Analyst, Middle East & Africa

As the research and analysis division of The Economist Group (TEG), EIU helps leaders prepare for opportunity, empowering them to act with confidence when making strategic decisions. EIU is the global standard in providing quality, actionable intelligence to the public and private sector, assessing issues that impact the marketplace for over two hundred countries. The Country Analysis division of EIU is seeking to recruit an Analyst, Africa, based our of our office in Johannesburg, South Africa. The successful applicant will be responsible for the production and quality of EIU products for a portfolio of African countries. Among the key tasks of this role, the Analyst will produce economic and political forecasts for specific countries and write analysis on economic, political and policy developments for the countries they cover. The Analyst will also present EIU views externally, both to the media and client.

In the role you would be expected to:

• Produce economic and political forecasts for selected countries
• Produce ongoing analysis and forecast updates on key events as they happen, ensuring that agreed norms for frequency of coverage are maintained
• Ensure that the designated part of the regional product range is written to a high standard
• Identify accurate and informative sources on events affecting the forecast as they happen
• Interpret events within specific countries with a particular focus on whether and how they might impact upon EIU forecasts
• Play an active role in producing original country and regional content work that develops the EIU view on the region
• Support the sales teams to deliver projects as required
• Engage with our clients, providing briefings on the EIU's political and economic forecasts as required
• Be responsible for finding and commissioning suitable external contributors to provide additional analysis of political and economic events within the countries of responsibility

To succeed in the role you must have:

• Relevant degree in Economics or related subject. Ideally a Masters degree or equivalent
• Strong writing and editing skills in English, and an ability to write well under time pressure.
• Knowledge of African politics and economics (and/or a sub-region)
• Experience in analysing and forecasting political and economic trends
• Strong knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an advantage