Associate Economist at South African Reserve Bank

• The main purpose of this position is to develop and maintain data products using data science tools and techniques that would enhance the ability of the Economic Statistics Department of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to conduct statistical and economic analysis. The position also includes the sourcing, updating and enhancement of short-term economic indicators relevant to South Africa’s business cycle and the in-depth analysis thereof as well as the development of new indicators.

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

• Develop and maintain data products using data science tools and techniques that would enhance the department’s ability to conduct statistical and economic analysis.
• Apply data science tools and techniques to enhance existing economic indicators and to develop new indicators.
• Enhance and maintain the production time series database.
• Assist in the analysis of data and statistics by developing business intelligence tools (e.g. web applications and dashboards) to identify trends and to build dynamic, reproducible reports and presentations.
• Compile and disseminate monthly ‘Economic Flash Reports’ with in-depth analysis of short-term economic indicators.
• Provide end-user training to staff in the unit and the department on data products in production, and present on specialised topics in the data science sphere.
• Conduct methodological research, with an emphasis on data science applications within a central bank environment.
• Contribute to the compilation of analytical and methodological notes.
• Contribute to internal data science documentation and procedures in the department and participate in SARB-wide and external forums.
• Assist with presentations as required, including the management of external forums.
• Perform general administrative and ad hoc tasks required by the unit.

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

• an Honours degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics and/or a related field; and
• two to five years’ experience in economic analysis, with proven project-based data science experience.

Additional requirements include:

• an affinity for statistics and economic analysis;
• the ability to code in R (experience with the ‘tidyverse’ and ‘Shiny’ R packages as well as R Markdown files would be an added advantage);
• being task-oriented, with time management skills to operate in a deadline-driven environment that often requires working under pressure, without compromising on quality;
• the ability to work independently as well as within a team/project environment;
• good report writing skills;
• an affinity for statistics compilation applying computerised systems;
• taking initiative;
• conceptual thinking;
• strategic thinking;
• problem-solving skills;
• managing complexity and ambiguity;
• planning and organising skills;
• good communication and interpersonal skills; and
• ability to pay attention to detail.