Agricultural Information Analyst

This role involves conducting rigorous economic analysis, forecasting economic conditions, and providing expert advice on market, policy, and physical developments affecting the agricultural industry. The Analyst – Agricultural Information forms part of the agricultural research team, collaborates with and informs other departments, and represents the organization in public forums to share insights and promote the organization’s economic perspectives.

• Economic Modeling, Forecasting, and Reporting: Develop and implement economic models to forecast market trends and assess the economic outcomes of various policy decisions.
• Strategic Advice: Advise senior management and stakeholders (Sales and Risk) on the economic implications of business strategies, regulatory changes, and external economic developments.
• Public and Client Representation: Represent the organization in public forums, including conferences, media interviews, and panel discussions, to share insights and promote the organization’s economic perspectives. Provide market intelligence to clients through one-on-one client engagements and bespoke market analysis.
• Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders include credit and risk, frontline, sustainability office, and product specialists. External stakeholders include economic research institutions, think tanks, and academic entities to enhance research quality and relevance.
• Risk Management: Guide the organization’s response to economic and physical effects on the Agricultural Industry, including developing strategies to mitigate negative impacts and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Inform risk appetite for the Agricultural portfolio.
• Client Focus: Encourage a culture of customer focus and business innovation in the intelligence area. Support the sales team with credit applications and New to Bank (NTB) initiatives.
• Self Development: Continuously seek opportunities to enhance skills and stay updated with industry trends and changes in the economic environment.

• Four-year degree in Agricultural Economics or equivalent.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the Agricultural Financing or Agricultural research environment.
• Experience in credit risk and strategy formulation will be advantageous.
• Strong business acumen.
• Strategic planning.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills – Public speaking.
• Complex problem-solving skills.
• Critical and creative thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills and aptitude for collaboration.
• Strong aptitude for ideation to support CVP and ensure Absa remains at the forefront of agricultural financing.
• Big-picture thinker – Ability to relate intelligence generated by the Information desk to broader issues within the banking and agricultural sector.