Economist Intern

Role Responsibilities

The Economic Intern will be provided an opportunity to learn and gain an overall understanding of the functions and responsibilities of one of the economic ministries (Treasury Board and Finance; Jobs Economy, Trade and Immigration). The Intern will support their division and ministry by completing a project and working on various research and analytical assignments which will enhance the ministry's understanding of an economic topic related to their mandate. The Intern will also provide analytical support for briefing notes, presentations, and e-scanning, modelling and analysis during their tenure. These analyses are critical in informing the host ministries and ultimately contribute to decision-making and policy development.

Responsibilities include:

1. Economic Monitoring and Intelligence

• Monitor Alberta's economy, industries, and investment environment by researching, compiling, validating, and analyzing economic data from authoritative sources, including Statistics Canada, the Bank of Canada, Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, the OECD, and other public datasets.
• Prepare Economic Snapshots on the key economic indicators to support evidence-based policy development, strategic planning, and executive decision-making.
• Identify emerging economic trends, risks, and opportunities, and provide clear written and graphical interpretations of complex economic information for the Executive Team.
• Develop clear and compelling visualizations, charts, and written analyses that effectively communicate complex economic information to senior executives and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of presentations for the Director on the current state of the economy and related topics

2.Economic Analysis, Modelling and Policy Support

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative economic analysis to support information requests, briefing materials, action requests, and policy development.
• Prepare briefing notes, analytical summaries and presentation materials for senior management and executives.
• Provide timely economic intelligence and evidence-based analysis in response to internal government information requests.
• Support economists and senior economists in conducting economic impact assessment, economic evaluation and analysis.
• Contribute to briefings and other analytical products prepared for the unit Director.

3.Economic Research

• Conduct literature reviews to support research and analytical projects.
• Identify and assess data requirement and appropriate data sources for ongoing and new the research and analytical projects.
• Support the design, execution, and reporting of research and analytical projects.
• Prepare analytical content for reports, presentations, and environmental scans.
• Maintain current knowledge of economic research, analytical methods, and emerging issues relevant to the team's work.

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 - Observes and understands larger impact of role.
• Creative Problem Solving - Open to innovative ideas and breaks problems down to identify solutions.
• Agility - Understands need for change and manages own emotions.
• Drive for Results - Actively sets goals and remains open to advice on reaching them

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field; Experience is not required but would be considered as an asset.

Bachelor’s degree in economics, Statistics, Econometrics or closely related fields; Recent completion (1-2 years) of a graduate degree program in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, or related field is an asset.

Preference will be given to candidates who do not have current post-secondary enrollment obligations, such as current enrollment in master’s or PhD studies.

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

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess the following assets:

• An understanding of the structure and performance of the Alberta economy as well as Canadian and global economies.
• Knowledge of economic theory, macroeconomics, labour economics, and applied economic modeling.  
• Experience in economic research.
• Knowledge of statistical and modelling techniques, as well as proficiency in software programs - R, Python.
• Thorough knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets; Proficiency in Excel, Power BI.
• Expertise working with large datasets and conducting statistical analysis.
• Experience using Statistics Canada data.
• Familiarity with input-output analysis, forecasting techniques, or econometric methods is considered an asset.
• Proficiency and knowledge of financial modelling is considered an asset.

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

Notes

• This is one temporary (6 months), full-time position, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Work location is 10155 102 St, Edmonton.

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.