Principal Analyst (Market Inquiry)

The Competition Commission is seeking to recruit dynamic, hard-working and committed individuals to fill the positions of Principal Analyst in the Market Inquiry Division. In this role, successful candidates will lead and manage technical teams undertaking market inquiry investigations.

Successful candidates will also be responsible for resource allocation, actively participating in the Commission’s committees, administering and executing activities to build capacity for research, report writing and correspondence. As the Principal Analyst you will be required to strategically lead, direct and manage the market inquiry technical team as well as supervise a team of analysts.

A starting annual total cost to company package of R 1 765 545.40 (negotiable commensurate with experience)

Please note this position is available on a five-year fixed term contract, renewable.

Key Accountabilities

The main responsibilities of the incumbent will, inter alia, include:

• Lead and manage a technical team of senior analysts, analysts and junior analysts within a market inquiry.
• Provide leadership in the determination of the scope of a market inquiry, the identification of issues to be assessed by the market inquiry, and the evidence required to analyse those issues.
• Provide leadership during the investigation phases of a market inquiry, including the development of information requests and survey instruments required to gather evidence, interviewing key market participants and taking the lead during public hearings.
• Conceptualise and develop the analytical framework for assessing the issues identified in a market inquiry, including research of international best practices and jurisdictional approaches to similar issues.
• Provide day-to-day guidance to the technical team of senior analysts, analysts and junior analysts in the market inquiry with regards to economic/ legal analysis.
• Take lead in the formulation of potential remedies required to address competition distortions identified by the market inquiry.
• Take lead in the monitoring of compliance with the recommendations and remedial actions of a market inquiry.
• Lead engagements with stakeholders on investigative issues, evidence and remedial actions.
• Provide regular updates to the Divisional Manager and Inquiry Panel on the progress of the market inquiry, including outcomes of research and the analysis of evidence.
• Present verbal and written reports to the Inquiry Panel, the Divisional Manager and the Commissioners for discussion and decision-making.
• Lead post-inquiry litigation support.
• Administer and execute activities to build capacity for research, report writing and presentation.
• Act as a representative of the Commission within the framework of the Competition Act when communicating with business, consumers, government agencies and other stakeholders.
• Actively participate in organisational and inter-divisional activities within the Commission, including participating in the Commission’s middle management forums.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and operational management of the Market Inquiry Division, including leading sub-committees established by the Division.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for a dynamic, hardworking and committed individual who meets the following requirements:

• An LLM or Masters degree in Economics.
• 8 - 10 years’ Economics or Legal work experience in competition law and practice. This experience should include at least 3-5 management/ leadership experience.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in managing research projects and/ or investigating cases.
• Research and investigative skills along with strong investigative acumen.
• Proven Project Management experience.
• Proven people management skills.
• Proven stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in leading inquiries will be an advantage.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Competition Act, the Competition Commission and the South African economy is highly recommended.

Other considerations:

• Practical work exposure to area of expertise will be further considered to balance against other requirements.

Personality and Attributes

Over and above well-developed technical skills in your specialisation areas, the incumbent must demonstrate, inter alia:

• Must demonstrate fit with the Commissions Values (Communication, Ownership, Making a difference, Professionalism, Employee Welfare, Teamwork, Efficiency).
• Be a visionary and strategic thinker.
• Have strong Interpersonal skills.
• Have transformational leadership skills.
• Change management skills.

We offer:

• A competitive salary.
• A conducive, supportive, stimulating working environment.
• Exposure to excellent training opportunities.
• An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the attainment of the Competition Commission's vision 2030 of a Growing and inclusive Economy that serves all South Africans.

Employment Equity:

• Over and above operational requirements, our appointment will take into account the country’s and organisational Employment Equity imperatives.

Application Process:

• All international qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA accreditation certificate.
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric assessments.
• The successful candidate will be vetted for security purposes.
• The Competition Commission reserves the right not to fill this position.

Closing Date: 07 February 2025 @ 17H00.

If you meet all the criteria above and are looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference to our economy, then look no further than the Competition Commission! We look forward to receiving your comprehensive CV.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED THROUGH THE APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEM WILL BE ACCEPTED. FEEDBACK WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. COMMUNICATION WILL BE LIMITED TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. THE COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF ANY VACANT AND ADVERTISED POSITION.