Economist in Macroeconomic ModellingApplication Deadline: 17 January 2025
Department: Macro Forecasting & Analysis
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
DescriptionOxford Economics Africa seeks an Economist as part of our Macroeconomic Modelling team. The position will be based in our Paarl office.
The Macroeconomic Modelling team is responsible for overseeing the macroeconomic forecasts generated by our team of economists, ensuring consistency within and between countries. These forecasts are primarily created using the Oxford Economics Global Economic Model (GEM), the most widely used commercial large-scale macroeconomic model in the world. Additionally, the modelling team continually aims to expand the coverage of the GEM, improve the econometric linkages and properties, and improve the historical data sources that feed into the model. These data and forecasts ultimately inform the reports that go to subscription clients. The team also develops bespoke scenarios for a variety of purposes such as strategic planning and stress testing.
Key ResponsibilitiesAn Economist in the Macroeconomic Modelling team will take on a range of tasks that include:
· Building up knowledge of African economies;
· Gaining proficiency in the Oxford Economics Global Economic Model (GEM), the tool that informs our macroeconometric forecasts and scenarios;
· Using the GEM to produce coherent macroeconometric forecasts for various African economies;
· Improving equations and linkages on the GEM and testing scenario properties to ensure consistency with the overall model setup;
· Developing bespoke models and forecasts for our clients, to support with their business planning;
· Maintaining our energy, electricity and sectoral forecasts;
· Utilising the climate setup on the GEM to run climate-related scenarios;
· Writing up scenarios or economic research under one of our subscription services or for consultancy projects; and
· Managing client queries regarding our modelling and scenario analysis.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise· 5+ years of work experience as an economist or a related field.
· A strong education in Economics to at least an undergraduate level. A postgraduate degree in Economics is highly desirable.
· Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of current economic and policy challenges facing the global economy.
· Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
· Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain economic concepts to a diverse audience, including non-specialists.
· Ability to work effectively in teams across different offices and to tight deadlines.
· Previous experience in using applied macroeconomic models for forecasting and/or scenario analysis would be advantageous.
· Knowledge of statistical modelling software (such as EViews, Python, R and/or Stata) is desirable.
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