Senior Economist

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Economic Modelling, the Senior Economist provides expert leadership in the planning and completion of complex economic analysis and modelling projects that entail current state analysis, economic impact analysis, financial analysis, competitiveness analysis, environmental scanning and econometric modelling.
The Senior Economist anticipates information needs, oversees/conducts analysis and develops new information to enable effective decisions to respond to changes in the economy.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead the development of current-state economic analysis that provides the necessary baseline economic and financial information in support of strategic decision-making and program and policy development.
• Lead the completion of economic impact analyses, economic modelling, cash flow/financial and business case modelling that inform strategic decision making and policy recommendations.
• Provide the necessary analysis for information requests, action requests and briefings.
• Provide expert advice and assistance on the use and interpretation of economic/industry data various financial, industry and economic databases, economic models, statistical methods, and analytical approaches.
• Work and develop relations with executive leadership, directors and managers within the Branch as well as the department, subject matter experts across divisions and departments, cross ministry teams, policy organizations, training institutions and consultants. 

Please click on the link to view the job description.

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.
 

• Systems Thinking – In leading economic analysis and modelling projects, the Senior Economist is expected to have a broader perspective, not only in  looking at economic linkages in the sector of focus but also of the long-term developments impacting the sector.
• Creative Problem Solving – When faced with challenging projects, the Senior Economist is expected to explore alternative approaches and develop innovative approaches to deliver the requested analysis.
• Drive for Results - As the lead in economic analysis and modelling projects, the Senior Economist is expected to achieve goals by planning the approach, executing the plan, and collaborating with the relevant stakeholders.
• Build Collaborative Environments - The Senior Economist leads projects by first seeking inputs from the relevant stakeholders to ensure understanding of the required analysis and continuing to communicate with them until the completion of the project.

Qualifications

University graduation in Statistics, Econometrics, Economics or a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience. One year of degree for one year of education and vice versa will be considered as equivalent.

Knowledge required:
 

• Economic and technical expertise and understanding of the structure and performance of the Alberta economy and an understanding of the Canadian and global economies.
• Knowledge of business, industry, export and investment development, competitiveness issues and their impact on the Alberta economy.
• Experience in leading and developing economic studies.
• Experience in developing and using complex economic models (e.g. input-output models, structural models, etc.) and their application to inform decisions to support Alberta job creators and encourage investment.
• Knowledge of financial analysis (e.g., cash flow analysis, return on investment and net present value calculations)
• Thorough knowledge of a range of statistical and modelling techniques and software programs for theoretical and applied econometric/statistical models.
• Extensive knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, Internet access and manipulation, and economic tools and applications (e.g., economic impact calculators)
• Extensive experience in using Statistics Canada data and database manipulation.
• Knowledge of project management processes and approaches.
• Working knowledge of divisional and departmental goals and objectives, including business plan objectives as well as working knowledge of provincial legislation and regulations affecting Alberta's business climate.

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

There is one full-time permanent positions working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

Working location is Commerce Place Building, Edmonton
 

• Final candidates may be required 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 has 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.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.