Brief description
The main purpose of this position is to conduct high-quality research and analysis of domestic and international financial markets, with the objective of informing the executives of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) about financial market developments.
Detailed description
The successful candidate will be responsible for, among other things, the following key performance areas:
- Stay abreast of financial market developments, in particular money markets, and provide accurate market information, commentary and recommendations on a regular basis. (This will require a good understanding of the SARB’s money market operations and other money market instruments.)
- Conduct high-quality quantitative and qualitative research, analysis and interpretation of the domestic and international financial markets in support of the formulation and implementation of monetary policy as well as for financial stability purposes.
- Contribute to the preparation and delivery of high-quality presentations to senior forums of the SARB, including the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and the Financial Stability Committee (FSC).
- Write and contribute to keynote speeches and briefing notes for the senior executives of SARB.
- Produce market reports and feedback to provide management information and market intelligence.
- Participate in internal and external committees and make presentations at meetings.
- Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as, but not limited to, the banking and asset management sector, for the purpose of gathering market intelligence.
- Ensure that the methodologies applied in areas of specialization comply with local and international standards and reflect best practices internationally.
- Recommend improvements in methodologies (where necessary).
- Provide secretariat services to Financial Market Department committees, which include external participants.
- Participate in and provide inputs into divisional strategy formulation sessions.
- Coordinate and collaborate with various internal departments as and when appropriate.
Job requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must have:
- an Honours degree in Economics or Finance (NQF8), or an equivalent combination of education and job-related experience;
- five to eight years of work experience in a specialist role in market analysis; and
- knowledge of domestic and international financial markets, especially money markets
Additional requirements include:
- proficiency in the Microsoft (MS) Office suite, with expert knowledge of MS Excel and Power BI;
- advanced mathematical, statistical and/or econometric modelling skills;
- effective communication skills (verbal and written);
- report-writing skills;
- research methodology skills;
- planning and organizing skills;
- decision-making skills;
- interpersonal skills;
- presenting skills;
- leadership skills;
- being a team player;
- integrity;
- building and maintaining relationships; and
- being familiar with Bloomberg and Reuters.
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.
About SARB
Primary mandate of the SARB
Section 224 of the Constitution of South Africa states the mandate of the SARB as follows:
The primary object of the South African Reserve Bank is to protect the value of the currency in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth in the Republic.
The South African Reserve Bank, in support of its primary objective, must perform its functions independently and without fear, favour or prejudice.
WHAT WE DO
Monetary Policy
The Constitution gives the SARB the mandate to protect the value of the rand. We use interest rates to keep inflation low and steady.
Financial Stability
The SARB has a mandate to protect and enhance financial stability. We identify and mitigate systemic risks that might disrupt the financial system.
Prudential Regulation
The Prudential Authority regulates financial institutions and market infrastructures to promote and enhance their safety and soundness, and support financial stability.
Financial Markets
Open market operations are the main tool we use to implement monetary policy. We manage South Africa’s gold and foreign exchange reserves.
Financial Surveillance
The SARB is responsible for regulating cross-border transactions, preventing the abuse of the financial system and supporting the regulation of financial institutions.
Payments and Settlements
The SARB is responsible for ensuring the safety and soundness of the national payment system, which is the backbone of South Africa’s modern financial system.
Statistics
The SARB provides important economic and financial statistics that present an overview of the economic situation in South Africa.
Research
Research conducted by the SARB focuses on economics, financial stability, banking and emerging trends in finance. Our research supports policy decision-making.
Banknotes and Coin
The SARB has the sole right to make, issue and destroy banknotes and coin in South Africa.