Description

Brief description

The main purpose of this position is to oversee the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) foreign exchange trading operations as well as to conduct analyses on the developments in the foreign exchange (FX) markets. To contribute to policy discussions and decision-making, the position requires qualitative and quantitative perspectives on the implementation of monetary policy, exchange rate policy and management of the SARB foreign exchange reserves.

Furthermore, this role also entails the monitoring of FX markets as well as building and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders to gather market information and market intelligence which serve as inputs in the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and the Financial Stability Committee (FSC) presentations.

Detailed description

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following key performance areas:

• Lead and oversee the SARB's foreign exchange trading operations, which include execution of FX transactions (spot, forwards and FX swaps) as well as cash management.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis into FX movements, trends, patterns with systemic impact across financial markets.
• Leads team engagements to interrogate and reconcile data, and findings, insights, explanations, from research and analysis on foreign exchange markets.
• Prepare periodic reports to enable managers/senior managers to provide oversight function on the deliverables of the South African Foreign Exchange Committee (SAFXC) and Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC).
• Provide thought leadership and contribute to discussion papers, presentations and documentation for various FX committees and other related bodies/forums.
• Lead the design and review of internal controls, enhance operating procedures and implement governance frameworks that relate to Codes of conduct in the FX market
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategic initiatives of the unit and the Financial Markets Department (FMD), including through involvement in strategic projects.
• Collaborate with other specialists within the SARB (business analysts, data management specialists and IT specialist) by providing subject-matter expertise to enable the design and implementation of IT infrastructure for the FX operations business.
• Provide analysis on FX operations and insights for presentations to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and Financial Stability Committee (FSC).
• Represent the Financial Markets Department on internal and external committees/forums and make presentations
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as, but not limited to, local analysts, fund managers, strategists, and dealers for the gathering of market intelligence.
• Perform ad hoc tasks as required.

Qualifications

Job requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must have:

· a minimum of Honours degree (NQF8) in economics or finance or an equivalent combination of education and job-related experience.

· a minimum of eight to ten years' experience in a specialist role in financial markets and market analysis.

The following will be an added advantage

· CFA qualification.

sound knowledge of exchange rate policy and monetary policy implementation frameworks and instruments; and

· Sound knowledge of financial market regulations

• ACI Dealing certificate

Additional requirements include:

· verbal and written communication skills;

· research methodology skills;

· planning and organising skills;

· decision-making skills;

· interpersonal skills;

· presentation skills;

· being a team player;

· knowledge of financial mathematics;

proficiency in the Microsoft (MS) Office suite, with a thorough knowledge of MS Excel; and

· Knowledge of Bloomberg and Reuters.

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.