British High Commission Economic Officer HEO Jobs in South Africa

British High Commission Economic Officer HEO Jobs in South Africa

Main Purpose of Job:

Many countries, including middle-income countries - where around 60% of the world’s poor live - still face considerable challenges such as youth unemployment, climate change, high and persistent inequality (including gender inequality) and digital exclusion, which can lower long-term growth prospects.

The British High Commission in South Africa delivers a portfolio of activities to support the broad-based and inclusive growth needed for poverty reduction. Our strategic priorities within the Economic Growth team include supporting trade and investment, improving business environment and economic reform, driving productivity in key sectors through education, employment and skills development, improving digital access, support for entrepreneurship and MSMEs and sustainable urban development.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a prominent role in the economic and political work of the British High Commission in South Africa. The jobholder will work alongside colleagues from across the office to help senior decision makers in the mission and the UK understand economic developments in South Africa.

The successful candidate will need to build an extensive network of economic contacts within South Africa, drawing on these to provide quick, informed analysis and advice on issues as they emerge alongside the political team. They will also need to provide longer, more detailed analytical pieces to explain complex economic issues to a non-specialist audience, as well as regular updates on the overall performance of the economy.

As well as ensuring British officials in South Africa and the UK understand the South African economy, the job holder will also have the opportunity to work on policy development, working with officials from the British and South African governments to influence policy making.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Lead on rapid reporting of important and emerging developments in South Africa’s economy, with quick analysis and commentary on economic data releases such as GDP, unemployment and interest rates. Alongside this, produce longer analytical pieces to inform wider work in the High Commission.

Provide written briefings and policy advice to a

wide range of stakeholders in the UK government, based in both South Africa and the UK, ahead of visits by Ministers and senior officials and international meetings (for example G20, IMF spring meetings etc).

Proactively build a strong network of economic contacts to inform reporting and policy advice, and support visits by Ministers and officials from the UK to South Africa.

Regularly present on South Africa’s economy, including weekly briefings to the High Commissioner and wider team on South Africa’s economic developments, bi-monthly briefings to His Majesty’s Treasury, and in quarterly induction sessions for new joiners.

Proactively support other teams in the British High Commission in understanding economic developments and ensuring their work is informed by strong economic analysis.

Build and maintain strong links into the UK government, in particular in His Majesty’s Treasury and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Bank of England.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

University degree or equivalent professional experience in political economy, economics or finance

Strong influencing, communicating and networking skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Ability to produce clear and concise reports for different types of audiences

Capability to think strategically; sound judgement and problem solving skills

Aptitude to analyse and process complex information quickly

Ability to work on multiple tasks under pressure and meet deadlines

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Previous experience (2+ years) working in an economics role

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission Economic Officer HEO Jobs in South Africa

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