Johannesburg: Unit Head: Political, Economic Analysis & Research (PEAR) posted by IT Ridge Technologies

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE

• 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 Corporations brand, products and services across all
  its target markets
• Managing the day-to-day activities in order to meet the Unit objectives.
• Presenting the company at different forums, both international and local.

UNDERWRITING FUNCTION:

• 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 the 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 group’s 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 Corporations 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 Africas
  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 Masters 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 group’s 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.