Strategist

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Division: Office of the CEO

Number of Subordinates: Zero

Job Grade: D5

Type of Appointment: Permanent

PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Strategist serves as the CEO’s principal strategic adviser and execution partner. They will lead the Corporation’s strategy, strategic planning and execution assurance across ECIC, ensuring every Executive portfolio is explicitly aligned to the corporate strategy, Board priorities and shareholder mandate. Acting as the CEO’s trusted lieutenant, the role integrates strategy with day-to-day execution, drives enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, coordinates CEO special projects, and provides leadership support during the CEO’s absence.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES, MEASURES & INTERFACES

The incumbent will among other things be responsible for the following:

• Lead the development, review and communication of the Corporation’s strategy.
• Translate Board approved strategy into measurable corporate priorities and execution plans.
• Coach and support every EXCO member to develop portfolio strategies linked to the corporate strategy.
• Create a single integrated Corporate strategy map and strategic scorecard.
• Drive strategic planning, annual planning and Board strategy processes.
• Maintain the Corporation’s strategic initiatives portfolio and CEO priority projects.
• Lead strategic analyses, market intelligence, scenario planning and opportunity identification.
• Coordinate strategic partnerships, special assignments and cross-functional transformation initiatives.
• Prepare high-quality Board, Board Committee and Executive Committee strategy papers.
• Establish execution governance, dashboards, benefits tracking, issue escalation and course correction.
• Implement CEO execution rhythm and performance reviews.
• Provide strategic support during CEO absence, including coordination of priorities and stakeholder follow-up.
• Design, implement and continuously improve ECIC's corporate strategy deployment and execution management system.

Key Deliverables

• Corporate strategy approved by Board within the agreed time frame.
• Three-year strategic roadmap maintained.
• External trends, opportunities and risks continuously assessed.
• Portfolio Strategy Alignment
• KPIs, budgets and initiatives trace directly to Corporate objectives.
• Monitors strategic initiatives and intervenes where delivery is off-track.
• Provides monthly CEO and quarterly Board strategy reports.
• Leads CEO special projects.
• Manages confidential strategic work with the highest discretion.

Key Interfaces

• EXCO
• ECIC business unit heads and staff
• Internal stakeholders which will include the Board
• External stakeholders and clients (government, export councils and industry associations, partner banks and development finance institutions, other ECAs etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A postgraduate qualification in Economics, Accountancy, Finance, Banking, Business Administration or related field.
• 12–15+ years’ experience in strategy, corporate development, management consulting or executive leadership.
• Track record in leading corporate strategy and strategy execution in complex organisations.
• Experience in engaging Boards, CEOs and Executive Committees.
• Strong financial, commercial and analytical capability.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

The incumbent should have demonstrated the following competencies:

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills
• Strong financial modelling, statistical analysis and forecasting capabilities.
• Ability to inspire, negotiate, and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels ( Minister, Board, Executives, Staff and other key Stakeholders);
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple functions;
• Strong aptitude for problem resolution and decision making;
• Problem solving skills to identify issues and present creative and practical solutions;
• Strict attention to detail and deadline orientated;
• Genuine commitment to highest ethical standards and to sustainable development with particular sensitivity to social and environmental issues.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

The incumbent is required to have the following leadership competencies:

Management of relationships and sensitivities.

• Empowerment and Teamwork – works cooperatively with others to ensure the success of the team and the individual team members; develop others.
• Verbal Communication – effectively transfer thoughts and expresses ideas, thoughts and concepts.
• Decision Making
• makes timely and effective decisions; takes initiative, makes clear decisions on basis of risk analysis, takes accountability for decisions and actions.
• Leading
• provides clear direction and empowers others to deliver.
• Impact and Influence – uses persuasion and influence to achieve commitment or support from others.
• Ethical Behaviour
• acts consistently with honesty and integrity and in accordance with the standards for right conduct.
• A resolute individual who leads by example and leads from the front.
• A leader with stature, presence and unquestionable market credibility.
• A decisive and insightful individual , who is results-driven and has strategic and organizational agility.

APPLICATIONS

Closing Date : Friday, 24th July 2026

NOTE : It is ECIC’s intention to promote equity through the filling of posts, according to the set Employment Equity targets.

Data Protection

Personal information collected and processed for purposes of recruitment will be protected from unauthorised access and improper use or disclosure.

Declaration and Informed Consent

By submitting your application for the advertised role, you give ECIC permission to process your personal information and you acknowledge that you understand the purpose for which it is required and for which it will be used. Furthermore, you declare that all personal information supplied to the ECIC for the purposes of recruitment is accurate, up to date, not misleading and that it is complete in all respects.