Senior Economist

Ministry of Finance and Economic Management
Avarua - Cook Islands
S: 80,000 - 100,000

An exciting opportunity is available at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management in the Cook Islands for a Senior Economist. The successful applicant will gain exposure to whole-of-government economic management and policy development. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience in the Pacific context, with a broad range of responsibilities provided and access to regional economic and planning bodies.

Key focus areas of the position are:
• Policy formulation and development, including analysis and provision of policy recommendations in response to economic and development issues.
• Economic analysis, monitoring and reporting on trends in the national and regional economies, and research on the country’s macroeconomic environment.
• Budget Development and coordination including analysis of budget initiatives.

The Senior Economist holds the following responsibilities:

Economic Analysis, Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor and report on trends in the national and international economy
- Undertake research with respect to the country’s macroeconomic environment including the overall fiscal position, tax regime and expenditure needs and assess the expected impact of proposed economic policies on the macroeconomic environment.
- Advise and analyse national economic development programs, planning processes and economic governance structures including the development of a long-term fiscal and economic policy
- Assist the Office of the Prime Minister in maintaining the National Sustainable Development Plan.

Policy Formulation and Development
- Prepare and critically review Cabinet papers with particular reference to fiscal responsibility and economic implications
- Provide analysis and policy recommendations in response to economic and development issues raised by national, regional and international institutions

Budget Development and Coordination
- Advise and assist relevant staff in the Office of the Prime Minister and MFEM in the coordination and development of the Budget Policy Statement
- Provide technical support and analysis of specific budget issues over the budget process including the coordination and development of taxation estimates.

External MFEM Representation
- Provide assistance to line departments and other central agencies in assessing and developing economic policy related to the agencies focus area.
- Provide effective representation of MFEM and the Cook Islands at national, regional and international meetings, including the provision of necessary assistance and support to other ministries that may attend such meetings.
- Contribute to responses to international and regional stock takes and external agency economic related queries.
- Assist in the organisation and running of meetings organised by the ministry, including the drafting of papers, speeches and briefs.

Qualifications and experience

- Post-Graduate degree in Economics or equivalent field
- Computer literate with high level knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Five years’ experience working in economic related field or policy development
- Strong understanding of policy development
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Problem solving and negotiation skills with the ability to respond quickly and effectively
- One/two years practical experience in preparing economic analysis (with an emphasis on forecasting)
- Excellent relationship management skills with a proven ability to build strong relationships
- Effectively building capability of staff and stakeholders
- Team worker prepared and able to capacity build others

Skills and attributes

- Economic analytical ability
- Economic modelling ability
- Written and oral communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Advanced Excel skills
- Knowledge of the Cook Islands Economy

Job summary