Research Assistant

**The Role**: Research Assistant - Sovereign and International Public Finance - Paris

**The Team**:
The Sov/IPF team is based in Madrid, Milan and Paris and covers more than 100 ratings across Western and Southern Europe and Western Africa and performs additional analysis on unrated entities (typically, credit estimates) on local governments in the area.
Three Lead Analysts oversee the analytical work of pods of about 30-35 ratings and work hand-in-hand with the regional and global Sovereign and International Public Finance Sector Leads on ensuring analytical consistency across the ratings.
The team produces high-quality research and investor presentations and selectively responds to media enquiries on rated sectors and issuers.
Analysts in the pod, including the Research Assistant and Lead Analyst, report to the Analytical Manager.
Rating surveillance (including committees) involve day-to-day interactions with analysts across the EMEA region.
Most issuer interaction takes place in French or English, in which strong communication skills are paramount.

**The Impact**:
The position offers an exciting mix of responsibilities for someone with a keen interest in supporting the team in analyzing the public finance sector, as well as opportunities to acquire and develop new skills. It offers interaction with a broad set of S&P analysts in EMEA and globally. Tasks include research duties (develop and maintain a centralized sources of information), working on specific research projects (ad hoc projects, industry monitoring), spreadsheet and database duties (collect and maintain information and data for keeping databases updated) and publishing support. This includes the support of senior analysts with building the “credit story” on public finance entities and markets through insightful opinions and strong analysis.

**What’s in it for you**:
We are looking for a highly motivated and proactive individual with an analytical mindset to join S&P Global ‘Sovereign and International Public Finance Ratings’ team focused on Western and Southern Europe and Western Africa as a Research Assistant based in Paris.
You will be trained by the Sovereign and International Public Finance team members to familiarize yourself with our analytics, rating criteria, processes, systems and databases, and corporate policies. The role includes significant interaction within the company, across different asset classes and geographic regions.
You will be regularly interacting with policy makers and investors, enabling you a direct insight into dynamic policy and financial market developments.
We also expect you to prepare and pass credit analyst certification.

**Responsibilities**:
Analyzing information and data for determining ratings on public finance entities and their debt issues
Supporting senior analysts in preparing the analysis underlying the rating recommendations and presenting to rating committees
Contribution to company-specific reports, and sector commentaries
Strong understanding of S&P Global Ratings' methodology and procedures
Continuous monitoring of operating performance of rated entities, including reviews of public filings and private information supplied by issuers, and participation in client meetings
Meeting with issuers and investors on analytical matters with senior analysts

**What We’re Looking For**:
A highly motivated and proactive team player with attention to details who can work autonomously in a global, multi-cultural and fast-paced environment
Bachelor's degree in public policy, finance or economics, with an understanding of institutional, economic, budgetary, and debt dynamics for sovereigns, local and regional governments, supranationals and for related public entities.
A S&P Global employee at this level would typically have 1-2 years’ experience in financial markets or public finance budget/treasury.
The successful incumbent will be fluent in English and French. Being fluent in Spanish and/or Italian would be a plus but is not a prerequisite for the role.
Strong numerical skills, supported by the ability to quickly absorb, analyze, and act upon information is required to maintain and enhance the quality and timeliness of our analysis. Ability to undertake rigorous analytical work and be proficient at writing analytical reports in English
Strong organizational skills. Ability to work across teams within S&P Global Ratings, with a desire for continuous improvement and innovation, whilst adhering to established ratings criteria, methodology, policies and procedures. We operate in a highly regulated environment.
Strong computer skills, including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Grade/Level 8

**The Location**: Paris

**About Company Statement**:
S&P Global delivers essential intelligence that powers decision making. We provide the world’s leading organizations with the right data, connected technologies and expertise they need to move ahead. As part of our team, you’ll help solve complex chal