Head: Political, Economic, Analysis & Research at Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa Soc Ltd (ECIC)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, MEASURES & INTERFACES

UNDERWRITING FUNCTION:

The Unit Head will be expected to:

• Develop and implement analytical tools to identify and assess credit risk exposure per country/ project and formulate strategies to mitigate the risks.
• Approve and provide guidance in the recommendations for all country/industry risk assessment. Oversee the provision of country and industry risk reports.
• Consistently review ECIC insurance products, identify and develop new insurance products and guidelines to expand ECIC’s market penetration.
• Develop and implement risk pricing methodologies in line with actuarial requirements and industry practices. Provide premium quotations to financial institutions, exporters and investors
• Establish links with other Export Credit Agencies, international bodies or institutions and public institutions to exchange information related to project risk evaluation processes and appetite.
• Develop and maintain the underwriting parameters to comply with international best practices.

STRATEGIC RESEARCH FUNCTION

• Provide and measure economic achievements in terms of the dtic goals through appropriate economic impact assessment models.
• Investigate and lead the research process to identify trade and investment opportunities for SA exporters and investors.
• Develop methods and procedures for collecting and processing data, utilizing knowledge of various econometric and sampling techniques.
• Prepare and write communications and articles that positively position the Corporation’s brand, products and services across all its target markets.
• Attend, make presentations and contribute to the Project Risk Evaluation and Executive Committees.
• Represent the Corporation at local and international conferences and participate in South Africa’s international trade missions. Compile opinion editorial articles.
• Formulate the strategic plan and objectives of the Business Unit in line with the corporate objectives and coordinate all the operations.
• Address ad hoc research request/issues raised at Corporate Executive and Board levels.

PEOPLE AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Manage PEAR Unit – Implement the strategic operational plan, coordinate PEAR operations; assess performance and report to the Executive Management ..
• Rolling out the Enterprise Risk Management – Identify risks and their metrics and develop the Action Plan to resolve each potential risk event.
• Implement succession planning that promotes further career and skills development within the Business Unit.
• Identify and implement training programmes for the Business Unit

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics or Development Finance. Understanding of Trade and International Relations is an advantage.
• Structured project and corporate finance training – preferable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills with the ability to explain concepts and relate them back to the ECIC’s underwriting mandate.
• Interpersonal skills, abilities in relationship management and teamwork communication.
• Advanced Microsoft (Excel/Word/PowerPoint) skills and econometric models
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in any of the following: risk analysis, project finance, country and industry risk analysis and strategic plan design, export credit insurance.