Economist

Role Responsibilities

Join the Economic Forecasting and Analysis section within Alberta Treasury Board and Finance! Our team provides key economic information, reports, and forecasts that help shape Alberta's future. As an Economist, you will support the preparation and delivery of these vital deliverables, impacting budget development and policy decisions that benefit all Albertans. The role exists to provide economic analysis, publications, and forecasts that are used in policy development, ministries' annual budgets, and by other government departments and the public.

The economic forecasts that the Economist helps to create contribute to the government's fiscal plan and influence policy recommendations. This impacts how the government plans its budget and develops policies affecting Albertans.

What you will Do:

•    Develop and manage databases to streamline economic analysis and reporting.
•    Maintain files and databases on information relevant to Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, automating processes where possible.
•    Create presentations for senior officials, including the Chief Economist and Deputy Minister.
•    Prepare charts, tables, and other data visualizations for economic publications and reports.
•    Assist in the preparation and development of economic forecasts for Alberta.
•    Support the development of economic models in collaboration with Senior Economists.
•    Gather and prepare economic data from various sources, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
•    Assist in building and refining economic models to forecast economic indicators and trends.
•    Ensure the accuracy and integrity of economic analyses and publications through rigorous fact-checking.
•    Provide analytical and research support to other branches on policy-related projects.
•    Consult with other provincial departments on economic issues.

What You’ll Gain / Why This Role Matters: 

•    Impact: Contribute directly to the economic forecasts that inform Alberta's budget and fiscal planning.
•    Learning: Develop your skills in economic modeling, data analysis, and forecasting techniques.
•    Exposure: Work closely with senior economists and government officials.
•    Development: Opportunity to do independent research and recommend new analytical techniques.
•    Contribution: Your work will influence policy recommendations and contribute to the economic well-being of Alberta.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:

Agility: Adapt to changing priorities and contribute to new projects and initiatives.

Creative Problem Solving: Contribute to addressing data gaps in economic statistics through collaboration with other branches, ministries, and levels of government.

Drive for Results: Ensure the accuracy and integrity of economic analyses and publications, including budget documents.

Build Collaborative Environments: Provide analytical support and expertise to senior managers and other government departments.

Systems Thinking: Understand how economic forecasts impact the government's fiscal plan and policy recommendations.

Develop Self and Others: Maintain and enhance your knowledge of economic theory, econometrics, and forecasting techniques.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in economics, Finance, Business or a related field, plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience with data-management software programs and working knowledge of economic theory, econometrics, and forecasting techniques.

Equivalency: 

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 
•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
•    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

The following are considered assets:
•    Solid understanding of the industrial and institutional structures and economic history of Alberta and Canada.
•    Awareness of major sources of economic information and the ability to navigate them effectively.
•    Strong written and oral communication skills.
•    Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
•    Ability to communicate technical issues in simple language.
•    Knowledge of economic research techniques.
•    Strong analytical skills and able to use statistical techniques and econometric models.

A cover letter highlighting the above preferences and assets is required, and will be reviewed to determine your qualifications.
The below statement must be included in job ad:
Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is a permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Location:
Queen Elizabeth II Building located at 9820 - 107 Avenue, Edmonton.

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary. This competition may be used to fill future roles at the same or lower classifications.

Candidates may be asked to participate in a written assessment. Final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo a security screening.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.