Job Details
- Expires 15 May 0 days left to apply
- Reference number: EBW10/090/0424
- Province: Western Cape
- Type of engagement: Permanent appointment
- Posted: May 7th
Background to Position
The BER is launching a new research initiative in response to the demand from its donors and the South African business community at large. The research initiative will focus on economic growth in South Africa.
The national government has announced an economic reform programme. This programme is built around Operation Vulindlela – meaning “lead the way” – which is a joint initiative of the Presidency and the National Treasury.
The BER can make an important contribution to drive the research supporting the critical reforms that would boost economic growth.
The initiative will be structured around themes which are linked to the core growth challenges.
A list of these include:
- Energy reform – there are three economic issues: the financing of electricity reform, the regulatory issues, and the macroeconomics of the just energy transition.
- Fiscal policy, including tax policy – the focus here would be how to ensure that the fiscal policy framework is growth enhancing. This will expand on fiscal policy in general, including how to achieve a fiscal consolidation at the least cost, introducing an appropriate fiscal rule, and tax policy for growth.
- State-owned entity reform – many of South Africa’s growth troubles can be traced to inefficient state-owned entities. Other countries have successfully reformed their state-owned entities to unlock growth.
- Logistics reform – this is a critical area for economic development, particularly financial structures for ports reform (e.g., concessions);
- Skills for growth – South Africa faces a significant skills challenge. How do we bring in the right types of skills?
- International lessons – many other countries have experienced growth miracles. A core part of the programme’s work will be to bring those lessons to South Africa through research and advocacy.
- The BER needs to hire an experienced macro-economist on a fixed-term contract appointment to lead this initiative.
Job Description
Duties:
- The incumbent has to be an experienced applied macro-economist, has to lead this initiative and also has to liaise with government departments, the SARB and state-owned entities from time to time. Other duties will include:
- Supporting the activities around economic growth aligned to the Operation Vulindlela objectives and overall economic policy themes;
- Training young and mid-career economists on growth;
- Bringing in international expertise to further enhance outputs;
- Arranging and hosting events (roundtables, webinars, etc.) on economic growth.
Inherent Criteria
Requirements:
- A master’s degree in economics (with specialisation in macroeconomics);
- Track record of intellectual leadership and management abilities;
- At least ten years’ experience in the public sector and private sector at a managerial level that demonstrates the ability to work accurately, finish research projects independently, and manage a team to complete research projects;
- Proven ability in writing reports and doing presentations for clients in the private and/or public sector;
- Skills related to and an understanding of economic growth policies and the role of various reforms in promoting growth;
- Excellent and proven knowledge of macroeconomic relationships and developments in South Africa;
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English;
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain positive relationships with staff, clients, sponsors, and external contractors.
Recommendations:
- PhD in economics;
- Further academic qualification in economics and/or statistics econometrics;
- A strong research profile in the form of published research and presented papers;
- Experience in regulatory affairs and the working of government within the broad financial sector;
- An established network of contacts within various spheres of government and the private sector.
Application Requirement
Commencement of duties:
01 August 2024
Closing date:
15 May 2024
Enquiries regarding this post: Prof Johann Kirsten on 021 808 9754, or at jkirsten@sun.ac.za
Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753, or at sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za
APPLY ONLINE BY USING THE APPLY NOW LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT-HAND CORNER OF THE SPECIFIC VACANCY PAGE.
Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post
The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.Should no feedback be received from the University within four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.
