Principal Economic Analyst 

Salary: $138,631 - $185,518 (plus superannuation)
Fixed term / Ongoing role: Ongoing
Usual hours of work: Full Time (flexibility may be available)
Usual work location: 289 Wellington Parade South, East Melbourne VIC 3003

The Role:  

The Principal Economic Analyst plays a leadership role in delivering the work of the Skills Strategy and Insights Team, notably the annual Victorian Skills Plan.

Main accountabilities:

Working with the Team Manager and the Director of the Analysis and Insights Branch, the Principal Economic Analyst:

• co-leads various elements of the Victorian Skills Plan, including planning, drafting and internal and external engagement
• contributes to, or leads, various pieces of work undertaken by the Team
• is responsible for the day-to-day reporting and management of one staff member
• drafts papers and briefings
• engages and establishes relationships with key internal and external stakeholders across the VSA, Victorian Government and Commonwealth Government
• supports the VSA's Executives with a range of strategic work
• conducts analysis and research and drafts policy advice that support strategic and operational decision-making across the VSA and DJSIR.

The Organisation:

The Principal Economic Analyst plays an important role in the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA).

The VSA brings an expert view of skills needs across Victoria and provides expert advice on Victorian skills issues and opportunities based on data and insights validated through engagement and collaboration. The VSA helps Victorians take advantage of training and job opportunities across the state and prepare for the jobs of the future; training providers deliver training the state needs; and industry access skilled workers.

The VSA's objectives include:

• identifying current and future skills needs
• empowering Victorians to participate in education, training and employment
• lifting the quality of training and performance of the skills system
• developing innovative skills solutions
• creating connections and impact in Victoria and beyond.

The VSA is an administrative office led by a Chief Executive Officer and it has 4 branches – Analysis and Insights, Services, Engagement and Skills Reform, and Corporate Services.

About You

To succeed in this role, you must be able to work in a fast-paced  environment; adapt quickly to changing circumstances; lead your work with minimal supervision; and work well with Executives and team members with diverse skills and experience.

The following attributes would be valued:

• good knowledge and understanding of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Victoria
• experience in policy work and conducting data analysis using standard tools
• relevant tertiary qualification in Economics or a related field.

Further information:

For a confidential discussion, please contact Erwin Lagura, Manager - Skills Strategy and Insights Unit on 0400118267/erwin.lagura@ecodev.vic.gov.au or Isfaaq Timol, Director – Analysis and Insights Branch on 03 8401 7143 / Isfaaq.timol@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

How to apply:

Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications close at 23:59pm on Sunday, 18 January 2026.