PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE
The role entails the following:
• Providing inputs in the development of the corporate strategic plan and ensure implementation thereof;
• Evaluating country/project risks and determining premium rates to ensure financial sustainability;
• Reviewing/developing insurance products to increase business opportunities;
• Leading research activities with focus on insurance industry and international economic developments as well as the identification of trade and investment opportunities;
• Writing articles that positively position the Corporation’s brand, products and services across all its target markets; and,
• Managing the day-to-day activities in order to meet the Unit objectives.
• Representing ECIC at different forums, both international and local.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, MEASURES & INTERFACES
UNDERWRITING FUNCTION:
The Unit Head will be expected to:
• Develop and implement analytical tools to identify and assess credit risk exposure per country/ project and formulate strategies to mitigate the risks.
• Approve and provide guidance in the recommendations for all country/industry risk assessment. Oversee the provision of country and industry risk reports.
• Consistently review ECIC insurance products, identify and develop new insurance products and guidelines to expand ECIC’s market penetration.
• Develop and implement risk pricing methodologies in line with actuarial requirements and industry practices. Provide premium quotations to financial institutions, exporters and investors
• Establish links with other Export Credit Agencies, international bodies or institutions and public institutions to exchange information related to project risk evaluation processes and appetite.
• Develop and maintain the underwriting parameters to comply with international best practices.
STRATEGIC RESEARCH FUNCTION
• Provide and measure economic achievements in terms of the dtic goals through appropriate economic impact assessment models.
• Investigate and lead the research process to identify trade and investment opportunities for SA exporters and investors.
• Develop methods and procedures for collecting and processing data, utilizing knowledge of various econometric and sampling techniques.
• Prepare and write communications and articles that positively position the Corporation’s brand, products and services across all its target markets.
• Attend, make presentations and contribute to the Project Risk Evaluation and Executive Committees.
• Represent the Corporation at local and international conferences and participate in South Africa’s international trade missions. Compile opinion editorial articles.
• Formulate the strategic plan and objectives of the Business Unit in line with the corporate objectives and coordinate all the operations.
• Address ad hoc research request/issues raised at Corporate Executive and Board levels.
PEOPLE AND RISK MANAGEMENT
• Manage PEAR Unit – Implement the strategic operational plan, coordinate PEAR operations; assess performance and report to the Executive Management ..
• Rolling out the Enterprise Risk Management – Identify risks and their metrics and develop the Action Plan to resolve each potential risk event.
• Implement succession planning that promotes further career and skills development within the Business Unit.
• Identify and implement training programmes for the Business Unit
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• A Master’s degree in Economics, Econometrics or Development Finance. Understanding of Trade and International Relations is an advantage.
• Structured project and corporate finance training – preferable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills with the ability to explain concepts and relate them back to the ECIC’s underwriting mandate.
• Interpersonal skills, abilities in relationship management and teamwork communication.
• Advanced Microsoft (Excel/Word/PowerPoint) skills and econometric models
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in any of the following: risk analysis, project finance, country and industry risk analysis and strategic plan design, export credit insurance.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Excellent analytical skills (data analysis and econometric modelling)
• Strong credit and risk analysis skills;
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels;
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple functions;
• Ability to forge relationships with other areas of the business;
• Strong aptitude for problem resolution and decision making;
• Problem solving skills to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions;
• Strict attention to details and deadline oriented;
• Managing others: technical credibility, problem solving, accountability, decisiveness, delegation, people positive, giving support
• Managing self: self-motivation, communicating information, showing resilience, upholding standards
• Managing managers: established rapport, team working, conflict handling, directing people
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
The incumbent is required to have the following Behavioural competencies:
• Functional manager: developing expertise, empowering people, building relationships, creating innovation
• Team leadership: Consistently offer relevant inputs to team discussions as issues are being clarified and solutions are being developed.
• High performance: accountability, efficiency, can-do-attitude, people development, etc.
• Integrity: ethics, leading by example, respect
• Innovation: continuous improvement – lead Change and /or incorporate new, better, or significantly different methods, processes, products or services to meet customer needs
• Service delivery: act as a trusted advisor, timeous delivery, recognize co-workers and respond to them accordingly.
• Shared vision: act in ways that contribute towards the viability of and reliance on the Unit
• Flexibility: Available to work more than ordinary business hours.
APPLICATIONS
Closing Date: Sunday, 23rd February 2025
NOTE: It is ECIC’s intention to promote equity through the filling of posts, according to the set Employment Equity targets.
Data Protection
Personal information collected and processed for purposes of recruitment will be protected from unauthorised access and improper use or disclosure.
Declaration and Informed Consent
By submitting your application for the advertised role, you give ECIC permission to process your personal information and you acknowledge that you understand the purpose for which it is required and for which it will be used. Furthermore, you declare that all personal information supplied to the ECIC for the purposes of recruitment is accurate, up to date, not misleading and that it is complete in all respects.