FINANCIAL ANALYST, ECONOMIC RESEARCH BUREAU
PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST

FINANCIAL ANALYST, ECONOMIC RESEARCH BUREAU (GRADE 7)

The Competition Commission

Pretoria, Gauteng

Contract

Closing Date 28 July 2023

Job Description

The Competition Commission seeks to appoint a Financial Analyst in the Economic Research Bureau Division. We are looking for a dynamic, hard-working and committed individual to conduct financial analysis, financial research and thought leadership in competition policy development; ensuring the application of sound financial principles in all work performed.

(A starting annual total cost to company package of R 904 663,43, negotiable commensurate with experience)

Please note that the position is available on a five-year fixed term contract.

Minimum Requirements

We are looking for a dynamic, hardworking and committed individual who is in possession of:

Honours Degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting or Management Accounting.
Membership of a recognized professional body (SAICA, CFA, CIMA or ACCA) added advantage.
A minimum of 2 – 3 years related work experience. Additionally, 2 years working experience in competition economics will be preferred.
Specific experience in cost accounting/management or regulatory financial analysis will be an added advantage
Strong analytical skills and experience in managing research are essential.
Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Competition Act, the Competition Commission and the South African economy is highly recommended.
Ability to deal with both higher and lower levels of management
Knowledge of policy and legislative environment
Strong project management / case management skills.

Other considerations:

Practical work exposure to area of expertise will be further considered to balance against other requirements.

The candidate must have the following attributes:

Excellent high-level written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Ability to work in a highly-pressurised environment.
An energetic, committed individual with strong attention to detail.
Interpersonal and leadership skills.
Planning and organising skills
Diplomacy, negotiation skills and ability to manage relationships with senior level / c-suite.
Ability to think strategically.
Mature temperament/Emotional intelligent.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

Duties include, amongst others:

Management Support:

Contribute to the efficient administration of the Division through compliance of protocols, procedures and systems, including knowledge management
Assisting the Principal Economist: Economic Research Bureau in the supervision of Commission resources, including the management of assets and finances
Contributing to promoting healthy team dynamics, cohesion and culture, in line with the Commission’s values.
Provide meaningful input to annual strategic sessions in order to contribute to the overall success of the division.
Identify research activities and priorities relevant to the development of policy and research.
Contribute inputs to the setting of reliable and realistic targets for the division.
Assist with office administration by gathering management information as well as compiling memorandums and documents, as requested.
Draft components for input to specified Commission reports on case activities conducted within the division, meeting deadlines for submission.
Assist managers in preparing an address to various Industry forums with respect to the economic implications of decisions taken on specific cases, participating in the meetings as appropriate, when required

Case analysis:

Contribute to investigation plans compiled for cases/projects focused on financial analysis; confirming appropriateness of method and approach.
Contribute to case investigation from time of request including but not limited to the the conceptualisation of the case through to the gathering evidence and/or information, and its analysis and write-up.
Review case precedents and major jurisdictions in order to inform recommendations made on cases investigated.
Provide guidance to investigation teams; ensuring that a sound case is established in terms of the analysis of financial principles.
Identify possible problem areas and take appropriate action to ensure that the Commission can effectively execute its mandate.
Maintain record keeping and data review of cases in accordance with stipulated procedures and systems.
Compile a report highlighting conclusions and recommendations, reflecting a sound application of financial principles in analysis conducted, when required
Maintain record keeping and data review of cases in accordance with stipulated procedures and systems.
Compile a report highlighting conclusions and recommendations, reflecting a sound application of financial principles in analysis conducted, when required.

Research project analysis and input:

Compile research plan for projects focused on financial analysis; confirming appropriateness of method and approach.
Contribute to research from conceptualisation of the research through to the gathering of information, and its analysis and write-up.
Identify possible problem areas and take appropriate action to ensure that the Commission can effectively execute its mandate.
Ensure timely finalization of projects by monitoring progress in accordance with agreed timelines.
Present research project outcomes to various forums; when required, conveying an understanding of complex economic issues.
Maintain record keeping and data review of research project in accordance with stipulated procedures and systems.
Compile a report highlighting conclusions and recommendations, reflecting a sound application of economic principles in analysis conducted, when required.

Expert Support:

Undertake market research studies at a sectorial/industry level of company behaviour/market structure, providing an effective analysis to support expert testimony and litigation process.
Provide support to experts in post referral cases, analysing the integrity of the conclusions reached from a financial perspective.
Provide input into the compilation of expert reports to inform The Tribunal, based on a review of the facts of the case and additional information gathered to support an economically defensible recommendation.
Provide assistance with the appropriate calculations and remedies, in order to justify the financial position taken in settlement cases.
Assist in providing justification on the key elements of financial remedies suggested by the Commission, as appropriate.
Provide comments to legal documents relevant for litigation.

Capacity Building

Assist in the organisation and conduct of seminars, conferences, or events geared at transferring knowledge. This includes soliciting key presenters or speakers and preparing presentations for speakers where necessary.
Keep abreast of developments such as guidelines and research in other jurisdictions, and their relevance in South Africa.
Attend conferences and/training as scheduled, to enhance personal knowledge and skill and contribute expertise.
Provide guidance to teams in other divisions on how to conduct research, analyse financial evidence and advise on economic framework, in the form of practice notes and toolkits
Work with Cadets; providing constructive feedback to them, as appropriate, in order to achieve continuous improvement.

Personality and Attributes

Over and above well-developed technical skills in your specialisation areas, the incumbent must demonstrate, inter alia:

Must demonstrate fit with the Commission’s Values (Communication, Ownership, Making a difference, Professionalism, Employee Welfare, Teamwork, Efficiency.
Be a Visionary. A strategic thinker.
Have strong interpersonal skills.
Have transformational leadership skills.
Change management skills.

We offer:

A competitive salary.
A conducive, supportive, stimulating working environment.
Exposure to excellent training opportunities.
An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the attainment of the Competition Commission’s Vision 2030 of a Growing and inclusive Economy that serves all South Africans.

Employment Equity:

Over and above operational requirements, our appointment will take into account the country’s and organisational Employment Equity imperatives.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Persons with Disability are encouraged to apply.
The Competition Commission is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Application Process:

All international qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA accreditation certificate.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric assessments.
The successful candidate will be vetted for security purposes.
The Competition Commission reserves the right not to fill this position.
The Competition Commission’s (“the Commission”) Policies are in compliance with the Protection of Personal information Act 4 of 2013.

If you meet all the criteria above and are looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference to our economy, then look no further than the Competition Commission! We look forward to receiving your comprehensive CV.

PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST (GRADE 5), ECONOMIC RESEARCH BUREAU DIVISION

Pretoria, Gauteng

Closing Date: 11 August 2023

Job Description

The Competition Commission seeks to appoint a dynamic, hard-working and committed individual
(female candidates to receive preference) to fill a position of Principal Economist in the Economic Research Bureau Division. The individual will lead economic research in line with the Commission’s mandate to address anti-competitive conduct, and also play a key role in framing the Commission’s work on market inquiries, impact assessments, and critical economic regulation policy questions. The individual will lead teams in assisting the core divisions of the Commission in the investigation of complex cartel, conduct and merger cases. The individual is also expected to give expert evidence at the Tribunal on investigation cases that are referred for prosecution or prohibition.

A starting annual total cost to company package of R 1 542 230,43 (negotiable commensurate with experience)

Please note this position is available on a five-year fixed term contract.

Requirements

Masters degree in Economics, with training and experience in Industrial Economics. PhD Economics being an advantage.
7-10 years experience in the competition field, including both research and casework experience.
Experience in supervising other economists and taking a lead role on investigations or research.
Strong analytical skills and experience in managing research and economic evidence for economic regulation are essential.
Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Competition Act, the Competition Commission and the South African economy is highly recommended.

Competencies / Attributes

Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Strong research and analytical skills.
The ability to work under pressure.
An energetic, committed individual with strong attention to detail.
Interpersonal and leadership skills.
Over and above well-developed technical skills in your specialisation areas, the incumbent must demonstrate, inter alia: Must demonstrate fit with the Commissions Values (Communication, Ownership, Making a difference, Professionalism, Employee Welfare, Teamwork, Efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise, conduct and coordinate economic evidence gathering and assessment on investigation cases in cartels, market conduct and merger control.
Reliably apply economic principles and methods to the facts of each individual case.
Manage a team of around three economists.
Provide leadership to research and case teams, including on economic principles, methodology and analysis.
Identify and undertake research activities and priorities relevant to the development of competition law enforcement and priorities of the Commission.
Contribute to the provision of the theoretical and intellectual platform for the effective implementation of the Competition Act and achievement of the mandate of the Commission
Compile expert reports and provide expert evidence before the Competition Tribunal on investigation cases referred for adjudication.

We offer

A competitive salary
An opportunity for you to actively participate in reaching the objectives of building an efficient, functioning, free and fair economy for all South Africans.
The opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic and growing field of competition law in South Africa
Exposure to excellent local and international training opportunities in the field of competition economics and law
Exposure to excellent training opportunities.

Employment Equity:

Over and above operational requirements, our appointment will take into account the country’s and organisational Employment Equity imperatives. Female candidates will receive preference.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Persons with Disability are encouraged to apply.
The Competition Commission is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Application Process:

All international qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA accreditation certificate.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric assessments.
The successful candidate will be vetted for security purposes.
The Competition Commission reserves the right not to fill this position.

Click here to apply

All the best with your applications