Credit Analyst, Associate Director level, Africa/Middle East Sovereigns - French speaker - London

Fitch Group; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

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The Fitch Ratings Sovereigns Group provides credit research and opinion over 120 countries and assigns ratings to the foreign and local currency debt of sovereign governments that account for virtually all sovereign international debt issuance.

As an Associate Director in the Sovereigns team covering Africa/Middle East you will act as the 'primary analyst' for maintaining a portfolio of around 5 sovereign ratings of primarily French-speaking countries, developing deep analytical knowledge on these economies and working with significant independence, reporting to the regional team head.

What We Offer:

• Highly visible work and regular interaction with high-level officials from the public and private sectors.
• The personable, friendly environment of a smaller team with the security and support from large and well-established group.
• Significant personal development opportunities.

We'll Count on You To:

• Analyse all aspects of creditworthiness for the sovereigns in your portfolio, including reviewing and forecasting macroeconomic policies and trends.
• Study trends in the sovereigns' public and external finances, conduct debt sustainability analyses, and explore risks stemming from contingent liabilities.
• Study the structure of public finances and external debt, and forecast external flows and assets and liabilities.
• Cover governance, domestic, geopolitical risks, and risks stemming from the financial sector.
• Attain good working relationships with relevant officials in central banks and government, and third party experts.
• Provide support to colleagues on the ratings of a further three to four sovereign governments as a 'secondary analyst'.
• Initiate and produce topical research on economic and credit developments on the countries in your portfolio.
• Represent and communicate Fitch's views externally, such as by speaking at conferences and holding meetings with investors.

What You Need to Have:

• A strong understanding of macroeconomics and a keen interest in international and political affairs, underpinned by at least a first degree in economics or a closely-related discipline.
• Several years' experience of country/sovereign risk analysis and/or applied economics from a top institution.
• Analytical and numerical skills - proficiency in Excel is required.
• Communication skills - ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written research.
• French language skills - ability to conduct technical analytical discussions in French is essential.

What Would Make You Stand Out:

• A background in covering African Economies.
• Working level competence in European languages beyond English and French.
• Experience in speaking at conferences and investor events.

Why Fitch?

At Fitch Group, the combined power of our global perspectives is what differentiates us. Our global network of colleagues comes together to accomplish things greater than they ever could alone.

Every team member is essential to our business and each perspective is critical to our success. We embrace a diverse culture that encourages a free exchange of ideas, guaranteeing your voice will be heard and your work will have an impact, regardless of seniority.

We are building incredible things at Fitch and we invite you to join us on our journey.

Fitch Ratings is a leading provider of credit ratings, commentary and research. Dedicated to providing value beyond the rating through independent and prospective credit opinions, Fitch ratings offers global perspectives shaped by strong local market experience and credit market expertise.