Senior Research Analyst
Listing reference: nef_000174
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 20 May 2026
Position summary
Industry: Financial Services
Job category: Analysis and Economic Research
Location: Sandton
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
To conduct macroeconomic and industrial research to generate strategic insights and inform decision making. In addition, deliver high quality analysis, identify risks and opportunities as well as engage key stakeholders to support policy, investment and thought leadership initiatives.
Job description
Macro-economic research and business insights
- Conduct research on global and domestic macroeconomic developments and trends.
- Develop comprehensive reports on the findings and recommendations.
- Continuously improve the analytical capability of the team to provide insightful and relevant contributions and recommendations to the strategic planning processes at the corporate and operational levels.
- Lead the research agenda for the effective achievement of the mandates as determined by/for the NEF/ dtic and though leadership.
- Exercise effective quality assurance and oversight and ensure consistency and coherence across the broad range of the department’s research and analysis outputs.
- Facilitate the continued development and maintenance of comprehensive macroeconomic databases.
- Provide macro-economic analysis and advise the NEF’s Board of Directors, executive management and other senior management, as well as policymakers.
- Research on major development issues (as identified by the organisation) facing South Africa and Africa and their relation to global economic governance and provide recommendations.
- Provide macro-economics insights to assist in industry research.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Industrial research
- Develop and implement research strategies to support the NEF ’s mandate and strategic objectives.
- Ensure that the department's research and analysis is grounded in practicality, targeting the discovery of emerging trends, local and regional industrial development prospects, along with identifying possible threats.
- Facilitate the continued development and maintenance of comprehensive industrial databases.
- Provide industrial analysis and advise the NEF’s Board of Directors, executive management and other
senior management, as well as policymakers. - Research on major development issues (as identified by the organisation) facing South Africa and Africa and their relation to industrial and global economic governance and provide recommendations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Work with IFRS 9 specialist to factor in risk assessments of specific sectors.
Stakeholder relations
- Contribute to the development of presentations and communication materials that will prepare the CEO and NEF leadership for their speaking engagements.
- Prepare talking points to address different topics and continuously incorporate a compelling narrative to position NEF as a preferred partner.
- Represent the NEF in meetings with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and development partners.
- Foster a collaborative environment with senior leaders from government and private sectors.
- Contribute towards building a strong positive reputation and credibility across all stakeholder networks and groups.
- Support the CEO and NEF leadership in preparing for conferences and thought leadership engagements by providing strategic insights, market analysis, and relevant industry trends.
Minimum requirements
Experience / Skills Required
- Minimum 6 years of working experience in investment and economic research experience.
- Experience in navigating stakeholders in the financial sector, with a strong background in development finance and economic analysis.
- Strong sector and industry research experience.
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research experience.
- Strong project management experience.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Good technical capability in the use of SQL and MS Excel.
- Good communication skills to be able to effectively communicate.
- Self-starter with the ability to work under pressure.
- A logical approach to problem solving in relation to both technical and business issues.
Qualification Requirements
- Minimum Honours degree in Economics/ Finance/ / Investment Management or equivalent qualification,
- Master’s degree in finance/ investment/ economics (M Comm, MBA, M Arts) or equivalent, is advantageous.
Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes
Cognitive Competencies
- Analysis and Attention to Detail
- Conceptual / Big Picture Thinking
- Focused and Sustained Attention
- Problem Solving
- Tolerance of Ambiguity
Intrapersonal Competencies
- Excellence/ Quality Orientation
- Rule Orientation
- Ethical Judgement
- Flexibility
- Drive and Results Orientation
- Time and Self-Management
Interpersonal Competencies
- Interpersonal Agility
- Building relationships
- Teamwork
- Engaging diversity
Functional Competencies
- Business Acumen
- Financial Acumen
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Planning & Organising
- Reporting & Communication
- Negotiation
- Presentation Skills
- Problem Solving
- Written communication
- Detail Orientation