Develop and maintain econometric models for energy price and demand forecasting.
• Analyze economic impact of energy policies, regulations and market reforms.
• Advise clients on energy investments, market entry and project feasibility from an economic perspective.
• Prepare detailed economic reports, research papers and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Evaluate cost-effectiveness and viability of different energy technologies and projects.
• Contribute to market simulation models and scenario analyses.
• Stay abreast of global energy trends, theories and analytical methods.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver integrated client solutions.

Skills

Econometric modeling

Forecasting techniques

Statistical analysis

Energy market knowledge

Communication skills

Independent remote work

Education

Master's or PhD in Economics / Econometrics / quantitative field

Tools

R

Stata

EViews

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected consultancy firm specializing in the energy sector, is seeking a highly analytical and insightful Senior Energy Economist to join their team. This is a remote position, offering the flexibility to work from any location within South Africa. You will be responsible for conducting economic analysis, forecasting energy prices and demand, and advising clients on energy policy, market design, and investment strategies. The ideal candidate possesses a strong quantitative background, extensive knowledge of energy markets, and the ability to translate complex economic concepts into clear, actionable recommendations. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions for major players in the energy industry and contribute to the development of sustainable energy policies. Our client values independent thinking and provides a collaborative environment where your expertise can drive significant impact. Join us to shape the economic landscape of South Africa's evolving energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive economic assessments of energy markets, including supply, demand, pricing, and policy implications.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated econometric models for energy price and demand forecasting.
• Analyze the economic impact of energy policies, regulations, and market reforms.
• Advise clients on energy investment decisions, market entry strategies, and project feasibility from an economic perspective.
• Prepare detailed economic reports, research papers, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and economic viability of different energy technologies and infrastructure projects.
• Contribute to the development of market simulation models and scenario analyses.
• Stay abreast of global energy trends, economic theories, and analytical methodologies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions to clients.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Economics, Econometrics, or a related quantitative field with a strong focus on energy economics.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in energy economics, market analysis, or economic consulting, preferably within the energy sector.
• Proven expertise in econometric modeling, statistical analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Strong understanding of energy markets (electricity, gas, renewables, fossil fuels) and their underlying economic drivers.
• Proficiency in statistical software packages (e.g., R, Stata, EViews, Python with relevant libraries).
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly.
• Experience in advising clients or government bodies on energy policy and market design is highly advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible working hours and remote work opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Exposure to a wide range of high-profile energy projects and clients.
• Be a thought leader in the field of energy economics in Limpopo and nationally.