Job Description

The main purpose of this position is to deliver market intelligence to support policy decisions and promote monetary and financial stability. The incumbent will form part of the Market Intelligence (MI) function, which systematically engages market participants on conditions and developments in global financial markets. Such engagements yield insights that often get tested against the division’s own judgements and combined with market data, models and surveys to inform senior policymaking committees and the development of financial markets.

Furthermore, as central banks’ MI activities have expanded beyond traditional intelligence-gathering strategies to include more data-driven analysis, the incumbent will be required to leverage advanced technologies, innovative quantitative methods, and richer, more granular, and higher frequency data to inform their assessments. As such, the incumbent will contribute toward expanding the SARB’s MI toolkit.

Detailed description

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key performance areas:

• Monitor financial market developments and analyse market pricing, flows and behaviour to identify emerging risks, shifts in expectations and potential sources of monetary or financial instability.
• Combine qualitative intelligence with quantitative data, models and surveys to produce clear analytical insights.
• Research and implement relevant new methods, analytical techniques and best practices related to gathering, analysis and reporting of market intelligence.
• Engage directly with a wide network of external financial market participants, including banks, asset managers, insurers and infrastructure providers.
• Systematically gather, aggregate and challenge qualitative intelligence from market contacts, ensuring diversity of views.
• Maintain strategic relationships with key participants in the financial markets.
• Produce high‑quality written briefings, dashboards and presentations for senior policy forums, including the Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Stability Committee.
• Contribute directly to briefing packs and narrative used in MPC and FSC.
• Support the design, evaluation and communication of market operations and facilities.
• Contribute to the design, execution and analysis of structured intelligence tools, combining survey data with broader market intelligence.
• Use survey results to assess market expectations, perceptions of policy and macroeconomic risks.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the SARB to deliver on cross‑cutting analytical projects, horizon scanning exercises and longer‑term research agendas.
• Transfer knowledge and skills to junior specialists, which includes providing technical support and monitoring their progress.
• Assist with committee administration and provide secretarial support.
• Perform ad hoc tasks.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be in possession of:

• an Honours degree (NQF8) in Economics, Finance, Financial Engineering, Statistics or related field or an equivalent combination of education and job-related experience; and
• five to eight years of job-related experience in financial markets

The following will be an added advantage:

• strong understanding of financial markets and instruments
• demonstrated analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise complex qualitative and quantitative information into clear judgments;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• ability to build credibility and relationships with external market participants;
• strong judgement and professional integrity when handling sensitive market information;
• knowledge of quantitative finance;
• proficient in Microsoft Office, R and/or Python; and
• proficient in data analysis.

Additional requirements include:

• conceptual thinking abilities;
• availability to work irregular hours on an ad hoc basis;
• report writing skills;
• planning and organising skills;
• interpersonal skills; and

• being a team player.

  In line with the SARB’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups. People with disabilities are welcome to apply.

  The SARB offers remuneration and benefits commensurate with the level of the position and in line with the market. The level at which the successful applicant will be appointed will depend on his/her competence and experience.

About SARB

Primary mandate of the SARB

Section 224 of the Constitution of South Africa states the mandate of the SARB as follows:

The primary object of the South African Reserve Bank is to protect the value of the currency in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth in the Republic.

The South African Reserve Bank, in support of its primary objective, must perform its functions independently and without fear, favour or prejudice.

WHAT WE DO

Monetary Policy

The Constitution gives the SARB the mandate to protect the value of the rand. We use interest rates to keep inflation low and steady.

Financial Stability

The SARB has a mandate to protect and enhance financial stability. We identify and mitigate systemic risks that might disrupt the financial system.

Prudential Regulation

The Prudential Authority regulates financial institutions and market infrastructures to promote and enhance their safety and soundness, and support financial stability.

Financial Markets

Open market operations are the main tool we use to implement monetary policy. We manage South Africa’s gold and foreign exchange reserves.

Financial Surveillance

The SARB is responsible for regulating cross-border transactions, preventing the abuse of the financial system and supporting the regulation of financial institutions.

Payments and Settlements

The SARB is responsible for ensuring the safety and soundness of the national payment system, which is the backbone of South Africa’s modern financial system.

Statistics

The SARB provides important economic and financial statistics that present an overview of the economic situation in South Africa.

Research

Research conducted by the SARB focuses on economics, financial stability, banking and emerging trends in finance. Our research supports policy decision-making.

Banknotes and Coin

The SARB has the sole right to make, issue and destroy banknotes and coin in South Africa.