JOB PURPOSE
To direct and lead socio-economic modelling and property market research analysis that supports strategic planning to determine how limited resources can be best deployed to maximise the benefit to COJ citizens and provide robust economic planning assumptions. To conduct detailed market research and analytics to support the development of property market valuation reports and global property valuation parameters.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Socio Economic Modelling – to ensure that the City’s provides prudent and informed financial analysis by:
• Identifying a solid foundation of economic assumptions for the basis of strategy and financial planning
• Understanding and reporting on variance of actual against forecast on a one day/30-day basis
• Conduct research and assessment of property valuation methodologies, best practices, and business processes to identify mass appraisal methods and models that reflect innovation, economic trends, financial and other relevant factors that may impact or influence the property valuation process in
compliance to legislated requirements
• Conduct comprehensive real estate market analytics, establish valuation parameters, methodologies, policies, and procedures to support the development of traceable, transparent assessments and uphold standards
• Socio economic analysis to inform the city’s development targets and strategic goals
• Robust socio-economic modelling to inform allocation of funds to maximise the return on funds applied and balance other development objectives

Prioritising funding towards projects that safeguard City investment in water and electricity distribution while minimising losses
• Ensure City’s tariff policies maintain the principles of affordability, competitiveness, and cost effectiveness
• Issue comprehensive and standard planning assumptions to the city
• Socio-economic opportunity and risk analysis to align with strategic planning cycle and horizon
• Planning for economic and social infrastructure requirements to sustain expected development and provide insights to management
• Socio economic trade-off analysis to optimise return on funding
• Allocation of funding to align with the City’s priorities

Valuation Market Research & Analytics to ensure the City provides valuation market analysis by:
• Conducting and leading research initiatives into ways to improve and enhance existing property valuation systems and data, leveraging open-source technologies and advanced appraisal analytics
• Lead research and document findings and make recommendations with respect to data requirements associated with mass appraisals of real property
• Participate in the development and delivery of corporate engagement strategy
• Participate in the development, documentation and delivery of new valuation standards, policies, and procedures for property types
• Assist with the identification of current and future data and analytics requirements for the valuation of general-purpose business, residential and specialised properties
• Maintain knowledge of and monitor changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment
• Implement controls within valuations which minimize potential risks to stakeholders

Socio Economic Modelling for Special Projects to ensure the City provides prudent and informed financial analysis by:
• Conducting data comparison and analytical working using systems or other techniques including aerial photography and computer assisted mass appraisal systems (CAMA) or techniques, taking into account changes in technology to perform modelling as required by a project in accordance with the MPRA
• Perform regression modelling and statistical analysis using systems such as SPSS to analyse large volumes of data to packages in order to achieve project goals
• Lead and perform cost saving systematic valuation and assessment to yield effective outcomes for the projects
• Conduct analysis of standard tables and algorithms to aid modelling projects
• Conduct multiple regression analysis including non-linear regression to provide cause and effect of project variables

Statistical Analysis and Regression Modelling to ensure credible statistical modelling and regression in a prudent system by:
• Developing financial models that assist the City’s departments and entities make more informed financial decision
• Support research initiatives into ways to improve and enhance existing system, e.g., valuation systems and data, leveraging open-source technologies
• Develop parameters e.g., valuation parameters using industry standard computer assisted mass appraisal (CAMA) techniques applying the direct comparison approach to the value for assigned market areas and property types
• Maintain high quality and well documented code following best practices ensuring that quality attributes such as performance, scalability and extensibility are met
• Conduct and interpret sales ratio studies to ensure e.g., value parameters produce value conclusions that meet established internationally recognised standards and municipal service level agreements
• Edit programme code (e.g., SPSS) to document market analysis, maintain and create analytical data and associated output files
• Identifying the supply and demand factors that impact e.g., value of property though statistical analysis, reviewing local economic indicators, other geographical and economic data
• Review value estimates for universe of data, e.g., universe of properties/other at macro or micro level for systematic bias and take corrective action as required
• Perform quality checks on data e.g., property data and value estimates for new parcels to ensure corporate quality standards have been met, identify issues, and develop recommendations to resolve such issues
• Maintain technical specifications for components systems, sub-systems, technical system documentation and templates

Planning & Development in order to enhance performance thereby promoting efficient service delivery to the City
• Develop and execute the operational plan for the team
• Provide input into the 5 Year strategic plan for the Directorate as applicable
• Approve and oversee implementation of the Divisional operation plans
• Perform regular reviews and analysis of trends and performance related to the Directorate

People Management
• Lead, mentor, empower employees and manage change to ensure a positive work environment in which employees develop and perform optimally
• Develop performance contracts for direct reports and ensure all work is completed in compliance with the performance contract
• Manage people development initiatives, succession planning and talent management to meet performance standards
• Drive high performance culture by taking accountability for an effective and well-articulated performance management process
• Facilitate formal and informal mentoring and coaching for subordinates to drive continued improvements in competency and capability
• Address discipline and workplace conflict through the initiation and coordination of consultative processes and implementation of appropriate policies and procedures

Asset and Resource Management
• Assess the adequacy of control procedures with respect to maintaining all assets and resources (materials and tools) within the directorate
• Recommend and make decisions on the asset/resources, within the levels of authority

Monitoring and Reporting
• Compile reports on the status and performance as required
• Consolidate and submit monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, annual, and ad hoc reports in order to meet the requirements of applicable legislation and requirements
• Prepare and package documents for Auditor General or internal audit
• Take overall responsibility for reports generated within the unit

Governance & Risk
• Comply with all municipal regulations, policies, and procedures
• Adhere to municipal compliance standards, risk management practices and audit requirements
• Approve changes in procedures within levels of authority
• Monitor the division’s risk and take decisive actions to minimize risks
• Approve and manage SLA’s or contracts within levels of authority

Minimum requirements:
• Matric
• Post Grad Degree in Statistics; Advanced Maths or Finance or equivalent at NQF 8 (Finance, Economics
• 8-10 Years’ experience in Financial Modelling
• 8-10 years’ experience in socio economic environment
• Strong understanding of quantitative techniques
• Strong financial analytical abilities
• CAMA Knowledge
• Understanding of local government strategy operations work
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Report Writing
• Valid Driver’s License