Associate Economic Statistician - ESD

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

• Collect, compile and analyse IEA statistics and associated macroeconomic indicators and share findings with senior management.
• Contribute to the integration and reconciliation of data across institutional sectors, economic accounts and statistical domains to ensure consistency and coherence within the national accounts framework.
• Populate, process and manage data across all relevant economic indicators and disciplines within the IEA domain, maintaining a comprehensive and accurate database.
• Validate source data and check the accuracy of received and processed data, while liaising regularly with data providers.
• Assist in special projects run by the department.
• Conduct methodological research to improve the maturity and quality of relevant economic indicators.
• Reconcile input data and economic findings with other macroeconomic statistics, using advanced business intelligence tools and applications.
• Monitor and analyse conditions affecting the economy by staying abreast of developments in the assigned domain.
• Apply appropriate methodological standards, guidelines and principles in line with international best practice.
• Stay informed of new research and statistical methodologies, considering their implications for the work area.
• Compile thorough, comprehensive and descriptive reports.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders and represent the SARB in professional settings.
• Prepare and deliver impactful briefings and presentations on research findings and economic analysis to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must have

• an Honours degree in either economics, statistics or a related field, with some accounting background;
• two to five years' experience in economic analysis, research and/or macroeconomics, microeconomics or financial economics;
• a proven track record of conducting and delivering high-quality economic analyses;
• proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including the ability to use functions and formulas to organise, analyse and manipulate data; and
• familiarity with R statistical software and/or Python will be an advantage.

Additional requirements include

• an affinity for statistics and economic analysis, with a strong interest in applying statistical principles to real-world economic data;
• knowledge of international statistical manuals and best practice, such as International Monetary Fund IMF and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD guidelines;
• sound knowledge of non-bank financial institutions and related financial statistics;
• a task-oriented mindset and excellent time management skills to thrive in a deadline-driven environment;
• the ability to work independently as well as in team and project settings;
• strong report-writing skills and the ability to present complex data and analysis clearly and concisely;
• competence in using computerised systems for statistics compilation;
• initiative and sound problem-solving capabilities;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and
• strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.