Head: Political, Economic, Analysis & Research

About the position

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE

The role entails the following:

• Providing inputs in the development of the corporate strategic plan and ensure implementation thereof;
  • Evaluating country/project risks and determining premium rates to ensure financial sustainability;
  • Reviewing/developing insurance products to increase business opportunities;
  • Leading research activities with focus on insurance industry and international economic developments as well as the identification of trade and investment opportunities;
  • Writing articles that positively position the Corporation’s brand, products and services across all its target markets; and,
  • Managing the day-to-day activities in order to meet the Unit objectives.
  • Representing company at different forums, both international and local.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, MEASURES & INTERFACES

UNDERWRITING FUNCTION:

The Unit Head will be expected to:

• Develop and implement analytical tools to identify and assess credit risk exposure per country/ project and formulate strategies to mitigate the risks.
  • Approve and provide guidance in the recommendations for all country/industry risk assessment. Oversee the provision of country and industry risk reports.
  • Consistently review company insurance products, identify and develop new insurance products and guidelines to expand market penetration.
  • Develop and implement risk pricing methodologies in line with actuarial requirements and industry practices. Provide premium quotations to financial institutions, exporters and investors
  • Establish links with other Export Credit Agencies, international bodies or institutions and public institutions to exchange information related to project risk evaluation processes and appetite.
  • Develop and maintain the underwriting parameters to comply with international best practices.

STRATEGIC RESEARCH FUNCTION

• Provide and measure economic achievements in terms of the dtic goals through appropriate economic impact assessment models.
  • Investigate and lead the research process to identify trade and investment opportunities for SA exporters and investors.
  • Develop methods and procedures for collecting and processing data, utilizing knowledge of various econometric and sampling techniques.
  • Prepare and write communications and articles that positively position the Corporation’s brand, products and services across all its target markets.
  • Attend, make presentations and contribute to the Project Risk Evaluation and Executive Committees.
  • Represent the Corporation at local and international conferences and participate in South Africa’s international trade missions. Compile opinion editorial articles.
  • Formulate the strategic plan and objectives of the Business Unit in line with the corporate objectives and coordinate all the operations.
  • Address ad hoc research request/issues raised at Corporate Executive and Board levels.

PEOPLE AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Manage PEAR Unit – Implement the strategic operational plan, coordinate PEAR operations; assess performance and report to the Executive Management ..
  • Rolling out the Enterprise Risk Management – Identify risks and their metrics and develop the Action Plan to resolve each potential risk event.
  • Implement succession planning that promotes further career and skills development within the Business Unit.
  • Identify and implement training programmes for the Business Unit

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics or Development Finance. Understanding of Trade and International Relations is an advantage.
  • Structured project and corporate finance training – preferable.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills with the ability to explain concepts and relate them back to the underwriting mandate.
  • Interpersonal skills, abilities in relationship management and teamwork communication.
  • Advanced Microsoft (Excel/Word/PowerPoint) skills and econometric models
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in any of the following: risk analysis, project finance, country and industry risk analysis and strategic plan design, export credit insurance.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent analytical skills (data analysis and econometric modelling)
  • Strong credit and risk analysis skills;
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels;
  • Ability to coordinate and manage multiple functions;
  • Ability to forge relationships with other areas of the business;
  • Strong aptitude for problem resolution and decision making;
  • Problem solving skills to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions;
  • Strict attention to details and deadline oriented;
  • Managing others: technical credibility, problem solving, accountability, decisiveness, delegation, people positive, giving support
  • Managing self: self-motivation, communicating information, showing resilience, upholding standards
  • Managing managers: established rapport, team working, conflict handling, directing people

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

The incumbent is required to have the following Behavioural competencies:
• Functional manager: developing expertise, empowering people, building relationships, creating innovation
• Team leadership: Consistently offer relevant inputs to team discussions as issues are being clarified and solutions are being developed.
• High performance: accountability, efficiency, can-do-attitude, people development, etc.
• Integrity: ethics, leading by example, respect
• Innovation: continuous improvement – lead Change and /or incorporate new, better, or significantly different methods, processes, products or services to meet customer needs
• Service delivery: act as a trusted advisor, timeous delivery, recognize co-workers and respond to them accordingly.
• Shared vision: act in ways that contribute towards the viability of and reliance on the Unit
• Flexibility: Available to work more than ordinary business hours.

 

Desired Skills:

• Credit Risk
• Research
• Risk Management
• Underwriting