Research Fellow

UNU-WIDER is looking for an outstanding individual with strong commitment and potential to contribute to the macroeconomic research and capacity-building programme of Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED). The position is based at the National Treasury (NT) in Pretoria, South Africa.

Closing date: 17 April 2018, 23:59 UTC+3

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on the pressing global problems of human survival, conflict prevention, development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 13 countries, UNU’s work spans the full breadth of the 17 SDGs, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

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UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. It is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. For more information on UNU-WIDER and its work programme, please visit  

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NT is central to macroeconomic policy in South Africa and holds a key role in maintaining macroeconomic stability. A key area of work in this programme is to further strengthen the capacity of NT, alongside other actors in the region, and to analyse macroeconomic developments and policy options in southern Africa.

Work on macroeconomic simulation models will be undertaken alongside separate studies related to macroeconomic stability with two central policy objectives in mind: raising South Africa’s sustainable growth rate and reducing inequality in South Africa.

Under the supervision of the Director of UNU-WIDER, the Research Fellow will:

• Contribute effectively to SA-TIED’s macroeconomic research and capacity-building programme in South Africa, and the publication of research outputs.
• Participate in local and international research, policy, and outreach events related to SA-TIED.
• Carry out teaching, training and supervision within the capacity-building programme of SA-TIED, including guidance of junior researchers and PhD students.
• Prepare research studies and management reports.
• Prepare presentations for specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD or Master’s degree in Economics or similar field.
• A minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of relevant professional work experience, analysing macroeconomic questions, such as the effectiveness and impact of monetary policy, the impact of capital flow reversal, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to independently conduct macroeconomic analysis and competence with relevant techniques, such as general equilibrium modelling in software packages such as Matlab, Eviews and GAMS and VAR and GARCH/ARCH analysis.
• A proven track record of academic and policy publications.
• Good knowledge of the international research and policy agenda in areas related to macroeconomic analysis and macroeconomic modelling.
• Excellent communications and drafting skills, with fluency in both oral and written English.
• Excellent team player with strong, well-developed interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Monthly remuneration of ZAR
61,350 subject to…