(1738) Policy Research Specialis at South African Reserve Bank

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

• Generate strategic insights and knowledge related to policy,  regulatory and licensing developments within the NPS.
• Effectively communicate and share relevant findings, research outputs and policy implications with internal and external stakeholders to support informed decision-making and collaborative engagement.
• Continuously monitor the external environment to identify emerging trends, technologies and developments in the NPS.
• Identify and coordinate research needs within the division.
• Collect and synthesise relevant data to support research, analysis and reporting activities.
• Conduct in-depth research on new standards, regulations and innovations impacting the payment space.
• Track and analyse regulatory developments and standards issued by regional and international standard-setting bodies.
• Proactively monitor any changes in local, regional and global regulations relevant to the payment environment.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing policy, regulatory and licensing frameworks and procedures, and recommend enhancements.
• Conduct impact assessments for proposed policy, regulatory and licensing frameworks, including socio-economic implications.
• Analyse the economics of payments to inform policy, regulatory and licensing decisions.
• Provide guidance and input into newpayment methods, innovation and developments in the NPS.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate findings, insights and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide expert advisory support on policy and regulatory matters to internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams – including the Economic Research Department, the Fintech Unit and others – to ensure alignment and collaboration on policy and regulatory research initiatives.

Qualifications

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

• the minimum of an Honours degree (NQF 8) in Economics, Finance or Law, or an equivalent qualification; and
• the minimum of 5–8 years’ experience in research, policy development, regulatory analysis, socio-economic impact assessments and/or stakeholder engagement within the payment sector.

The following would be an added advantage: 

• a research qualification; or 
• experience in payment systems.

Additional requirements include:

• industry, organisational and business awareness;
• knowledge and skill in:
•  licensing, authorisations, designations and registrations; 
• the NPS;
• the NPS legal framework and regulations, particularly  the South African Reserve Bank Act National Payment System Act 78 of 1998 and directives issued thereunder, and other relevant legislation such as the Financial Sector Regulation Act,   the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001;;
• industry, business and organisations; 
• quality assurance; 
• continuous improvement;
• continued learning/professional development; 
• risk management;
• central banking; and
• digital literacy;

the ability to:

• problem-solve and analyse;
• drive results;
• promote teamwork;
• develop and grow others; 
• communicate effectively;
• build and maintain relationships;
• have impact and influence;
• have a service and stakeholder focus;
• plan and organise;
• judge and make decisions; 
• manage complexity and ambiguity; and
• display innovation and creativity.