Economist - Country Risk & Industry Analysis (Ref: 24144)

About the position

ROLE OF THE ECONOMIST

• Daily, apply analytical tools necessary to identify, assess, manage and monitor country / industry risks; and implement and maintain the companies underwriting engines to comply with international best practice.
• Compile country/ industry/ sector reports as well as providing inputs to publications that identify trade and investment opportunities for the benefits of South African exporters and investors.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, MEASURES & INTERFACES

• Research, analysis, interpretation and preparation of reports summarising economic data.
• Apply risk assessment methodologies and models for country, industry/ sector and pricing.
• Independently investigate and prepare political, economic and industry briefs/reports of countries in which the company would have political and commercial risk appetite.
• Conduct debt sustainability analysis on countries and make recommendations to key committees.
• Compile country and industry risks assessment reports that enable effective decision making.
• Monitor and manage country/sector risk exposure limits as well as single obligor limits, in line with the Corporation's risk appetite.
• Liaise with the other Business Units and management on operational issues and evaluation of project insurance applications.
• Work with Senior Economists and contribute to key publications.
• Prepare quarterly economic strategy reports. This includes South African and global economic write-ups. This must be presented to clients, executives and at strategic Board meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Econometrics, Commerce, International Studies, Business Sciences, Political Sciences or any relevant field with subjects in Economics or Econometrics as majors.
• Minimum 3 years' experience is required in the field of economic research, country risk analysis and/or industry/ sector analysis in a business, academic or financial environment.

SKILLS & ABILITIES
The incumbent should have demonstrated the following competencies:

• Economic research & International relations research
• Data analysis,
• Report writing,
• Risk analysis
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to use own initiatives.
• Ability to prioritize own tasks effectively
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to forge relationships with other areas of the business and at all levels;
• Problem solving skills to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions.

Desired Skills:

• industry risk
• Risk Analysis
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Management
• Report Writing