(1608) Financial Markets Specialist (Market Intelligence) - FMD at South African Reserve Bank

Detailed description

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Monitor financial market developments and analyse market pricing, flows and behaviour to identify emerging risks, shifts in expectations and potential sources of monetary or financial instability.
• Combine qualitative intelligence with quantitative data, models and surveys to produce clear analytical insights. 
• Research and implement relevant new methods, analytical techniques and best practices related to gathering, analysis and reporting of market intelligence.
• Engage directly with a wide network of external financial market participants, including banks, asset managers, insurers and infrastructure providers.
• Systematically gather, aggregate and challenge qualitative intelligence from market contacts, ensuring diversity of views.
• Maintain strategic relationships with key participants in the financial markets.
• Produce high‑quality written briefings, dashboards and presentations for senior policy forums, including the Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Stability Committee.
• Contribute directly to briefing packs and narrative used in MPC and FSC.
• Support the design, evaluation and communication of market operations and facilities. 
• Contribute to the design, execution and analysis of structured intelligence tools, combining survey data with broader market intelligence.
• Use survey results to assess market expectations, perceptions of policy and macroeconomic risks. 
• Collaborate with colleagues across the SARB to deliver on cross‑cutting analytical projects, horizon scanning exercises and longer‑term research agendas.
• Transfer knowledge and skills to junior specialists, which includes providing technical support and monitoring their progress.
• Assist with committee administration and provide secretarial support. 
• Perform ad hoc tasks.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must be in possession of:

• an Honours degree (NQF8) in Economics, Finance, Financial Engineering, Statistics or related field or an equivalent combination of education and job-related experience; and 
• five to eight years of job-related experience in financial markets

The following will be an added advantage:

• strong understanding of financial markets and instruments
• demonstrated analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise complex qualitative and quantitative information into clear judgments;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• ability to build credibility and relationships with external market participants;
• strong judgement and professional integrity when handling sensitive market information;
• knowledge of quantitative finance;
• proficient in Microsoft Office, R and/or Python; and
• proficient in data analysis.