Specialist: Economics Jobs

Job Purpose

The Macro-Economic Research Unit models, analyzes, and develops research tools to measure the impact of economic fundamentals and compliance on revenue collections. We provide thought leadership to inform strategy and influence policy. Using SARS tax and trade data, we ensure optimal execution of SARS strategy and maximize revenue through analysis and forecasting. Key to this is developing and maintaining macro-economic and revenue forecasting tools, models, and capabilities.

We need world-class Specialist Economists and Econometricians with experience in international, continental, provincial, and local environments, covering micro-economics, macro-economics, and international economics (trade). The purpose of this role is to advise on economic strategies to meet business objectives.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Economics, Econometrics, Business Science, Finance, or a related field, plus 8-10 years’ experience in a macroeconomic research environment, including 3-4 years at junior specialist level. Professionally qualified, experienced specialists or mid-management with relevant knowledge in Macro Economic Research.

Alternative

• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) plus 15 years’ experience in a macroeconomic research environment, including 3-4 years at junior specialist level. Professionally qualified, experienced specialists or mid-management with relevant knowledge in Macro Economic Research.

Job Outputs

Process

• Identify, analyze, and monitor key macro-economic, micro-economic, and SARS operations factors, and evaluate their impact on revenue and compliance outcomes.
• Provide expert advice, analytical, and technical support in economic and revenue management, analysis, modeling, and forecasting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyze and recommend improvements to specialist systems, procedures, and related practices.
• Contribute to the optimal use of organizational resources by advising on planning and development of resource plans in your area of specialization.
• Develop a single practice area aligned with operational frameworks and ensure tactical implementation.
• Use your technical or professional expertise to identify and recommend tactical solutions to defined problems.
• Integrate business information, compare, analyze, and produce reports to identify trends, discrepancies, and inconsistencies for decision-making.
• Optimize goal achievement through tactical strategy implementation and improvement of practices, processes, and systems across the internal value chain.
• Plan for value-added, continuous practice and system improvements to deliver on objectives and enhance tactical implementation.
• Proactively identify interconnected problems, assess their impact, and develop best-fit solutions and best practices.
• Translate top-down policy into your practice area and communicate its impact to relevant stakeholders.
• Recommend changes to optimize processes, systems, practices, and procedures, and implement change and innovation.
• Conduct assessments and use the information to advise, make recommendations, and facilitate improvements.

Governance

• Develop and align governance and compliance policies for your practice area to identify and manage risk exposure and liability.

People

• Integrate new knowledge and transfer skills gained through learning opportunities in your job.
• Provide specialist know-how, support, advice, and thought leadership in your area of expertise.

Finance

• Implement and monitor financial controls, cost management, and corporate governance in your area of specialization.
• Contribute to the development of divisional budgets to minimize expenditure aligned with divisional plans.

Client

• Develop and ensure implementation of practices that build service delivery excellence and encourage exceptional stakeholder service.
• Participate in the specialist practice community and contribute to organizational knowledge management.
• Provide authoritative, specialist expertise and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural Competencies

• Accountability
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Building Sustainability
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Fairness
• Integrity
• Organisational Awareness
• Conceptual Ability
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Respect

Technical Competencies

• Business Knowledge
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Economic Methods and Theories
• Economic Research
• Efficiency Improvement
• Functional Policies and Procedures
• Reporting
• Risk Awareness
• Risk Knowledge