Shafeeqa Davids
Currency Researcher Candidate
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About
A seasoned public finance, fiscal policy, and economics research manager with over 17 years of experience in fiscal policy research, quantitative analysis, and intergovernmental finance. Proven expertise in managing complex research projects, econometric modelling, and data-driven policy formulation at both provincial and national government levels. Currently serving as Research Manager at the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC), with deep knowledge of South Africa's intergovernmental fiscal system, revenue modelling, and macroeconomic analysis.
Seeking to leverage extensive analytical capabilities and AI-enhanced research tools to contribute to the South African Reserve Bank's currency research division.
Experience
Research Manager: Division of Revenue – Local Government (SL 13 – Director Level) - Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC)
(2022-07)
- Lead and manage fiscal policy research supporting municipal revenue management and national budget frameworks, including the annual Division of Revenue Bill (DoRB) and Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) submissions.
- Conduct policy analysis on municipal staff remuneration (councilors, senior management, general staff) and advise on local government fiscal policy matters.
- Formulate, draft, and edit the FFC's annual submission, fiscal policy documents, and amendment inputs; supervise and evaluate research outputs from junior researchers.
- Develop analytical models and techniques; collect, clean, and manage large datasets from internal and external sources for stakeholder reporting.
- Represent the FFC on joint working groups and present research findings to the Commission, National Treasury, COGTA, Provincial Legislature, and parliamentary portfolio committees.
- Draft memorandums, briefing notes, and procurement documentation for the Chairperson, CEO, and external stakeholders.
Research Manager: Division of Revenue – Local Government (SL 13 – Director Level) - Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC)
(2022-07)
Key Achievement: Spearheaded the development of a suite of analytical models enhancing evidence-based recommendations on municipal fiscal sustainability and equitable share allocations.
Economist (Deputy Director): Fiscal Policy - Western Cape Provincial Treasury
(2012-09 - 2022-06)
- Conducted and managed fiscal policy research on provincial and municipal revenue, budget frameworks, and intergovernmental fiscal transfers.
- Coordinated research on the Equitable Share formula, conditional grants, and municipal own-revenue efficiency using empirical methods and municipal tariff modelling.
- Analysed statistical and financial data to provide evidence-based recommendations to senior management, HoD, MEC, and Provincial Executive Council.
- Reviewed and commented on amendments to local government legislation; responded to parliamentary questions on the Local Government Fiscal Framework and Eskom-related fiscal matters.
- Developed charts, graphs, presentations, and visual materials using Excel and PowerPoint to communicate complex research findings.
- Engaged with and presented fiscal research to diverse stakeholders; compiled memorandums, briefing notes, Terms of Reference, and procurement documentation.
Economist (Deputy Director): Fiscal Policy - Western Cape Provincial Treasury
(2012-09 - 2022-06)
Key Achievement: Designed a framework to assess and review municipal budgets, identifying revenue pitfalls and improving financial sustainability across Western Cape municipalities.
MIS Analyst - Nedbank - Gauteng
(2011-08 - 2012-08)
- Developed data models and analysed datasets to determine trends and support Consumer Finance team initiatives.
MIS Analyst - Nedbank - Gauteng
(2009-02 - 2011-07)
- Extracted, prepared, and coordinated network management information (MIS) data and business reporting for the Divisional Director and National Operations Team.
- Supported Nedbank branch networks with data queries and business intelligence reporting.
Lecturer – Economics Department - University of the Western Cape
(2007-02 - 2007-11)
- Coordinated and lectured 2nd-year economics classes; managed marking, consultations, and invigilation.
Tutor – Economics Department - University of the Western Cape
(2005-02 - 2006-11)
- Mentored 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year economics students; assisted with marking and invigilation.
Education
M.Com - Economics - University of the Western Cape (2012-03)
B.Com Honours - Economics - University of the Western Cape (2006-03)
B.Com - Economics - University of the Western Cape (2005-04)
Matric Certificate (Exemption) - Harold Cressy High School (2001-12)
