Senior Economist

Vacancy: Senior Economist Location: Rosebank Employment Type: Permanent

Purpose of the Role

To position the Minerals Council South Africa as a leading advocate on economic, mining, energy, and policy matters affecting the mining industry. The role provides strategic economic analysis, policy advisory services, and thought leadership to support industry advocacy, member engagement, and government relations. The incumbent will develop evidence-based policy positions and represent the mining industry in key stakeholder forums to influence policy and regulatory outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct economic research and analysis on issues affecting the mining industry, including economic policy, energy, investment, infrastructure, and regulatory matters.
• Develop and support industry policy positions, submissions, and advocacy initiatives on matters impacting the mining sector.
• Provide strategic economic advice and thought leadership to Minerals Council members, executives, and industry forums.
• Represent the Minerals Council at engagements with government departments, regulators, Parliament, NEDLAC, BUSA, and other industry stakeholders. Undertake policy-related research and develop position papers to support policy formulation and implementation
• Monitor and analyse economic, policy, and regulatory developments and provide recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Minerals Council members, government institutions, research organisations, and industry associations.
• Prepare high-quality reports, presentations, policy briefs, economic publications, and stakeholder communications.
• Represent and promote the interests of the South African mining industry in stakeholder forums, working groups, and public consultations.
• Support initiatives relating to mining economics, energy technologies, investment, the just energy transition, and other strategic industry priorities.
• Mentor and provide guidance to interns and junior team members and contribute to the effective functioning of the Economics Department.

Competencies

• Exceptional understanding of the South African economy, including the strategic role and contribution of the mining sector to national economic development and its position within the global economy.
• Strong expertise in macroeconomic and sectoral analysis, with an in-depth understanding of GDP measurement approaches, gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), price indices, gross value added (GVA), production inputs, input-output frameworks, productivity analysis, and competitiveness indicators.
• Sound knowledge of national, sectoral, and industry-specific constraints and incentives.
• Excellent analytical, research, report-writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex economic concepts and data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and innovatively, applying out-of-the-box thinking to identify emerging economic trends, solve complex challenges, and develop evidence-based policy and business recommendations.
• A solid team player

Requirements

Education & Qualifications:

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Honour’s degree in Economics/Econometrics
• Preferred: Master’s Economics/Econometrics or a related field

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in economic research, economic modelling and policy analysis. Experience within the mining sector is advantageous.
• Proven experience in policy engagement, stakeholder management, and advocacy.

Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office and data analysis tools
• Strong economic research, analysis, and policy formulation capabilities.
• Economic modelling skills and familiarity with software such as EViews, STATA, or similar analytical tools.
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex concepts effectively.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, networking, influencing, and relationship management skills.
• Sound experience in negotiations, advocacy, and lobbying.

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