Economist Intern

Role Responsibilities

The Economic Intern is responsible for providing research into a topic identified by the ministry as a critical or emerging area of interest related to the mandate. They are also responsible for providing support in economic analysis to inform decision-making and policy development.

The Economist Intern will work with considerable guidance given the lack of work experience. While they are expected to take the initiative on assignments, they will have support from senior economists, as well as their manager and director.

The role supports the mandate of the unit to provide reliable and accurate data to internal and external stakeholders. Errors in gathering and analysis of data will result in inaccurate information being provided that may result in weak policy and program decisions.

This position supports plays a key role in supporting the Chief Labour Economist and Director  with providing updates on the progress of LMI projects, identifying emerging challenges, and offering potential solutions.

This position engages with other department representatives to share labour market information and to collaborate on joint projects.

The role facilitates interactions with stakeholders and subject matter experts in other GoA departments (e.g., TBF, AE etc.,) for information sharing, collection, consultation and collaboration.

1. Research project on an emerging labour market topic –
   
   • Define the scope and objectives of support of the research project. 
   • Conduct an extensive literature review on the topic of the research project. 
   • Identify data needs and sources for the research project. 
   • Conduct analysis and identify opportunities stemming from the research project. 
   • Summarize the research for presentation to branch leadership.
     
     
2. Provide analysis for information requests, action request and briefing notes. 
   
   • Contribute to requests for economic information and analysis    from within government.  
   • Analyze and synthesize qualitative and quantitative economic data from multiple authoritative sources and prepare relevant written and oral interpretations of complex information to both technical and nontechnical audiences. 
   • Contribute to briefings to the team Director.
     
     
3. Provide analysis for presentations and e-scanning.
   
   • Provide analysis of current economic data.
   • Contribute to the preparation of presentations for the Director on the current state of the economy and related topics.
   • Contribute to the Branch's e-scanning initiative by providing support and analysis.
     
     
4.  Ad hoc research. 
   
   • Maintain current knowledge of academic literature. 
   • Provide advice/support to Economists and Senior Economists in information requests.
                         

The Job Description is provided for Further details on 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.

• Systems Thinking: Develop analytical frameworks, the Economic Intern is expected to have a broader perspective of the labour market and labour market trends and impacts.
• Creative Problem Solving: The position requires considerable analytical, interpretive and evaluative thinking to synthesize a diversity of information and to anticipate the impact of the branch's actions and initiatives. 
• Agility:The position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, understand changing priorities and expectations by managing own emotions, and open to new ideas and suggestions.
• Drive for Results: The position is expected to plan and set realistic goals by gathering all related information, have regular check-in conversations with stakeholders, manager and director for feedback to meet expectations and timelines and make positive impacts.

Qualifications

A University graduation in a related field; no experience required; or equivalent as described below.

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. 

Additional assets would include:-

• Current enrollment or recent completion of a graduate degree program in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, or related field.
• Knowledge of Statistics & Econometrics.
• Practical research skills and experience.
• Coding skills (e.g., R, Python, SQL).
• Knowledge of visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau, R Shiny, Looker).

Include a specific minimum number of years of experience needed for the job (i.e. a minimum of 5 years) supported by the MRS for the job classification. If equivalencies will be considered include “Equivalencies will be considered on the basis of XYZ”.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

One temporary (6 Months) full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Working out of Edmonton.

Cover letters are Mandatory. Any applications without cover letters would be screened out.

Candidates are required to submit resumes and cover letters that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies.

It’s important for applicants to ensure their resume and cover letter clearly articulate how their past work experiences align with the role’s qualifications and needs.

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 we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service. 
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP).  
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information. 
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.