EMPREGO

Infrastructure Research Specialist

DBSA-Midrand, África do Sul

The purpose of the Infrastructure Research Specialist is to provide research support to the Bank’s strategy and the operationalisation thereof through undertaking research projects that are in alignment with the Bank’s core business across all its primary and secondary sectors. The Research Specialist will predominantly focus on applied research to solve operational questions and provide information on developments in the infrastructure environment.

Key Responsibilities:
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

  1. Participate in the annual design and quarterly execution of the Research Schedule and Conversations

  2. Participate in the dissemination of final research outputs through knowledge sessions (including eKnowledge) and other relevant platforms

  3. Develop and nurture working relationships with Sector Specialists and secure their participation in research projects that are sector specific

  4. Execute short-term and quick turnaround projects that contribute towards the fulfilment of the Chief Economist’s responsibilities to the CE, Exco, Board and other relevant committees/engagements

  5. Develop networks and collaborate with strategic role-players, institutions, and leading thinkers regarding infrastructure development research


Key Measurements of Outputs

  1. Four high quality research outputs from the Board approved Research Schedule and Conversations per year

  2. Presentation of the four papers to Knowledge sessions (including eKnowledge) and other relevant platforms

  3. Short-term and quick turnaround high quality outputs requested by the Chief Economist from time to time

  4. Preparation of background papers for topics in the Board Enrichment platform or other high-level workshops


Expertise & Technical Competencies:
Minimum Requirements

  1. A relevant post graduate degree

  2. Five (5) years or more of appropriate research experience

  3. Experience in public and private organisations

  4. Articulate networker

  5. Valid driver’s license


Desirable:
1. Analytical and methodical

  1. Knowledge of the research process from conception, execution, and conclusion

  2. Econometric skills

  3. Project management skills

  4. Dynamic presentation skills

  5. Collaborative outlook and skills


Required Personal Attributes:
1. TECHNICAL

  1. Written & Verbal Communication

a. Understands that different writing styles are required for different documents or audiences b. Writes effectively with clarity c. Reviews others’ documents for clarity and impact d. Able to understand topic switches and use vocabulary of attitude e. Reasonably fluent in speaking f. Able to communicate complex problems or concepts by making them understandable for others

  1. Data Collection and Analysis

a. Skilled in the use of advanced/complex econometric-based analytical and modelling techniques b. Through an in-depth understanding of the business environment, analyses and draws sound economic conclusions

  1. Reporting

a. Prepares complex or tailored reports, gathers information from a variety of sources, analyses and includes them in the report b. Keeps standard reports under review and proposes improvements to meet user needs

  1. Stakeholder Management

a. Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support DBSA objectives a. Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict b. Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust, and respect c. Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnerships

  1. Project Management

a. Demonstrates a practical knowledge of project management principles and techniques

  1. Learning and Knowledge Sharing

a. Open to new ideas b. Shares own knowledge c. Applies knowledge in daily work d. Builds partnerships for learning and knowledge sharing

BEHAVIOURAL

1.1 Customer Service Orientation

a. Tries to understand the underlying needs of customers and matches these to available or customized outputs b. Adapts processes and procedures to meet on-going customer needs c. Utilises the feedback received from customers to develop new and/or improve existing outputs to support their needs d. Thinks of new ways to align DBSA’s offerings with future customer needs

1.2 Self-awareness and Self Control

1.3 Strategic and Innovative Thinking

a. Experiments with new approaches, tests scenarios, questions assumptions and challenges conventional thinking b. Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others, leveraging internal and external sources of information to show possible business direction

1.4 Driving Delivery of Results

a. Sets challenging goals that will have a significant impact on the business or support the organisational strategy b. Commits significant resources and/or time to ensure that challenging goals are achieved, while also taking action to mitigate risk

1.5 Teamwork & Cooperation

a. Acts to promote a friendly climate and good morale and resolves conflicts b. Crea