Sr. Agricultural Economist

Hancock Natural Resource Group, Inc. (HNRG) was founded in 1985 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation. HNRG’s agriculture investment arm is Hancock Agriculture Investment Group (HAIG). HAIG develops and manages customized farmland portfolios for a global client base, and is one the world’s largest agricultural investment management organizations. As of December 2017, assets under management totaled $2.9 billion. These assets are located in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Senior Agricultural Economist

General Accountability:

The Senior Agricultural Economist will be a member of a research team supporting the business and marketing functions of Hancock Natural Resource Group’s (HNRG’s) $14 billion in private equity investments in agriculture and timberland.  HNRG is an independent and wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation. 

The Senior Agricultural Economist’s primary focus will be providing analytical and research support to HNRG’s agricultural investment division, the Hancock Agricultural Investment Group (HAIG). The Senior Agricultural Economist will also work with the HNRG Client and Investor Relations teams and the Manulife Asset Management regional distribution teams in developing and deploying original research to inform and respond to questions from current and prospective investors. 

The position reports directly to HNRG’s Director of Economic Research.

Responsibilities:

Develop, update and communicate economic research on farmland investment, including: development and maintenance of models and databases for assessing market conditions and projecting prices for key agricultural commodities; responsibility for the production of a quarterly publication and topical research notes; analytic support for transaction specific due diligence

Conduct in-depth research pertaining to new investment strategies, geographies and structures. Create presentations for internal and external audiences to communicate findings and recommendations

Assist in the generation of new investment ideas and concepts for existing and prospective clients

Take a lead role in research initiatives that establish HNRG’s position in the forefront of thought leadership in the Natural Resource investment space

Develop materials to support the growth of HNRG across business functions, including transactions, client development and support, and property management and to assist Manulife Asset Management’s global distribution team in their marketing efforts

Attend industry conferences and other relevant meetings

Prepare and deliver presentations, financial analysis, management memorandums, and other documents for the HAIG and HNRG management teams on an as needed, project basis

Qualifications:

A solid understanding of and genuine interest in natural resource economics, agricultural commodity markets and farmland investment; a firm grasp of investment strategy and financial analysis

Master's Degree with a major in business, finance, economics or agricultural economics is required, PhD degree preferred

5 - 7 years of relevant experience in economic research or a directly related environment

Excellent working knowledge and practical application of financial principles and analytical and statistical procedures

Ability to think independently and develop and implement new ideas, working through issues from a high level perspective to operational details

Self-motivated and comfortable dealing with ambiguity in problem-solving

Excellent research skills and the ability to present analyses in a clear and concise manner (verbal and written) are essentials for this position

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to interact and build relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization and with external parties

Strong organizational and project management skills commensurate with prioritizing, managing and completing multiple projects concurrently

Must have strong professional and presentation skills to represent HNRG and HAIG to clients and others in the investment community 

Proficiency using Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

 
Hancock Natural Resource Group is committed to being an equal opportunity employer.  The Company is committed to employ, train, promote and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability without regard to race, color, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran or marital status.

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