Associate Director - Sovereign & International Public Finance Ratings

We are looking for a highly skilled individual to join our Sovereign & International Public Finance (SovIPF) Ratings group as a senior analyst at the Associate Director, to be based in our Frankfurt office. The role’s main focus is on political, economic and financial analysis of sovereigns, of local and regional governments, and of government-related entities in German-speaking and Central Eastern Europe. The position offers an interesting mix of analytical challenges, interaction with key policy makers and analysts across Europe, and opportunities to acquire and develop new skills.

 A keen interest in European public policy and economics would be a strong advantage. The successful candidate will possess the ability to undertake rigorous analytical work and will be proficient at doing research and writing well structured analytical reports.  An ability to quickly absorb, analyse, and act upon information is required.

We also expect the successful candidate to be able to co-ordinate work across a number of teams within S&P and to be comfortable in an environment which stimulates continuous improvement and innovation and the highest customer service standards, whilst adhering to established ratings criteria, methodology, policies and procedures. The individual will be able to demonstrate analytical excellence and good presentation skills in front of internal and external audiences, and maintain and enhance the quality and timeliness of our analysis. Moreover, you must be comfortable working at board level and interacting with senior government officials, representing Standard & Poor's in a professional manner. You will be required to undertake site visits, to extract, compile, and assess information relating to credit quality, and to explain our credit rating opinions both internally as well as externally, to investors and the media.  Sound judgement and strong presentation and organizational skills are also required to present detailed information, reasoned opinions, and a rating recommendation to our credit rating committees.

Due to the nature of the role, strong written and oral communication skills in English are essential. Knowledge of other languages, particularly German, is a definite plus and will open up more opportunities for growth within the company.

Requirements:

• Strong skills in comparative political, economic, and financial analysis.
• Strong written and oral English skills are required. German would be a plus. Additional languages are desirable.
• Prior exposure to a relevant field of analysis of economic and political systems.
• Excellent writing, communication, and representation skills.
• M.A. or equivalent in a relevant subject such as finance, economics, politics, or equivalent experience.
• Willingness to travel across Europe.

About Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and McGraw Hill Financial

Be part of a $3.5 trillion team at Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.

We’re looking for world-class thinkers to add to our team at Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, the world’s leading provider of credit risk research, ratings and benchmarks.

• At Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, your opinion truly means everything.
• We rate $3.5 trillion in new debt annually and investors rely on our independent, informed opinions on credit risk.
• Each person who works here has an essential role in Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services reputation of integrity, transparency, and ratings excellence.
• With offices in 23 countries, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services is an important part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for 150 years in providing investors with information and independent benchmarks for their investment and financial decisions.

McGraw Hill Financial includes Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, J.D. Power, Platts, and McGraw Hill Construction. Together, we’re the foremost providers of essential intelligence for the capital and commodities markets.

Learn more at www.mhfi.com/careers