Job Description

The purpose of the role is to conduct in-depth research and strategic analysis of value chains and industries, as well as ongoing analysis of supply- and demand-side conditions in various markets, leading to the identification of development opportunities and potential interventions to enhance their competitiveness, expand existing production capacity and encourage value addition, contribute to the introduction of new production capacity or industrial activities, and promote economic transformation, in support of the IDCs industrial and broader development mandate.Qualification and ExperienceQualifications:

• An Honours degree in economics (or equivalent commercial qualification)
• Masters Degree (e.g. M. Commerce; M. Science (Economics) will be an added advantage

• 8 to 10 years relevant experience, preferably within an economic research environment.
• Substantial knowledge and experience in conducting in-depth value chain/industry/sectoral research and analysis.
• Substantial experience and knowledge in sourcing, compiling, interrogating, testing and analysing statistical information, for use in quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Substantial experience as a participant in, and as a contributor to the coordination of economic research projects of a varied nature.
• Sound knowledge and experience of economic policies, as well as a strong understanding of the economic environment (international and domestic) and factors influencing it.
• Experience and knowledge in policy-related research matters, particularly sector- or industry-specific, in order to advise the corporation, or the shareholder, on policy formulation and strategic orientation/alignment.
• Knowledge of the methods/tools/techniques utilised in undertaking industry research and analysis, and their effective application.
• Proficiency in technical analysis.
• Strong understanding of development economics theory and principles, as well as their application in industrial development and in the finance environment.
• Good understanding of the economic and socio-economic environment in South Africa and southern Africa, including transformation and regional development issues.

• Conducting in-depth analysis of specific value chains/industries/sub-sectors, including their composition, performance, recent trends, outlook, risks and development potential, leading to strategic recommendations and the compilation of reports, publications, speeches and presentations.
• Contributing to the formulation of strategies for value chain/industry/sector development.
• Providing inputs into macro-economic and sectoral forecasting.
• Disseminating value chain/industry-/sector-specific research and information, both internally and externally.
• Assisting in planning portfolio priorities from a sectoral perspective, including investment potential as well as associated developmental returns and risks.
• Analysing, on a continuous basis, supply- and demand-side conditions in various industrial markets and their future prospects, leading to the identification of implications for IDCs portfolio and of opportunities for further/future development.
• Undertaking technical analysis of competitiveness of industries
• Participating in new product development (e.g., funding/support schemes).
• Representing the IDCs Research and Information Department at industry/sector specific fora.
• Participating in economic research projects of a varied nature, including research that is oriented towards socio-economic development, regional development, value chain development and/or cluster development.

Industrial Development Corporation