Senior Economist

SUMMARY:

The Industrial Development Corporation’s Research and Information department (RI) is responsible for undertaking economic and industrial research and analysis that is aligned with the development objectives and strategic requirements of the Corporation. It also renders a centralised, relevant, and reliable information provision service on econ...

POSITION INFO:
The Industrial Development Corporation’s Research and Information department (RI) is responsible for undertaking economic and industrial research and analysis that is aligned with the development objectives and strategic requirements of the Corporation. It also renders a centralised, relevant, and reliable information provision service on economic, socioeconomic, sectoral and industry related matters to the Corporation at large, including the board as well as to specific external stakeholders. RI’s strategic research and analysis encompasses the following key areas: sectoral, industrial, value chain research and analysis; macroeconomic analysis and reporting; macroeconomic and sectoral forecasting and scenario building; external trade analysis; economic, political; sectoral and trade data management; economic impact assessments; support to policymakers, particularly national government departments and more specifically the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), including the management of the Industrial Policy Support Fund on its behalf. The purpose of the role is to conduct macro-economic and sectoral analysis and forecasting. This includes conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, contributing to the expansion of IDC modelling capacity, compiling macro-economic research reports, compiling publications, and presentations on economic matters for the IDC, and its stakeholders. Honours degree in economics, econometrics (or equivalent qualification) Masters degree (e.g. M. Commerce (Economics\/Econometrics) or M. Science (Economics\/Econometrics)) will be an added advantage. 8 to 10 years relevant experience, preferably within an economic research and analysis environment. Substantial experience and knowledge in sourcing, compiling, interrogating, testing and analysing statistical information (e.g. national accounts, international trade etc), for use in quantitative analyses. Understanding, knowledge and experience of the historical and current economic environment (international and domestic) and factors influencing it. Strong understanding, knowledge and experience of macro-economics and development economics theory and principles, as well as their application in industrial development and in the finance environment Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and an ability to understand, integrate and analyse complex information. Good understanding, knowledge and experience of the economic and socio-economic environment in South Africa and southern Africa, including transformation and regional development issues. Conduct macro-economic and sectoral trend analysis, forecasting and economic impact assessments. Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses and contribute to the expansion of IDC modelling capacity. Compile and present macro-economic research reports, publications, and presentations on economic matters for the IDC, and its stakeholders. Assist in planning portfolio priorities and objectives from macro-economic and sectoral perspectives, contributing to market risk analysis. Participate in various strategic research projects, particularly from a macro-economic analysis perspective. Participate in specific fora and liaise with various external institutions. Provide information on economic matters to IDC at large and assist through strategic support which enables effective management of the IDC group. Lead and\/or coordinate research projects undertaken with other economists within the department. Undertake technical analysis of the prices of various commodities (industrial, energy and precious metals). Forecasting of the prices of various commodities (industrial, energy and precious metals). TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES Statistical software packages (e.g. EViews, R, Python etc) Report writing skills Strong Analytical and diagnostic skills Problem solving Business\/commercial acumen Stakeholder management Technical analysis Project management skills Teamwork BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES Negotiating and influencing Presentation and communication skills Deciding and initiating. Planning and organizing Operating within a multi-cultural environment Coping with pressures and setbacks Problem-solving skills