Junior Index Research Analyst

Job category: Analysis and Economic ResearchContract: PermanentRemuneration: Market RelatedEE position: YesIntroductionTo maintain the integrity of existing indices, while contributing to the ongoing development of new indices through ongoing research, resulting in cutting edge offerings to index users to ensure clients base decisions on accurate information and JSE client service is maintained at a high level to build and maintain JSE reputation and integrity.Results DeliveryApply cost effectiveness principles in everyday delivery to contribute to achievement of departmental financial targets.Create insightful research papers of high quality by researching elements of index methodology or new indices over a 3-6 month period with pre-defined delivery dates.Ensure high standard of research output is continuously met by independent Advisory Committee standards, as well as identified market needs being met effectively.Research the collecting of input data; interpreting and analysing data collected; conducting market consultation where necessary; formulating recommendations or conclusions; preparing cohesive research papers; presenting results internally and to the advisory committee and then following up on suggestions and hypotheses suggested by committee members.Assist in the optimization of index processes by identifying areas in which daily processes can be automated, updated or improved in any way.Produce quality output with minimal supervision to meet high standards which are expected by the team and ensure deadlines are met timeously.Identify where escalation is required to accommodate client demands and where possible, strive to achieve the level of output expected by senior members.Improve the quality of the data products for clients by enhancing the existing products and developing new and innovative index products.Produce cost-effective and sustainable product enhancements to increase client service and develop and maintain them.Plan product development window for at least a year in advance, or more.Have an independent opinion on client and broader market needs, opportunities and possibilities and act on this opinion by suggesting alternative approaches to the ones requested by the clients with the view to build longer term strategic views which contribute to the sustained relevance of the index service from the JSE.Stakeholder Relationship ManagementAssist senior members of the team (when required to do so) with client visits or phone calls to communicate index-related concepts, interpret and resolve index queries and educate customers on index rules with their application.Work with other team members in a cohesive manner by contributing to assigned responsibilities and projects in a joint activity.Maintain a positive relationship with clients by managing conflict situations diplomatically.Drive excellence by maintaining high standards to achieve client satisfaction by always being on time and producing accurate outputs.Maintain clear communication with clients regarding mutual expectations.Monitor client satisfaction and be accountable for correcting customer-service issues and correct problems promptly and assertively.Ensure that client queries are resolved timeously, accurately and comprehensively to maintain good relationships with clients.Be responsible for having a complete view of the JSE structure thereby ensuring that all queries are escalated to the correct person or department, if necessary.Ensure that all information provided to clients is accurate and that it doesn't breach JSE policies.Discuss upcoming topical index news with the team to ascertain at what level they're at by their responses.Maintain good vendor relationships by engaging with third party data suppliers and partners (such as FTSE and other internal divisions) in a proficient manner, providing them with data and other requests where necessary.Find practical solutions to meet customer needs and where client requests are complex, gather information, clarify the data from multiple sources internally and provide a solution.Provide meaningful input to team discussions relating to potential improvements to client services and products and where possible, provide suggestions and consult with other members of the team to develop optimal client products.Ensure good vendor relationships by interacting and collaborating with third party data suppliers and partners (such as FTSE and other internal divisions) in a proficient manner.Maintain a positive relationship with clients by managing conflictive situations diplomatically, but firmly; strive for client satisfaction without compromising standards; maintain clear communication with clients regarding mutual expectations; monitor client satisfaction; take personal responsibility for correcting customer-service problems; correct problems promptly and assertively; make self fully available, especially when client is going through a critical period; answer specific queries from clients by applying analytical techniques to data to produce meaningful views.Process ManagementEnsure the FTSE/JSE End of Day process is completed accurately by following standard procedures and ensuring that all relevant End of Day files from FTSE are received, verifying the structure and completeness of all received files and checking that all pre-agreed index changes are applied correctly.Perform the valuations of all JSE-administered indices (e.g. JSE Commodities Indices and JSE Money Market Index) by validating the input data, calculating the index metrics and testing the reasonability of the result.Prepare a comprehensive resolution plan for when an operational process fails by having a good understanding of all JSE operational processes and request assistance from other team members and senior members for when corrective-action needs to be implemented and follow their guidance when implementing the solutions and ensure that time lines are adhered to according to timeframes stipulated in the SLA.Ensure accuracy of index inputs and published index metrics and be able to calculate them independently.Ensure consistency with JSE information in the public domain, so that there is no room for clients to think they can get more information from one member over another one.Analyse data discrepancies by understanding the data input along with the relevant interactions and formulas and take the necessary steps to resolve the issues after identifying them.Demonstrate a good understanding of the Index landscape, including knowledge of index users' business, products and services offered by global index providers and local competitors.Answer specific queries from clients by applying analytical techniques to data.Understand the importance of accurate indices to the capital markets and maintain this knowledge through continuous self-learning and interaction with senior team members and market participants.Demonstrate competent knowledge of the JSE index rules by knowing which rules to apply in specific situations and making decisions on the application of these rules, engaging in group discussions regarding the impact of the application of rules on market participants.Independently perform the free float review for JSE listed companies by analysing the shareholders of each company, measuring them against a set of rules and drawing conclusions to ensure that complicated examples are brought to the team at large for support.Address all queries and include more senior staff members when resolving more complicated issues so that these issues can be brought to the entire team and be used as a brain-storming exercise to educate the team while resolving the issue at hand.Play a meaningful role in the Index Rebalance by collecting and verifying data, calculating various inputs for the review, determining which changes are necessary (based on the data), rules and calculations, preparing and verifying the relevant public output documentation for accuracy and ensuring that the rebalance changes are applied correctly.Create insightful research papers by producing research outputs that meet independent Advisory Committee standards and meet identified market needs by researching elements of index methodology or new indices to contribute to the ongoing development of new indices (research includes collecting input data; interpret and analyse data collected; formulate recommendation or conclusions; prepare research papers).Identify opportunities to refine existing products and developing of innovative new index products to improve quality and range of data products to clients while being cost effective and sustainable.Self-ManagementImprove personal capability and professional growth in line with JSE objectives by discussing development needs and proposed solutions with management.Be an effective team member encouraging team work and freely sharing knowledge.Visibly live the JSE values contributing to the achievement of divisional objectives.Manage self in terms of development, delivery and act as a self-starter.Transformation and Innovation ContributionIdentify, share and implement value adding improvement/innovative ideas and solutions contributing to divisional and JSE results.Degree in Economics, Finance or Statistics.No previous experience necessary.Knowledge and Skills requiredIntermediate software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Internet, Email).Divisional service offerings.Business continuity standard.Business principles.Data analysis.Decision-making process.Challenging the status quo with a view to improving the environment or peoples understanding.Giving presentations.Identifying trends.Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with peers / subordinates / managers.Adapting behaviour to meet major changes at work.Adapting to a major organisational change.Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Evaluating resource allocation.Networking and building relationships.Communicating complex information orally.
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