Researcher at COFCO International

Job Purpose:

• Supporting trading team in analysis of historical data and weather-related info, crop modelling, building of presentations for different meetings, executing crop tours during season, updating every day excel sheets used for research and analysis.

Minimum Requirements: 

• At least 2-3 years’ relevant work experience in a similar role would be advantageous.
• Degree in Agricultural Economics or related field.
• Experience in agriculture-related research or analysis is advantageous.

Key Performance Areas (KPA’S) for the role:

• Understanding weather and impact of it on crops (Soil moisture, rainfall, temperatures and crop health (VHI, NDVI)
• Updating of excel spread sheets (Producer Deliveries, Weather dB, Poultry industry sheets, Harvest/Planting Progress etc)
• Crop tour planning and execution
• Updating of SND as season progresses with new crop sizes
• Research on weather systems and events coming up in a season and reporting back on it
• Being able to present presentations regarding weather info and market/crop analysis
• Comparing weather models (ECM vs GFS)
• SSA Production and Demand Estimates: Detailed analysis on SSA countries to determine crop sizes for neighbouring production countries.
• SAF Commercial Demand Analysis: Detailed analysis on the SAF demand numbers used in the SnDs
• Key Client Interactions: Our market analysis and research to be presented to COFCO key clients by presentation as well as detailed emails in form of Flag Reports on a weekly basis.
• South Africa - Acreage & Production Estimates Edit: Key function in determining the Ha and Yields for the South African Crop on Maize, Soybeans, Sunflower and Wheat. This is based on Growth Model simulations as well as physical Crop tours to determine the Ha and Yield of SAF crop

Knowledge & Skills required for the role:

• Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Bilingual (Afrikaans and English)
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regularly.
• Good work relationships and communication with colleagues
• Innovative thinking (Able to make plans and come up with new ideas)
• Efficient in Coding (Python)
• Background in Agronomy
• Efficient in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• Efficient in technical analysis

Competencies:

• Analysing
• Writing and Reporting
• Applying Expertise and Technology
• Learning and Researching
• Relating and Networking
• Planning and Organising
• Presenting and Communicating
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks