Takealotcom · Cape Town, South AfricaPrepare for this interview
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takealot.com , South Africa's leading online retailer, is looking for a highly accomplished Head: Public Policy to join our Corporate Affairs team in Cape Town. We are a young, dynamic, hyper-growth company looking for smart, creative, hard-working people with integrity to join us. We offer a market-related, Total Remuneration Package which allows full flexibility according to your needs, a great work environment and a promise that you won't be bored as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great. This position reports to the Group Executive: Public Policy & External Affairs Role Purpose The Regulatory Economist and Data Lead is responsible for transforming Takealot Group's extensive operational and commercial data into credible policy evidence. The role ensures that all public policy positions are underpinned by robust quantitative analysis, allowing the Group to strengthen its proof points in engagements with government, regulators, Parliamentarian, and the media. This role sits at the intersection of data science, economics, and public policy, converting internal "big data" into externally persuasive narratives that withstand scrutiny from regulators, economists, and civil society. Strategic Accountabilities Economic Impact Modelling & Quantification Design, build, and maintain dynamic economic impact models that quantify Takealot Group's contribution, but not limited, to: SME growth and marketplace seller revenues. Driver and courier earnings, cost structures, and net take-home pay. Regional and last-mile logistics infrastructure investment. Tax contributions, including VAT, customs duties, and indirect fiscal impacts Ensure models are: Methodologically sound and replicable. Regularly updated with live or near-real-time data. Able to produce scenario analysis for policy "what-if" questions. Translate outputs into regulator-ready metrics that align with government policy priorities (jobs, inclusion, growth, industrialisation). Horizon Scanning, Monitoring & Early Warning Conduct daily monitoring of: Government Gazette notices and draft regulations. Hansard (Parliamentary debates, questions, committee discussions). Political and economic commentary relevant to digital markets, labour, logistics, and trade. Deploy AI-enabled monitoring tools to systematically flag emerging references to: E-commerce and digital platforms Gig and platform work Postal services, logistics, and last-mile delivery Digital taxation, customs, and cross-border trade Synthesize signals into Early Warning Alerts, highlighting: Direction of regulatory intent Likely policy timelines Data gaps that need urgent modelling or research Competitive & Comparative Policy Intelligence Track and analyse regulatory and policy developments affecting the platform economy, in South Africa or comparable markets. Monitor international regulatory frameworks and case law (e.g. EU Digital Markets Act, platform labour rulings, OECD digital tax discussions). Identify global precedents and data points that can be adapted to strengthen Takealot's local policy positions. Provide comparative benchmarking to support submissions, briefing notes, and stakeholder engagements. Fact-Sheet & Evidence Pack Production Build and maintain a central Policy Statistics Library, consisting of: Pre-approved data points Executive-ready charts and infographics One-page "leave-behind" factsheets for Ministerial, Parliamentary, and media engagements Ensure all outputs are: Internally consistent and quality-assured. Clearly sourced and methodologically transparent. Tailored to non-technical audiences without loss of credibility. Refresh core factsheets regularly to reflect updated data and evolving policy narratives. Targeted Research & Deep-Dive Analysis Conduct structured research on specific policy questions as required, such as: The impact of fuel levy increases on gig worker earnings Employment elasticity under different regulatory scenarios Cost-pass-through effects of customs or VAT changes on consumer prices Support the division in preparing: Regulatory submissions. Parliamentary briefing notes. External consultant terms of reference. Where appropriate, collaborate with external economists and research institutions to validate assumptions or methodologies. Data Governance, Credibility & Risk Management Ensure that all externally used data is: Accurate, up to date, and internally auditable Cleared for public use in coordination with Legal and Risk Maintain documentation of assumptions, methodologies, and data sources to defend against challenge or rebuttal. Act as the department's first line of defence against reputational risk arising from data misuse or misinterpretation.
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