Research Economist, Public Policy Analyst and Data Analyst – Multiple roles

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• Candidate Information Kit (PDF - 299 KB)
• Candidate Information Kit (Word - 386 KB)

Download the position description

• Research Economist, Public Policy Analyst and Data Analyst (PDF - 151 KB)
• Research Economist, Public Policy Analyst and Data Analyst (Word - 233 KB)

About us

The Productivity Commission (PC) is the Australian Government's independent research and advisory body on a range of economic, social and environmental issues affecting the welfare of Australians.

Opportunities

We are seeking talented Research Economists, Public Policy Analysts and Data Analysts to join our teams in Canberra and Melbourne. These roles involve conducting in-depth research, providing policy advice, and applying analytical methods to develop coherent arguments for major public inquiries and other research projects.

The work is wide-ranging with topic areas that vary from year to year, including analysis of social issues, the environment, prosperity, regulation, competition, economic infrastructure, resources, and trade. The Productivity Commission also undertakes significant work on policy of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a range of capabilities including a well-developed understanding of public policy development and applied economic analysis, and/or data analysis management. If you have proven experience to communicate clearly and influentially, build and maintain constructive working relationships, and effectively plan and progress work, we encourage you to apply.

Academic qualifications in a relevant discipline such as economics, public policy, statistics or other relevant fields are essential.

Experience working with data, including complex excel spreadsheets, knowledge of statistical programming (such as R, Python or Stata) and experience with data extraction methods are highly regarded in these roles.

* Successful applicants may be appointed at either the APS Level 5 or 6 classification, depending on their skills, experience and qualifications.

** A merit pool of suitable candidates may be established and may be used to fill similar vacancies either on an ongoing or non-ongoing basis.

About the teams

Inquiry and research

The Inquiry and Research Group comprises multiple teams that undertake a variety of projects as requested by the Government (including inquiries, studies) and Productivity Commission-initiated research. The focus of work delivered by the Group is generally on policy and regulatory issues bearing on Australia’s economic performance and community wellbeing. Research topics vary from year to year, and include analysis of social issues, the environment, prosperity, competition, economic infrastructure, resources, and trade.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stream

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stream undertakes reporting, research and analysis that centres the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Stream has an accountability role under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which includes developing and maintaining an information repository (through the publication of a dashboard and annual data report) and independently reviewing governments’ progress against the commitments in the Agreement. We also undertake research and provide policy insights and advice on matters of importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Opportunities are available in this stream to engage or promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through identified or affirmative measure positions. Refer to the Eligibility requirements below for further details.

Commonwealth-State Reporting and Review Team (CSRR)

The CSRR team provides a central point of knowledge and engagement on Commonwealth-State matters, producing the Report on Government Services (RoGS) and Performance Reporting Dashboard.

The Data Development team supports the PC’s performance reporting roles – specifically the Report on Government Services (RoGS) and monitoring and reporting functions under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (specifically the Information Repository Dashboard).

Be yourself at the Commission

We welcome and celebrate diversity, and value the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experience that each person brings to our workplace. Parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all cultures and faith are encouraged to apply.

What we offer

We have a supportive, respectful and engaging work environment underpinned by:

• a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and supporting staff wellbeing
• a flexible work environment that supports employees to balance work commitments with family, caring and other personal commitments
• a culture of conversation and real-time feedback, to support a team and individual performance
• a range of learning and development opportunities tailored to individuals’ needs at different points in their careers
• a safe working environment including reasonable adjustments to ensure staff have the support and tools they need to thrive at work.

The PC offers a competitive salary plus generous superannuation and leave provisions.

Position eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment with the Productivity Commission, applicants must:

• hold an Australian Citizenship
• be willing to undergo a security and character clearance (which may include, but not limited to, completing an identity verification check, police check, and obtaining/maintaining an Australian Government security vetting clearance if required by the role)
• provide evidence of mandatory qualifications (if applicable).

We do have certain positions that are open only to specific members of the Australian population. This practice is known as an Affirmative measure and is a targeted strategy to ensure the diversity of the APS workforce reflects the diversity of the Australian population.

These vacancies are being advertised concurrently under a combined general, affirmative measures and identified recruitment process.

Affirmative measures – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The filling of (at least one) of these vacancies is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under Section 31 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022. This vacancy is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, evidence will be requested if your application progresses under an affirmative measures process.

Identified positions

The filling of (at least one) of these vacancies is intended as an identified position, in which some or all the duties involve the development of policy or programs relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and/or involve interaction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including service delivery. To perform these duties effectively, occupants need to have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with them.

Applicants from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, and/or applicants that can demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

If eligible, please select in the application form which position you would like to be considered.

Further information on providing confirmation of heritage documentation is available in the Candidate Information Kit.

Privacy

Your details will only be used for the purpose of applying for a position at the Productivity Commission (and other Australian Public Service merit pools and agencies if you opt-in). Read the privacy policy for more information