Senior Economic Policy Analyst at South African Reserve Bank

Job title: Senior Economic Policy Analyst (x2)

Location: Head Office, Pretoria

Department: International Economic Relations and Policy Department

Brief description

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support to the International Engagements Division. The technical support will involve conducting research on global and domestic macroeconomic developments, compiling briefing and speaking notes, participating in working group meetings on international forums and assisting in the formulation of country policy position and strategies for the purpose of influencing the international economic and financial agenda.

 Detailed description

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

• Provide technical support to the division and assist in identifying strategic challenges, opportunities and policy priorities for the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) based on analysis and trends in the global and domestic macroeconomy and financial markets.
• Conduct relevant research to contribute to the development of policy positions and strategies, and influence the global economy and financial agenda for the benefit of South Africa.
• Provide support to the Division Head in managing projects, including logistical arrangements for seminars, meetings, conferences and workshops.
• Participate in, and represent the SARB, at working group meetings of the Group of Twenty (G20), BRICS and other forums, where relevant, conveying the South African policy position.
• Prepare briefing documents and speaking notes for the governors and senior officials attending international meetings.
• Coordinate and contribute to briefing notes for meetings of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
• Manage the SARB relationship with international organisations (e.g. International Monetary Fund, World Bank, BIS and Organisation for Economic Co-operations and Development), coordinating with other SARB departments and National Treasury, where relevant.
• Provide input and conduct research for speech writing purposes. .
• Liaise with National Treasury, other relevant government entities and specialist SARB departments to ensure consistency with the domestic and international agenda.
• Build strategic relationships and networks with relevant counterparts in international forums.
• Develop briefs and make presentations to staff members in own department as well as to departmental forums and other departments in the SARB on topics of interest in the international forums.
• Provide support to the Division Head in representing the SARB at international meetings and forums, as and when required, and develop and manage international cooperation and partnerships, including diplomatic relationship on behalf of the SARB.

Job requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must have:

• a minimum of a Master’s degree in Economics or Finance, or an equivalent combination of education and job-related experience;
• a minimum of eight to ten years’ experience in an economic or global macroeconomic policy and research environment, with a minimum of five years’ experience in a thought leadership or mentorship role; and
• knowledge of policy development formulation and international financial institutions.

Additional requirements include:

• knowledge of global finance and economics-related research;
• knowledge of policy development and formulation;
• knowledge of international financial institutions;
• knowledge of relevant government policies and legislation;
• project management experience;
• computer literacy;
• analytical skills;
• influencing skills;
• problem-solving skills;
• excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• team leadership skills;
• diversity management skills;
• people management skills;
• negotiation skills;
• bias for action; and
• excellent etiquette to interact with executives and high-profile individuals.

In line with the SARB’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups. People with disabilities are welcome to apply.

The SARB offers remuneration and benefits commensurate with the level of the position and in line with the market. The level at which the successful applicant will be appointed will depend on his/her competence and experience.