Economist, Macroeconomic Strategy

About this role

About us 

The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.    

Economic Policy Group

Economic Policy Group provides advice on macroeconomic conditions and policy; transport, infrastructure and planning policy; innovation, industry and employment policy; and environment, resources and decarbonisation policy to improve Victoria's prosperity.

Within the Group, the Macroeconomic Strategy team provides authoritative advice and forecasts on Victoria's economic conditions and outlook – most prominently as part of the annual state budget and budget update publications. We monitor economic and financial market developments and advise on the implications of these for the economic outlook and risks. We also advise on strategic policy issues including inflation and cost-of-living pressures, and Victoria's longer-term population, employment and productivity growth.  

About the role 

Working as an Economist in the Macroeconomic Strategy team, you will work as part of a high-performing and highly collaborative team of economists to provide robust economic forecasts and insightful economic commentary, including for the Victorian budget, that support evidence-based decision-making by government.

Coming onboard at a time of new economic challenges and uncertainties, you will deliver insights and advice to government and senior management on current economic conditions, the outlook and risks, to improve the living standards of all Victorians. 

As a member of the Macroeconomic Strategy team, you will:

• Work constructively as part of a team to produce advice on complex issues including current and future macroeconomic conditions.
• Prepare high-quality advice on the economy and the latest economic data to key stakeholders, often under tight deadlines.
• Use modern data visualisation tools and mapping techniques to enhance economic data presentations.
• Use quantitative and qualitative techniques to undertake research on the economy, and to update and maintain economic forecasting models.

Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  

About you 

We are seeking applications from candidates with demonstrable experience in:   

• Well-developed analytical skills, with experience using statistical packages such as EViews, R or Stata to analyse economic data.
• Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively with team members and a range of stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and experience preparing high-quality advice under tight deadlines.
• Research and problem-solving skills, including the ability to communicate findings in a clear and engaging way.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• An understanding of the major developments impacting the Victorian economy.

Experience and qualifications 

An appropriate tertiary qualification in economics is required. 

About our culture 

We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.  

The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements. 

How to apply 

VPS employees and other JSE-eligible applicants are encouraged to apply on the Jobs & Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board. For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Jasmine Zheng, jasmine.zheng@dtf.vic.gov.au or (03) 7005 9282. 

To apply, select the ‘Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience. Applications close at midnight, 12 May, 2024. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Careers team.  

Covid-19 Vaccination 
DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated.