(1015) Senior Economic Statistician-ESD needed at South African Reserve Bank

Detailed description

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

• Drive the data sourcing strategy to ensure delivery of timely delivery of high-quality IEA statistics in the context of the macroeconomic statistics ecosphere.
• Oversee the production and dissemination of high-quality of IEA statistics and associated macroeconomic indicators in the context of applicable macroeconomic statistical domains.
• Initiate and lead interactions to improve the quality of sourced input data.
• Lead activities contributing to the monitoring, assessment and updating of sectoral macroeconomic landscapes within the South African economy.
• Lead research efforts to improve statistical compilation methods for the IEA.
• Ensures the application of international methodologies, guidelines and best practices in the compilation and research associated with the outpits of the IEA statistics. 
• Drive compliance of IEA statistics with relevant governance frameworks, policies, procedures and legislative requirements across all applicable elements of the SVC.
• Lead and coordinate the compilation of various statistical outputs and publications (i.e.  statistical tables, graphs and reports and Quarterly Bulletin) ensuring that the statistics reconcile with historical trends and all related macroeconomic statistical domains. 
• Develop and coordinate reports, analytical outcomes, research findings and present findings to the senior management of the department and, where applicable, to South African Reserve Bank management and domestic and international external stakeholders. 
• Proactively lead and provide support in engagements with external forums and/or contribute to the development of national statistical standards, classification, frameworks and protocols by actively participating in interactions such as workshops and seminars.
• Stay abreast with emerging research in the area of specialisation and statistical methodologies and recommend improvements in methodologies relevant the area of specialisation
• Actively participate in senior-level meetings (including meetings for the Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Stability Committee), sharing information pertaining to areas of specialisation when required.
• Drive statistical projects and coordination activities in the IEA environment and put processes in place to improve the quality of compiled statistics.
• Provide input related to project-based performance appraisals for team members and provide input into the overall performance evaluations, where appropriate.

Qualifications

Job requirements

 To be considered for this position, candidates must be in possession of:

• an Honours degree specialising in economics or a related field;
• eight or more years’ experience in economic statistics field;
• a proven track record in conducting and delivering high-quality economic analyses; and
• proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including the ability to use tools (functions and formulas) to organise, analyse and adjust data.

The following will be added advantage:

• a master’s degree in economics or a related field

Additional requirements include:

• an affinity for statistics and economic analysis, with a strong interest in applying statistical principles to real-world economic data;
• insight and knowledge regarding international statistical manuals and best practices (e.g. International Monetary Fund and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines)
• a task-oriented approach, with excellent time management skills to thrive in a deadline-driven environment where work often requires managing pressure while maintaining quality;
• the ability to work independently as well as within a team/project environment;
• strong report writing skills and the ability to present complex statistical data and analyses clearly and concisely;
• an affinity for statistics compilation applying computerised systems;
• taking initiative and problem-solving skills;
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• analytical skills and a keen attention to detail;
• industry, business and organisational knowledge and skill;
• knowledge of statistical validation and quality control;
• knowledge of economic and/or financial market analysis principles, theories, practices, methodologies and tools knowledge and skill;
• strategic thinking skills;
• ability to manage and lead complex projects and activities;
• leading and adapting to change;
• planning and organisational skills; and
• interest in continuous development and capacitating others.