Index Research Analyst - Nigel - JSE Limited

Description

The Role of a Senior Index Specialist at {company}

Job Category: Analysis and Economic Research
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE Position: Yes

Introduction

The Senior Index Specialist plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of existing indices while contributing to their ongoing development through research. This ensures that clients have accurate information for informed decision-making, thus enhancing JSE's reputation and client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive business plan for complex tasks and longer-term objectives (1 year and 3 years)
• Identify weaknesses in index processes, including data, operational, and analytical processes
• Provide specialist guidance to staff on complex issues and assist junior colleagues as needed
• Promote independent thought leadership by advising on client and market needs, opportunities, and possibilities for implementation, ensuring the sustained relevance of the index service from JSE

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Foster strategic relationships with industry leaders, presenting at conferences and training sessions
• Effectively communicate index-related concepts to clients through various channels, interpreting and resolving queries
• Maintain positive client relationships by managing conflicts diplomatically and striving for client satisfaction without compromising standards
• Nurture good vendor relationships by collaborating with third-party data suppliers and partners in a proficient manner

Process Management

• Ensure accurate completion of the FTSE/JSE End of Day Process, verifying end-of-day files, structure, and completeness
• Perform valuations of all JSE-administered indices by validating input data, calculating metrics, and testing reasonableness
• Verify end-of-day data products
• Demonstrate professional understanding of Bond Market operational processes to drive resolutions in case of process failure
• Determine and implement corrective action for any aspect of the Bond Market processes not functioning correctly
• Adhere to timelines by following Bond Market processes SLA times contracted with clients
• Ensure continuous accuracy of index inputs and published metrics by conducting independent calculations
• Guarantee that team-managed data meets reasonability standards and is meticulously checked post-production and distribution, focusing on timelines and data quality
• Analyse data discrepancies by understanding interactions between various data inputs, formulas, and necessary steps to resolve issues
• Drive process optimisation and enhancement, prioritising improved results at lower costs
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of the Index landscape, including knowledge of users' business, products, and services offered by global providers and local competitors
• Understand the importance of accurate indices to capital markets and maintain this knowledge through continuous self-learning and interaction with market participants
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of JSE index rules, knowing which rules to apply in specific situations
• Independently perform free float reviews for JSE listed companies
• Identify upcoming corporate actions and determine appropriate impacts on indices
• Play a leading role in the Index Rebalance
• Take responsibility for end-to-end index rebalancing, supervising and mentoring junior colleagues
• Provide direction and training to junior colleagues
• Create insightful research papers meeting Advisory Committee standards
• Identify opportunities to refine existing products and develop innovative new index products
• Contribute to product development implementation by creating plans 1-2 years in advance
• Assist with divisional action plan breakdown into smaller tasks
• Demonstrate professional conduct, customer focus, and urgency in dealing with clients
• Take responsibility for a complete view of JSE structure
• Assist junior staff in resolving queries they handle
• Present index-related information to groups or clients independently
• Take a leading role in routine client meetings
• Provide data to media within JSE policies
• Assist in preparing brochures and marketing materials
• Provide input and content to website layout and structure

Personal Growth and Development

• Improve personal capability and professional growth in field of expertise
• Stay up-to-date with changes in legislation or standards
• Upskill team members and professionals by sharing knowledge and research results
• Empower living the JSE values, displaying professional conduct

Transformation and Innovation Contribution

• Analyse, research, develop, and implement improvement/innovative ideas
• BCom in Econometrics, Economics of Mathematics, Finance, Investments
• Honours in Mathematics, Investments, Finance, Financial Modelling, Econometrics
• 3 years of experience in financial markets

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Intermediate software applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Internet, Email)
• Divisional service offerings
• Business continuity standard
• Business principles
• Data analysis
• Decision-making process
• Challenging status quo to improve environment
• Giving presentations
• Identifying trends
• Establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships
• Adapting behaviour to meet major changes at work
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Evaluating resource allocation
• Networking and building relationships
• Communicating complex information orally

Salary: R1 200 000 - R1 500 000 per annum