Economist/Policy Analyst (EC-04) AND Regional Economic Advisor (EC-05)

Important messages

WARNING: The following positions could result in intense job satisfaction and lead to personal fulfilment and a rewarding career.

The First Law of Economists: For every economist, there exists an equal and opposite economist. The Second Law of Economists: They're both wrong.

If you agree with this, you likely have experience as an economist/policy analyst. If you laughed at it, you may just be the kind of chic geek we are looking for to join an incredibly talented and fun group of people who work in the policy groups at Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Innovation, Science & Economic Development Canada (ISED). Both departmental regional offices are located in the same building in Vancouver. We work closely together. We collaborate. We share. We are experienced in the Vulcan mind meld.

As you may be aware, WD was the top-rated federal department for the second consecutive year, and ISED has been ranked as one of Canada’s top 100 employers 2 years running. We are good. Now WD and the ISED Regional Offices in BC are aiming for great and we are looking for the right kind of people to help us get there. We want people whose marginal benefit is greater than their marginal cost. And, although mental and physical health of employees is important in this fast-paced environment, we do not want your exercise regime to consist of jumping to conclusions, pushing your luck, running out of options, and dodging deadlines. But we have sit/stand desks, spectacular scenic views, and a strict no-smoking policy.

You’re probably eager to get started on the application already, right? Slow down, cowpoke. We want to make sure you’re right for us. Are you familiar with the Cobra Effect, the Samaritan’s Dilemma, Khazzoom-Brookes Postulate, or the Lipstick Effect? Do you get excited when someone suggests that further stimulus could result in uncontrolled expansion? Are you eager to battle that introvert inside of you by undertaking outreach activities with various stakeholders? Do you pay attention to the pre-flight demonstration on how to secure your seatbelt?

Of course, you may be wondering about the management. Well, they have the nicest teeth this side of the Rockies. How do we know? They are so nice and spend most of the day smiling and engaging with staff. You will bounce out of bed each morning, chomping at the bit to get into your state-of-the-art government cubicle to help improve the lives of British Columbians and all Canadians. You will be compensated handsomely for your efforts. Some of it will be monetary. Ignore the guilt you may feel when you receive compensation for a job you’ll love. Your efforts will make Canadians better off and, in return, you will thrive in a supportive and caring work environment where your inner geek can shine through.

Intent of the process

This is an anticipatory staffing process which will likely lead to several staffing actions over the next year. We will create a pool of partially qualified superstars for future use and we may share it with other Government of Canada partners in the Pacific Region if they are interested and they ask nicely.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 1,000 words (maximum) "If you are not applying online through GCjobs, then you need to provide your résumé and a cover letter that clearly demonstrate you have the required experience and that you do, in fact, know how to fasten your seatbelt on an aircraft. Please also clearly indicate if you are applying for the EC-04 or EC-05 position."

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

We are looking for candidates who really want to be part of an incredible team, contribute to its continued success and make everyone around them (especially the Director…) better. To begin, we need to make sure you meet all of the essential qualifications below.

You are a secondary school graduate with a legitimate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with specialization* in in economics, sociology, or statistics. If your institution of higher learning has been featured on CTV’s The Fifth Estate or CBC's Marketplace, we may have a few questions...

* Acceptable specialization is at least one full year course or two half-year courses in Economics, Sociology or Statistics.

While you must have the required specialization, your degree can be in any field (ex. business, political science, public administration, etc). The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

Degree equivalency

You bring the following experience and yes, we will consider experience gained at work and at school for the EC-04 position, while the EC-05 position will require significant** work experience.
• conducting research and analysis of economic policy issues;
• writing and editing documents (e.g. policy papers, position papers, background papers, briefing notes, presentation decks, etc.) for senior management;
• providing advice to senior management;
• developing and maintaining positive working relationships with a variety of partners and stakeholders; and
• working in a team environment.

** Significant is defined by the depth, breadth, complexity, variety and level of autonomy associated with having performed the duties at work for a period of at least 3 consecutive years.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

The following qualifications are considered assets. They are not absolutely necessary, but will be considered “nice to have”. We’d certainly be interested to know if you possess any of the following:
• Master’s degree in a relevant area of study.
• Experience in planning, reporting and performance measurement in the federal government.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

We are looking for a candidate with knowledge of:
• information sources, research techniques and quantitative and qualitative analysis methods necessary for the analysis of economic policy issues;
• British Columbian economy and factors that affect economic development; and
• current federal and provincial regional economic development programs, policies, priorities and issues with a focus on British Columbia.

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate these competencies:
• excellent oral and written communication skills;
• analytical thinker able to analyze and interpret data, assess impacts, and develop recommendations;
• adaptability and a professional juggler able to manage multiple/competing priorities;
• integrity, dependability, and respect;
• working effectively with others and a strong collaborator and relationship builder;
• showing initiative and being action-oriented;
• results focused; and
• strong research capabilities.

For a complete copy of the Statement of Merit Criteria or questions about the staffing process email .

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Organizational Needs
• In support of achieving a diversified workforce, consideration may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Indigenous peoples, Persons with a Disability, Visible Minorities, and Women.

Conditions of employment

You will have to meet the condition of employment, which is either a reliability or secret security clearance (depending on the position). Our HR team will help you with that at a later date.

You will also be able and willing to work overtime (on the rare occasions this is required) and travel (to not so exotic destinations in BC and possibly Canada).

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

For this process, we will accept applications through the GCjobs online portal, but we are also accepting résumés and cover letters by email. If you prefer, send your documents to with the position title and reference number 20-WCO-EA-VAN-103 in the subject line.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.