Senior Economist
Stears
The Company
Stears is a VC-backed African data and intelligence startup building the Bloomberg of Africa. For global organisations investing in African markets, Stears is the data and analytics provider that enables quick, accurate decisions for financial and operational opportunities. Stears users get access to raw data from various sources, trend data for a wide range of data sets, and constantly updated analysis by researchers. Stears goes beyond just data to provide insights and context based on knowledge of local markets and delivers it all in an easy-to-use interface usable by anyone, not just researchers.
We are looking for a Senior Economist with a robust understanding of economics and finance to cover the economies of Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Egypt as part of our macroeconomic desk.
The Role
Why it’s important: We aim to provide our customers with information (data, analytics, insights) on African economies and industries to support and guide their investment decisions on the continent.
Our macroeconomic desk is responsible for providing data and analysis on economic conditions and risks in five major countries (South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt). This includes providing up-to-date analysis and assessments of economic growth & performance, currency risk, interest rate risk, and political economy risks for companies investing in Africa.
As a Senior Economist in the team, your mission is to contribute to Stears’ macroeconomic coverage by providing an effective mix of reports, datasets, indices, forecasts, and dashboards to support our customers’ investment decisions in the following countries:
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Kenya
What it covers: As a Senior Economist, you are responsible for generating insightful, market-leading information on the economies of South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. The role requires a thorough understanding of economics and fixed income, as well as familiarity with data analysis and econometrics.
As a Senior Economist, you will:
- Analyse economic data, indicators, and trends to assess the economy and fixed income markets, providing insights to support investment decision-making in your focus countries: Kenya, South Africa, Egypt.
- Generate short-form and long-form economic reports and presentations on the following areas, offering actionable insights to Stears customers:
- Economic growth & performance
- Interest rate risk
- Currency sick
- Consumer markets
- Political economy risk
- Monitor government policies, central bank decisions, and regulatory changes that may impact your coverage economies and markets, assessing the potential implications for interest rates, currency exchange rates, and investment strategies.
- Work with data analysts and data scientists to develop indices, predictive models, and historical macroeconomic databases, utilising econometric models and qualitative analysis.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, offering constructive feedback to enhance their research and analysis skills. Conduct regular reviews of their work to ensure high-quality standards, foster their professional growth, and support their development within the team.
Who you will work with: This role is part of the Intelligence team. You will report to the Chief Economist and Head of Insights.
We are looking for someone with:
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Economics or a related field
- At least five (5) years of experience working in an economics-focused role
- Experience and expertise analysing at least two of the three focus economies—South Africa, Egypt, Kenya—including published research and analysis
- Strong understanding of macroeconomics and fixed income markets
- Strong data analysis skills with the ability to analyse, interpret or extract insights from data
- Proficiency in quantitative analysis and statistical methods including the ability to analyse economic and fixed income data using advanced analytical tools and software, such as Excel, R, Python, SPSS, or MATLAB.
- Effective communication skills, including conveying complex economic concepts and investment ideas clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.
- A proven track record of excelling in research tasks—including gathering information through stakeholder engagement—evidenced by previous experience in roles that require significant research activity.
Perks
Meaningful perks matter to us. They make employees better and contribute to making Stears a great place to work. If you join us, you can be assured that you’ll enjoy a wide range of generous perks, rewards and office benefits including:
- Flexible working we are currently hybrid
- Help lay the platform foundations of our African expansion. We are currently fleshing out our expansion strategy and would love you to be a part of this growth while doing impactful work
- Be part of our new product offerings
- Unlimited access to Stears Intelligence Solutions
- The Stears Experience - These are the top reasons economists report having the best experience of their careers at Stears:
- Deepen their analytical & critical thinking skills which apply beyond a specific domain
- Gain a high level of autonomy and responsibility by taking on a senior role in our high trust startup environment and relatively flat organizational hierarchy
- Do something meaningful by being part of a team making African data more widely available
- Access to an expert Intelligence & Analytics team - Stears Intelligence team includes some of the brightest knowledge experts in Nigeria covering a wide range of sectors, all with a passion for delivering the highest quality of intelligence and analytics on the African continent.
- Competitive salaries at junior, intermediate and senior levels
- Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage
- Paid time off - 25 days excluding public holidays and sick days (Prorated)
- Compassionate Leave
- Parental Leave
- Unlimited Sick Leave
- Special emphasis on learning and development
- Regular social activities, including annual off-site team bonding
- A well stocked fridge, lots of snacks and bean bags
- Stears branded merchandise and swag
Diversity
Stears is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, actual or presumed belonging to an ethnic group, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.