Agricultural Information Analyst at Absa in South Africa

Agricultural Information Analyst Location: Sandton Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group. Job Summary This role involves conducting rigorous economic analysis, forecasting economic conditions, and providing expert advice on market, policy, and physical developments affecting the agricultural industry. The Analyst – Agricultural Information form part of the agricultural research team, collaborates with and informs other departments, and represents the organization in public forums to share insights and promote the organization’s economic perspectives Education and Experience Required: • Four-year degree in Agricultural Economics or equivalent. • Minimum of 7 years of experience in the Agricultural Financing or Agricultural research environment. • Experience in credit risk and strategy formulation will be advantageous. Skills and Competencies: • Strong business acumen. • Strategic planning. • Strong verbal and written communication skills – Public speaking. • Complex problem-solving skills. • Critical and creative thinking. • Strong interpersonal skills and aptitude for collaboration. • Strong aptitude for ideation to support CVP and ensure Absa remains at the forefront of agricultural financing. • Big-picture thinker – Ability to relate intelligence generated by the Information desk to broader issues within the banking and agricultural sector. Job Description Key Accountabilities: Economic Modeling, Forecasting, and Reporting: Develop and implement economic models to forecast market trends and assess the economic outcomes of various policy decisions. Strategic Advice: Advise senior management and stakeholders (Sales and Risk) on the economic implications of business strategies, regulatory changes, and external economic developments. Public and Client Representation: Represent the organization in public forums, including conferences, media interviews, and panel discussions, to share insights and promote the organization’s economic perspectives. Provide market intelligence to clients through one-on-one client engagements and bespoke market analysis. Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders include credit and risk, frontline, sustainability office, and product specialists. External stakeholders include economic research institutions, think tanks, and academic entities to enhance research quality and relevance. Risk Management: Guide the organization’s response to economic and physical effects on the Agricultural Industry, including developing strategies to mitigate negative impacts and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Inform risk appetite for the Agricultural portfolio. Client Focus: Encourage a culture of customer focus and business innovation in the intelligence area. Support the sales team with credit applications and New to Bank (NTB) initiatives. Self Development: Continuously seek opportunities to enhance skills and stay updated with industry trends and changes in the economic environment. Education Bachelor Honours Degree: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required) Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank. Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised