(945) Analyst Developer (Java) – ERD

Brief description

The main purpose of this position is to develop, administer and support information technology (IT) integration solutions to meet the business needs within the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Group, specifically the Economic Research Department’s forecast platform.

 Detailed description

• System Development and Enhancement:
  • Research and develop new forecast and modelling platform requirements, liaising with all stakeholders.
  • Recommend enhancements to existing forecast and modelling platform functionality, provide technical inputs, and infrastructure support.
  • Keep abreast of developments of information and communications technology trends and within specialised areas of technology (Java and financial technology development) to develop and design the most appropriate IT solution within the area of responsibility.
  • Contribute to system architecture discussions and code reviews.
• System Maintenance and Administration:
  • Maintain the system, oversee and monitor roll-out of new releases, and integrate the system into existing business processes in line with South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and Business Solutions and Technology Department (BSTD) governance and security standards.
  • Maintain certificates (ensuring they are up to date and properly configured to secure communications and data), manage system backups (ensuring they are up to date and properly configured to secure communications and data), and monitor resource utilisation (central processing unit usage, memory usage, disk space, network bandwidth and other system resources).
  • Ensure high performance and availability of critical ERD solutions.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve software defects and technical issues.
• Collaboration and Compliance:
  • Collaborate with BSTD (infrastructure support, cyber security, etc.) and other applicable SARB departments (Legal, Procurement, ESD, etc.) to comply with all IT-related requirements.
  • Participate in internal audits and provide system information required by the Internal Audit Department during their audit processes.
• Data Integration and Mapping:
  • Integrate and map data from various internal and external sources as inputs to the relevant models and related solutions.
• Best Practices and Continuous Improvement:
  • Follow the best software development practices, i.e., DevSecOps.
  • Follow best project management practices such as Scaled Agile Framework®.
  • Support on-the-job training for team members.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and experts in the field to gain insights and practical knowledge to ensure business benefits are realised.
  • Engage in continuous learning through courses, seminars, and workshops.

To be considered for the position, the candidate must be in possession of:

• a Batchelor’s degree in IT or Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in IT or an equivalent qualification;
• development language certification; and
• at least five to eight years’ relevant experience.

Additional requirements include:

• Proven experience as a Java Developer, ideally in finance or banking;
• Strong knowledge of Java programming language and related frameworks (e.g., Spring, Hibernate);
• Experience with databases like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and NetBeans;
• Familiarity with TomEE, Java Enterprise Beans, Java server pages, or servlets; 
• Exposure to system administration tools like Linux, Bash, Crontab;.
• Working knowledge of Java concurrency, serialisation, Swing, generics, JavaHelp, JNDI and RMI;
• Familiarity with message-driven architectures and API development;
• Understanding of software security best practices, especially in a banking environment;
• Excellent innovation, problem-solving skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and in a team;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Quality assurance skills;
• Managing complexity and ambiguity;
• Planning and organising skills;
• Good judgement and decision-making skills;
• Resilience;
• Experience with Agile and Scrum methodologies and exposure to R, Python, Redmine, EViews, Octave, typesetting and publishing using HTML and TeX is an advantage;

In line with the SARB’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups. People with disabilities are welcome to apply.

The SARB offers remuneration and benefits commensurate with the level of the position and in line with the market. The level at which the successful applicant will be appointed will depend on his/her competence and experience.

About SARB

Primary mandate of the SARB

Section 224 of the Constitution of South Africa states the mandate of the SARB as follows:

The primary object of the South African Reserve Bank is to protect the value of the currency in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth in the Republic.

The South African Reserve Bank, in support of its primary objective, must perform its functions independently and without fear, favour or prejudice.

WHAT WE DO

Monetary Policy

The Constitution gives the SARB the mandate to protect the value of the rand. We use interest rates to keep inflation low and steady.

Financial Stability

The SARB has a mandate to protect and enhance financial stability. We identify and mitigate systemic risks that might disrupt the financial system.

Prudential Regulation

The Prudential Authority regulates financial institutions and market infrastructures to promote and enhance their safety and soundness, and support financial stability.

Financial Markets

Open market operations are the main tool we use to implement monetary policy. We manage South Africa’s gold and foreign exchange reserves.

Financial Surveillance

The SARB is responsible for regulating cross-border transactions, preventing the abuse of the financial system and supporting the regulation of financial institutions.

Payments and Settlements

The SARB is responsible for ensuring the safety and soundness of the national payment system, which is the backbone of South Africa’s modern financial system.

Statistics

The SARB provides important economic and financial statistics that present an overview of the economic situation in South Africa.

Research

Research conducted by the SARB focuses on economics, financial stability, banking and emerging trends in finance. Our research supports policy decision-making.

Banknotes and Coin

The SARB has the sole right to make, issue and destroy banknotes and coin in South Africa.