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

IT Ridge Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading risk management firm in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced professional to manage risk analysis and develop strategic plans. The role demands a Master's degree in Economics, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and advanced communication skills. Key responsibilities include evaluating financial risks, leading research activities, and ensuring adherence to international best practices in underwriting. A competitive compensation package is offered.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, or Development Finance.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in risk analysis or project finance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide inputs in the development of the corporate strategic plan.
• Evaluate country/project risks and determine premium rates.
• Develop and implement analytical tools for credit risk exposure.

Skills

Risk analysis

Project finance

Strong communication skills

Teamwork abilities

Microsoft Office skills

Education

Master's degree in Economics or related field

Structured project finance training

Tools

Econometric models

Job description

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE

• Providing inputs in the development of the corporate strategic plan and ensuring its implementation.

Thereof

• 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 its 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 providing guidance on recommendations for all country/industry risk assessments.

• Overseeing the provision of country and industry risk reports.

• Reviewing insurance products regularly, 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 other Export Credit Agencies, international bodies, or institutions 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 SA exporters and investors.

• Developing methods and procedures for data collection and processing, utilizing econometric and sampling techniques.

• Preparing communications and articles that positively position the Corporation’s brand, products, and services across all target markets.

• Attending, making presentations, and contributing to the Project Risk Evaluation and Executive Committees.

• Representing the Corporation at local and international conferences and participating in South Africa’s international trade missions. Compiling opinion editorial articles.

• Formulating the strategic plan and objectives of the Business Unit in line with corporate objectives and coordinating all operations.

• Addressing ad hoc research requests/issues raised at Corporate Executive and Board levels.

PEOPLE AND RISK MANAGEMENT :

• Managing the PEAR Unit – implementing the strategic operational plan, coordinating PEAR operations, assessing performance, and reporting to Executive Management.

• Rolling out Enterprise Risk Management – identifying risks, developing metrics, and 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. Understanding of Trade and International Relations is an advantage.

• Structured project and corporate finance training – preferable.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills, with the ability to explain concepts and relate them to the group's underwriting mandate.

• Interpersonal skills, relationship management, and teamwork 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/industry risk analysis, strategic plan design, or export credit insurance.