Job Description

The Electricity Market Specialist will be required to perform regulatory oversight to the emerging electricity market by monitoring market behaviour, assessing competition dynamics, and advising on regulatory interventions to promote transparency, efficiency, and fairness. The incumbent will analyse market operations, assess compliance with market rules, investigate anti-competitive conduct and contribute to the development of market surveillance frameworks and tools in line with international best practices. This role will ensure that the newly established electricity market operates in a manner consistent with the objectives of the amended Electricity Regulation Act, national energy policy, and the mandate to protect consumers and promote sustainable sector development.
This is a 3 year fixed term contract position.
Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related field as recognized by SAQA
• Postgraduate qualification in Economics, Finance, Statistics, or a related field will be an advantage
• Minimum of six (6) years' experience in electricity markets, energy regulation, competition analysis, or utility economics
• Experience in analysing market behaviour, energy pricing, or economic modelling
• Exposure to market monitoring, compliance, or enforcement within a regulated industry
• Familiarity with the structure and functioning of electricity trading markets, power pools, or system operations
• Experience working with large datasets and market information systems will be an advantage.

Key responsibilities:
Market Monitoring and Analysis:

• Monitor the behaviour of market participants to detect market manipulation, abuse of dominance, or anti-competitive practices
• Analyse market data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and pricing anomalies across the wholesale and retail electricity markets
• Develop and maintain performance indicators and dashboards for continuous market surveillance
• Conduct market performance reviews and prepare regular monitoring reports for management and the Regulator

Regulatory Framework Development:

• Support the development and implementation of rules, codes, and guidelines governing market operation, competition, and transparency
• Assist in designing regulatory instruments that align with the Electricity Regulation Act and evolving market structure (including the Market Operator and Transmission Entity)
• Contribute to drafting regulatory proposals and recommendations to enhance market competitiveness and efficiency

Investigation and Compliance:

• Conduct investigations into suspected anti-competitive conduct, collusion, or market abuse
• Support enforcement actions and recommend corrective measures where non-compliance is identified
• Collaborate with the Legal and Compliance units to ensure due process and fair regulatory practice in enforcement actions

Market Design and Research:

• Research and benchmark international electricity market structures and regulatory approaches
• Analyse models of market liberalisation, power exchanges, and balancing mechanisms
• Provide technical advice on market rules, settlement mechanisms, and trading arrangements

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with the Market Operator, System Operator, generators, traders, and other market participants to obtain relevant data and insights
• Participate in consultations, workshops, and forums to promote understanding of market surveillance requirements
• Represent the company in national and regional energy regulatory forums on market oversight

Reporting and Advisory Support:

• Prepare technical reports and discussion papers
• Provide input into decision-making processes regarding market conduct and competition
• Advise on regulatory risks and emerging market developments

Skills Required