Position applied for: Deputy editor/economist – sub-Saharan Africa
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Job Profile
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Deputy editor/economist, sub-Saharan Africa
Economist Intelligence Unit
26 Red Lion Square
Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
August 2009
Summary purpose of job
To be responsible for the production and quality of part of the Economist Intelligence Unit's product
range covering specific countries within sub-Saharan Africa. This is considered a learning process
with the outcome to produce high quality work with little help or assistance from more experienced
members of the team. You will typically be considered for promotion within 18 months.
Key accountabilities
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Commissioning and managing contributors
Responsible for finding and commissioning suitable contributors. Provide a detailed brief to
contributors to ensure the comprehensiveness and relevance of their input and subsequently manage
the delivery and interrogation of their input. Giving meaningful and constructive feedback to
contributors.

Editing and writing
Carry out a comprehensive first edit on contributor's input, checking accuracy, ensuring all the relevant
information is presented in accordance with Economist Intelligence Unit style guide and product
guidelines. Write and/or re-write material where a contributor’s original copy is sub-standard or
incomplete. Originate material not covered by contributors. All reports are sense checked and then
sub-edited and you must respond to the queries raised. You are responsible for the integrity and
objectivity of the analysis and interpretation of events and information. It is essential that all sources
are properly referenced in line with company policy and copyright laws. Plagiarism of external sources
is strictly prohibited.
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Research
Conduct the degree of background research necessary to ensure the accuracy, currency and
comprehensiveness of the information. This may require the hiring and briefing of note senders in
some countries and conducting interviews with politicians and business representatives.

Political and economic analysis
Interpret the events within specific countries. Draw attention to the salient points and summarise the
potential consequences in an objective and informative way. Provide an opinion on behalf of the
Economist Intelligence Unit which takes into account all the various known factors. The argument
should be clear, concise, internally consistent and well informed.
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Data and forecasting
Produce economic and political forecasts making full use of all available information. This will involve
using the Excel country workbooks to monitor the key economic indicators and the links between
them, building in the given global assumptions and interpreting political developments. Take
responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the data included in the country workbooks. Work closely
with the Economics Unit and revise economic data as appropriate.
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Sense checking
You may be required to carry out some sense checking. Edited material should be sense checked for
accuracy, consistency, objectivity, coherence, conciseness, clarity and depth of analysis. Any queries
should be discussed with the originating editor with any unresolved issues being referred to either the
senior editor/economist or the regional director.

Team work
Actively join in discussions on the implications of the Economist Intelligence Unit global assumptions
and events affecting the region. You are also encouraged to contribute to other divisions within the
Economist Group.

Customer contact
Respond to customer queries over the telephone and e-mail providing explanation and clarification
regarding information contained in our publications. Represent the Economist Intelligence Unit at
conferences and seminars. Give interviews to media bodies such as television, radio or newspapers
on behalf of the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Decision rights
 Sense checking to ensure accuracy, objectivity, clarity and depth.
 Representation of the Economist Intelligence Unit at conferences and seminars.
 Commissioning contributors.
Performance measures
 Quality of output – positive customer feedback, media comment, peer and management review.
For incentives
 Group profit share.
 Country analysis contribution (based on annual business plan targets).
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Skills and capabilities profile
Education and training
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Previous work experience
Knowledge
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IT
Languages
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Key skills
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Personal attributes
Interpersonal skills
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Relevant degree in economics, international relations or related
subject.
Ideally Masters degree.
Writing political and economic analysis for a business audience.
Politics and economics covering some of the countries in subSaharan Africa.
Understanding of CA product range.
Basic understanding of the external market demand for electronic
delivery of country analysis and our competitors.
Good/intermediate computer skills in Word, Excel and the Internet.
Fluency in English; Portuguese and French languages are a definite
plus.
Analysis and forecasting of political and economic trends in subSaharan Africa.
Economist and/or regional expert.
Writing and editing.
Ability to identify key drivers in a country’s economy.
Well organised.
Personal pride in producing output of high quality.
Self motivating and deadline driven.
Calm under pressure.
Communication skills to articulate persuasively and clearly about
specific countries within sub-Saharan Africa.
A good team player.
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