Development Finance Economist

Role purpose

Provide economic, strategic and development-finance expertise to shape a sustainable fund strategy aligned with national and provincial development priorities.

Key responsibilities

· Analyse economic conditions, development priorities, target sectors, beneficiaries and geographic focus.

· Define strategic objectives, intended outcomes and a sustainable funding model.

· Advise on appropriate funding instruments, including grants, loans, equity, guarantees and blended-finance structures.

· Support fund mobilisation, project-pipeline development, appraisal criteria and economic-impact assessment.

· Develop financial and economic models to test fund sustainability, additionality and developmental impact.

· Contribute to strategy documents, implementation plans, stakeholder engagements and final recommendations.

Minimum qualification

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Economics. An Honours or Master's degree in Economics is preferred for advanced policy and development work.

Required specialist experience

· Demonstrated experience in development economics, economic policy, development finance, impact investment or fund strategy.

· Experience in blended-finance structuring, economic appraisal, sector analysis and financial modelling.

· Strong preference will be given to applicants who can evidence five or more comparable completed assignments.

Knowledge and competencies

· Sound knowledge of development finance, impact investment, blended finance, public-sector planning and fund sustainability.

· Experience working with government departments, public entities and/or regulated private-sector institutions.

· Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, manage deadlines and produce high-quality written deliverables.

· Strong analytical, stakeholder-engagement, communication and report-writing capability.

· Availability to remain engaged for the required assignment period and to commence promptly when appointed.

Mandatory application attachments

· Detailed CV showing the start month/year and end month/year for every relevant position and assignment.

· Copies of all academic qualification certificates relevant to the role.

· For foreign qualifications, proof of evaluation/endorsement by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

· Contactable references and supporting/reference letters for comparable completed assignments. Each reference should identify the client, assignment, scope, dates and referee's contact details.

· Proof of applicable professional registration, designation or certification.

· 1 page motivation/cover letter explaining suitability for the role.

· A signed rate and availability declaration stating the proposed hourly rate in South African rand, VAT treatment, earliest start date and hours available per week.

Submit only one CV for this role. Applications missing the required supporting documents may not be considered.

Consultancy rate and availability

Applicants must state their proposed hourly consultancy rate in South African rand, indicate whether VAT is included or excluded, disclose any travel/disbursement assumptions, and confirm availability. The proposed rate must remain valid for at least 90 days.

Hourly rate

R __________ per hour

VAT treatment

Inclusive / Exclusive / Not VAT registered

Earliest start date

____________________________

Hours available per week

____________________________

How to apply

Applications

sibusiso@shori.co.za

Subject line

Consultant Application - Development Finance Economist - [Full Name]

Closing date

13 September 2026

Enquiries

Sbusiso Mdakane | sibusiso@shori.co.za

File format

One clearly indexed PDF application pack

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Misrepresentation of qualifications, experience or references will result in disqualification.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sandton, Gauteng