Political Risk Analyst (PRA) at African Trade Insurance Agency

Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer through the Senior Political Risk Analyst (SPRA), the jobholder is responsible for providing political and economic risk analysis for underwriting of investment insurance including country ratings for pricing of political risk insurance and capacity monitoring.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Country reports and ratings;
2. Prepare detailed economic and political risk country reports, as well as country risk ratings for ATI’s member countries, in support of the underwriting of Political Risk Insurance (PRI) deals and portfolio management;
3. Update country reports as well as country ratings, as necessitated by material economic and political developments at least once during the year but as often as may be required;
4. Prepare economic and political country reports/briefs for non-member countries on a needs basis. This will be in support of new membership or the underwriting of sovereign risks in non-member countries on the back of ATI’s pan-African mandate;
5. Work with underwriters in assessing each request for PRI cover so as to ensure that the terms proposed reflects the risk profile and the risk rating of the obligor country;
6. Examine each non-binding indication or enquiry for PRI or non-honouring of sovereign obligation, to establish risk appetite in the context of the country risk profile of the respective country, and propose subjectivities/mitigants to minimize the likelihood of claims;
7. Ensure the accuracy of economic and business reports so as to support the dependability of underwriter risk assessment;
8. Review underwriting reports for sovereign and sub-sovereign risks in liaison with underwriters to ensure that the PRI risk assessment is in line with the country risk report;
9. Respond to queries and comments by reinsurers on PRI issues.
10. Research and Monitoring;
    1. Monitor regional and international economic trends that impact on the business of ATI;
    2. Carry out economic and business research as may be required by the underwriting department;
    3. Collect, compile, analyse, process and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying necessary analytical models;
    4. Formulate recommendations, policies or plans to interpret markets.
11. Relationship Management;
    1. Establish and foster a smooth working relationship with underwriting department for
    2. purposes of providing country risk analysis support in the underwriting of sovereign risks;
    3. Establish and maintain on-going contacts with multilateral agencies including but not limited to the World Bank, IMF, IFC, etc;
    4. Establish and maintain relationships with member Country Ministries of Finance and Central Banks;
    5. Liaison with the ESG officer in ensuring that ESG issues are incorporated in the Country
    6. Risk Reports for ATI member countries (including non-member countries)
12. Any other role as assigned by the Chief Risk Officer through the SPRA;
    1. Provide background material and research that will assist the Chief Underwriting Officer with policy and investor advice to policymakers;
    2. Manage the succession of the Senior Political Risk Analyst through a recruitment process, and training the new staff on roles and tasks related to the position.

Academic Qualifications

1. A Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration (MBA) or related field
2. A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Commerce, Business, Finance, Banking or Insurance related field

Professional Qualification

1. Membership in recognized professional associations.

Experience

1. At least eight (8) years relevant experience in multilateral, regional economic organization or financial institution.

Skills and Attributes

1. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct research;
2. Knowledge and understanding of the structure of African economies;
3. Knowledge and understanding of global trade, investment and economic issues;
4. Knowledge of quantitative or statistical methods in forecasting;
5. Good oral advocacy and writing skills;
6. Ability to work under pressure and meet urgent deadlines;
7. Excellent interpersonal skills and fluency in written and spoken English;
8. Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
9. Strong people management skills;
10. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage; and
11. Preference will be given to candidates from ATI member countries