Unit Head : Political, Economic Analysis & Research (Pear)

IT Ridge Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the insurance sector is seeking an experienced professional to manage risk analysis and contribute to strategic planning. This role involves analyzing country and industry risks, developing new insurance products, and leveraging data to support decision-making and compliance with best practices. Applicants should have a Master's degree and substantial experience in risk analysis and project finance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in risk analysis, project finance, or strategic planning.
• Knowledge of Trade and International Relations is advantageous.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing analytical tools to assess credit risk exposure.
• Managing day-to-day activities to meet the Unit objectives.
• Participating in and contributing to Executive Committees.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, or Development Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Econometric models

Job description

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE

• Providing inputs in the development of the corporate strategic plan and ensuring its implementation.
• Evaluating country/project risks and determining premium rates to ensure financial sustainability.
• Reviewing and developing insurance products to increase business opportunities.
• Leading research activities focused on the insurance industry, international economic developments, and the identification of trade and investment opportunities.
• Writing articles that positively position the Corporation’s brand, products, and services across all target markets.
• Managing day-to-day activities to meet the Unit objectives.
• Presenting the company at various forums, both international and local.

UNDERWRITING FUNCTION :

• Developing and implementing analytical tools to identify and assess credit risk exposure per country/project and formulating strategies to mitigate risks.
• Approving and guiding recommendations for all country/industry risk assessments.
• Overseeing the provision of country and industry risk reports.
• Reviewing insurance products, identifying, and developing new products and guidelines to expand market penetration.
• Developing and implementing risk pricing methodologies in line with actuarial requirements and industry practices. Providing premium quotations to financial institutions, exporters, and investors.
• Establishing links with Export Credit Agencies, international bodies, and public institutions to exchange information related to project risk evaluation processes and appetite.
• Developing and maintaining underwriting parameters to comply with international best practices.

STRATEGIC RESEARCH FUNCTION :

• Providing and measuring economic achievements in terms of the group's goals through appropriate economic impact assessment models.
• Investigating and leading research to identify trade and investment opportunities for South African exporters and investors.
• Developing methods and procedures for data collection and processing, utilizing econometric and sampling techniques.
• Preparing communications and articles to positively position the Corporation’s brand, products, and services across target markets.
• Participating in and contributing to Project Risk Evaluation and Executive Committees.
• Representing the Corporation at local and international conferences and trade missions. Preparing opinion editorial articles.
• Formulating the strategic plan and objectives of the Business Unit in line with corporate objectives and coordinating operations.
• Addressing ad hoc research requests/issues raised at the Corporate Executive and Board levels.

PEOPLE AND RISK MANAGEMENT :

• Managing the PEAR Unit, implementing strategic operational plans, coordinating operations, assessing performance, and reporting to Executive Management.
• Rolling out Enterprise Risk Management by identifying risks, developing metrics, and creating action plans to resolve potential risk events.
• Implementing succession planning to promote career and skills development within the Business Unit.
• Identifying and implementing training programs for the Business Unit.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, or Development Finance. Knowledge of Trade and International Relations is advantageous.
• Structured project and corporate finance training is preferable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills, with the ability to explain concepts aligned with the group's underwriting mandate.
• Interpersonal skills, relationship management, teamwork, and communication abilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with econometric models.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in risk analysis, project finance, country and industry risk analysis, strategic plan design, or export credit insurance.