Analyst, Middle East & Africa at The Economist

As the research and analysis division of the Economist Group, The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) helps leaders prepare for opportunity, empowering them to act with confidence when making strategic decisions. The EIU is the global standard in providing quality, actionable intelligence to the public and private sector, assessing issues that impact the marketplace for over two hundred countries.

The Country Analysis division of The EIU is looking for a Johannesburg-based Analyst in the Middle East & Africa Team, which covers over 50 countries in Africa and Middle East. The successful applicant will be responsible for the production and quality of The EIU products for a portfolio of African countries. Among the key tasks involved in the role, the Analyst will produce economic and political forecasts for specific countries and write analysis on economic, political and policy developments in the Africa region. The Analyst will also actively present The EIU views externally, both to the media and clients

Accountabilities
How you will contribute?
Produce High-quality Reports And Analysis

• Produce economic and political forecasts for selected African countries
• Produce ongoing analysis and forecast updates on key events as they happen, ensuring that agreed norms for frequency of coverage are maintained
• Ensure that the designated part of the regional product range is written to a high standard
• Identify accurate and informative sources on events affecting the forecast as they happen
• Interpret events within specific countries with a particular focus on whether and how they might impact upon The EIU forecasts
• Play an active role in producing original country and regional content work that develops The EIU view on the region
• Support the consulting and sales teams to deliver projects as required

Manage External Contributors

• Be responsible for finding and commissioning suitable external contributors to provide additional analysis of political and economic events within the countries of responsibility
• Carry out a comprehensive first edit on contributors’ input, checking accuracy, ensuring all the relevant information is presented in accordance with The EIU style guide and product guidelines
• Build a network of sources in academia, business and government to draw on for research purposes

Contribute To The Regional Team

• Play an active role in team discussions on regional themes and the development of the Africa regional view
• Support other members of the team when they need it

Promote The EIU Views Externally

• Attend regular external conferences on regional themes, and actively look for opportunities to present at such conferences
• Present The EIU views to the media, including on TV, radio, and the press, including on short notice
• Have regular meetings with clients, presenting on both global and regional developments, and how they affect The EIU forecast

The Ideal Skills For This Role Are
Experience, skills and professional attributes

• Strong writing and editing skills in English, and an ability to write well under time pressure.
• Relevant degree in Economics or related subject - ideally Master’s degree or equivalent, with a mix of political science and economics idea (experience studying abroad is a strong plus)
• Knowledge of macroeconomics and forecasting
• An interest in current political and economic developments and knowledge of how they are likely to affect economic trends
• Strong international or regional knowledge is desirable, especially regarding Sub-Saharan Africa
• An ability to write quickly and incisively about issues of interest to our clients
• The ability to juggle different tasks effectively
• A knack for placing clients first and maintaining a commercial focus in everything you do