Lead Financial Market Specialist at South African Reserve Bank

JOB DESCRIPTION

The main purpose of this position is to deliver high-quality work efficiently and effectively in order to meet internal and external client expectations. The candidate will be expected to oversee junior and senior Financial Markets Specialists who conduct financial markets research as well as policy-related research and analysis to guide and support various policy committees within the South African Reserve Bank. 

The Lead Specialist will also oversee various projects in the Market Operations and Analysis Division in support of further development of financial markets and the implementation of monetary policy. In addition, the candidate will be expected to stay abreast of financial markets developments and provide accurate market information, commentary and recommendations on a regular basis.

Detailed description

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

• Lead qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, integrating the work of more junior and senior financial markets specialists and providing a comprehensive analysis of short- and long-term financial market developments within the South African economy and across major advanced and emerging market economies.
• Lead strategy projects and the development of policy frameworks.
• Conduct high-quality and relevant short- and long-term research, analyses and interpretation of financial markets in support of the formulation and implementation of monetary policy and for financial stability purposes.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key participants in the financial markets, including, but not limited to, the banking and asset management sectors.
• Provide technical guidance and ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills to junior specialists.
• Write keynote speeches for the senior executives of the SARB.
• Lead team engagements to interrogate and reconcile data, findings, insights, explanations and recommendations from research and analyses.
• Make recommendations on the markets, monetary policy and regulatory frameworks, and produce reports and briefings for final approval.
• Quality assure and integrate analyses and reports submitted by other financial markets specialists and provide feedback.
• Lead initiatives within own area of expertise in support of departmental objectives.
• Recommend improvements in methodologies relevant to own area of specialisation, while ensuring that methodologies comply with local and international standards.
• Make presentations to senior forums of the SARB (e.g. Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Stability Committee).
• Represent the SARB at official external forums and meetings that fall within the area of specialisation (e.g. Monetary Policy Forum, Money Market Subcommittee), including speaking at/presenting research at conferences and seminars.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key participants in the financial markets, including, but not limited to, the banking and asset management sectors.
• Define the learning agenda for the Market and Policy Analysis Unit in conjunction with other senior financial markets specialists in the department.
• Provide job-related coaching for newcomers to formally guide them through the roles and functions of the business area and department.

QUALIFICATIONS

Job requirements

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

• a Masters degree in Economics or Finance, or an equivalent combination of education in the required field and job-related experience; and
• eight to 10 years’ experience in the financial markets or related environment.
• A proven track record in managing projects, including research projects, will be an added advantage. 

Additional requirements include:

knowledge and skill in:

• analytical and conceptual thinking;
• the Microsoft Office suite, with expert knowledge of MS Excel;
• advanced mathematical, statistical or econometric modelling;
• effective communication (verbal and written);
• report writing;
• research methodology;
• planning and organising; and
• decision-making;
• interpersonal skills;
• presenting skills;
• leadership skills;
• being a team player;
• integrity;
• building and maintaining relationships;
• impact and influence; and
• innovation and creativity.