Associate Financial Markets Specialist - South African Reserve Bank

The purpose of this position is to conduct high-quality research and analyses of foreign exchange markets, as well as other asset classes with the objective of informing the senior management of the Financial Markets Department (FMD) of market developments. Furthermore, the incumbent will be expected to contribute to the documentation for committees of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), in particular the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Governor Executive Committee (GEC) and Financial Stability Committee (FSC). The position also requires participation in internal and external committee work as well as committee administration.

Detailed Description

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

• Conduct high quality relevant short- and long-term research, analysis and interpretation of markets, and contribute to the research of senior colleagues.
• Formulate an independent opinion on financial markets and instruments.
• Produce daily and weekly reports on financial market developments, under supervision.
• Provide inputs into presentations and present as required in meetings.
• Coordinate the collection of financial market data and maintain a database of financial markets data.
• Assist in the preparation of input into MPC, FSC and GEC meeting documentation.
• Engage and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Assist with committee administration and provide secretarial duties.
• Assist with domestic market operations and foreign exchange operations as required.
• Keep up to date with daily changes in market conditions and with new developments in own fields of expertise.
• Perform ad hoc tasks.

Job Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must have:

• an Honours Degree in Economics and/or Finance, or an equivalent combination of education and job-related experience; and
• at least two to five years’ work experience in the financial markets environment.

The following would be an added advantage:

• knowledge of, and skills in, financial mathematics, foreign exchange and other financial markets and/or central banking;
• proficiency in research methodologies; and
• proficiency in Microsoft Office and Bloomberg.

Additional requirements include:

• analytical and conceptual thinking abilities;
• written and verbal communication skills;
• availability to work irregular hours on an ad hoc basis;
• report-writing skills;
• planning and organising skills;
• decision-making skills;
• interpersonal skills;
• presenting skills; and
• being a team player.