Associate Economic Statistician -ESD needed at South African Reserve Bank

 Job Description

• The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:
• Develop and maintain data products using data science tools and techniques that would enhance the department’s ability to conduct statistical and economic analysis. 
• Apply data science tools and techniques to enhance existing economic indicators and to develop new indicators.
• Enhance and maintain the production time series database.
• Assist in the analysis of data and statistics by developing business intelligence tools (e.g. web applications and dashboards) to identify trends and to build dynamic, reproducible reports and presentations.
• Compile and disseminate monthly ‘Economic Flash Reports’ with in-depth analysis of short-term economic indicators. 
• Provide end-user training to staff in the unit and the department on data products in production, and present on specialised topics in the data science sphere.
• Conduct methodological research, with an emphasis on data science applications within a central bank environment.
• Contribute to the compilation of analytical and methodological notes.
• Contribute to internal data science documentation and procedures in the department and participate in SARB-wide and external forums.
• Assist with presentations as required, including the management of external forums.
• Perform general administrative and ad hoc tasks required by the unit.

Qualifications

• To be considered for this position, candidates must be in possession of:
• an Honours degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics and/or a related field; and
• two to five years’ experience in economic analysis, with proven project-based data science experience.

Additional requirements include:                                                                                                                

• an affinity for statistics and economic analysis;
• the ability to code in R (experience with the ‘tidyverse’ and ‘Shiny’ R packages as well as R Markdown files would be an added advantage); 
• being task-oriented, with time management skills to operate in a deadline-driven environment that often requires working under pressure, without compromising on quality;
• the ability to work independently as well as within a team/project environment;
• good report writing skills;
• an affinity for statistics compilation applying computerised systems;
• taking initiative;
• conceptual thinking;
• strategic thinking;
• problem-solving skills;
• managing complexity and ambiguity;
• planning and organising skills;
• good communication and interpersonal skills; and
• ability to pay attention to detail.