Understanding and Influencing the Economic Landscape

This role offers a compelling opportunity to delve into the intricate workings of the South African and global economies. The core purpose is to conduct in-depth research, analyse complex macroeconomic relationships, and discern how various economic forces shape business cycles, employment, inflation, interest rates, and international finance. This understanding is crucial for informing both internal business decisions and the strategic planning of a diverse clientele, including multinational corporations, institutional investors, and government entities.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in translating economic insights into actionable strategies that drive business growth and enhance enterprise value. By anticipating trends and understanding their implications, the role aims to empower clients to navigate an evolving economic environment effectively.

Key Responsibilities and Contributions

As a Macroeconomist, your contributions will be multifaceted, encompassing both quantitative analysis and strategic advisory services. A key aspect of the role involves developing and maintaining a suite of macroeconomic models specifically tailored for forecasting the South African economy. This forms the backbone for generating robust economic predictions.

You will be expected to advise clients on a broad spectrum of macroeconomic trends, from immediate concerns like inflation and supply chain disruptions to longer-term shifts such as the energy transition, job automation, and the increasing digital transformation of economies. Understanding these dynamics and their impact on various industries and corporate strategies will be paramount.

Furthermore, the role extends to developing forward-thinking thought leadership on macroeconomic trends for external publication, aiming to establish iconic perspectives within the firm. This involves crafting clear, data-driven, and practical strategies to foster client growth and profitability. Ongoing research into key economic themes, including energy, infrastructure, decarbonisation, and regenerative initiatives, will be a significant part of the work, assessing the potential impact of projects and related economic development programmes.

The ability to synthesise complex information into well-written reports and presentations, and to confidently defend findings, is essential. You will provide advice and solutions on economic and development challenges to both private sector and government clients, drawing on comprehensive secondary research and identifying new data sources to ensure accurate analyses and recommendations.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, a strong academic foundation is required, typically a Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics, Mathematics, or Statistics, with a solid emphasis on economic principles.

Beyond formal qualifications, proven experience in several key areas is vital:

• **Econometric Modelling:** Demonstrated expertise in building and utilising econometric models for forecasting purposes.
• **Data Analysis and Trend Interpretation:** A deep understanding of macroeconomic data, the ability to analyse economic trends, and a firm grasp of the interrelationships between various economic sectors, markets, and global regions.
• **Business Development Support:** Experience in assisting with business development and sales activities, leveraging economic insights to support commercial objectives.
• **Financial and Market Analysis:** Familiarity with financial analysis, reporting, market analysis, and competitive intelligence gathering, particularly within the context of strategy consulting.
• **Technical Proficiency:** Competence with data and analytics visualisation software, as well as econometrics software such as Matlab, Eviews, PowerBI, R, Python, Stata, or Tableau.
• **Analytical Prowess:** Exceptional quantitative skills and a keen analytical mindset, with a track record of deriving meaningful insights through statistical analysis and data interpretation.

In South Africa, a role of this nature typically appeals to experienced economists with strong analytical and communication skills. Typical employers include major financial institutions, investment banks, economic consultancies, and government departments. Salary expectations for experienced Macroeconomists can vary significantly based on the employer, specific responsibilities, and years of experience, but often fall within a competitive range for specialised financial and economic roles. Career progression might lead to senior economist positions, head of research, or strategic advisory roles within financial organisations or consultancies.

Qualifications

• Masters in degree in Economics or Econometrics or Mathematics or Statistics with strong economics

Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in econometric model building, and modelling and forecasting.
• Experience working with macroeconomic data and analyzing economic trends, as well as a strong grasp of the relationships between different sectors, markets and regions.
• Experience in supporting business development and sales activities.
• Experience with financial analysis and reporting, market analysis, and gathering competitive intelligence, particularly in relation to Strategy Consulting
• Experienced with data and analytics visualization software, as well as econometrics software (e.g., Matlab, Eviews, PowerBI, R, Python, Stata, Tableau)
• Strong quantitative skills and are an analytical thinker with experience in driving insights using statistics or data analysis

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Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.