Economist
- $120,000 – $125,000 salary package.
- Permanent, full-time position.
- Location: Wagga Wagga City Council, NSW. This position may require relocation.
- Exposure to a variety of council businesses and capital projects.
- Access to Flexible Working Hours Agreement and Leaseback Vehicle Policy
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Wagga Wagga City Council is the largest inland city in New South Wales, undergoing rapid changes as the result of strong organic growth, major investment from the state government and several national construction projects. It is strategically located at a national transport node offering connection to road, rail and air and act as the economic hub for the Riverina, serving a catchment of over 175,000 people. The city offers a range of services and facilities typically found in a metropolitan setting, including a diverse economy, extensive school and university education options, healthcare, the arts and community events, regional and national sporting facilities and a vibrant entertainment and retail sector.
City Prospectus
Wagga Wagga is evolving as it responds to these dynamics and grows towards 100,000 people. There is a unique opportunity to leverage off the scale and diversity of investments and to create a legacy for its future community. The Special Activation Precinct will see the creation of up to 6,000 jobs and the northern growth area will see 15,000 new residents come to our city when completed. The recently opened Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics hub is operating daily services to national and international markets. The essential services provided by Council including the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre, Livestock Marketing Exchange, Wagga Wagga Airport and Gregadoo Waste Management Facility must plan for and service the expanding needs of our city.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This position is responsible for the development and coordination of the City’s strategic economic development functions, the collation, analysis and modelling of business and economic data, assisting in the implementation of economic development strategies, investment attraction, relocation and expansion of business to the City.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide timely and accurate quantitative and qualitative analysis of economic subjects to staff and Councillors in clear and accessible language.
- Lead strategic thinking to identify and understand relevant developments, to anticipate specific risks and opportunities, and draw together to frame robust advice.
- Lead the development of economics or financial analysis, business cases, asset decision frameworks and strategic advice.
- Undertake economic-related research and analysis and report on data.
- Represent Council when required on external bodies and liaise with other levels of Government and business organisations.
- Prepare reports, submissions, and briefs to assist Council with advocacy with other levels of government, other institutions and in community engagement more broadly.
- Prepare policy papers, letters, presentations, and briefing notes on key issues relevant to the local economy and business community.
- Build collaborative relationships with external organisations to help advance Council’s economic priorities
- Project management the delivery of outcomes from economic development strategies and master plans.
- Lead and direct a small team to support the development of the economic advisory services.
- Lead and manage delivery processes for significant pieces of work, including the contributions of other team members, to achieve high-quality, timely output.
Skills and Experience
- Tertiary qualifications in Economy e.g. Bachelor of Economics, Commerce or Business Analysis.
- Seven (7) + years’ relevant experience, including at a senior role encompassing the management of staff and working co-operatively as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team.
- Substantial quantitative skills, including ability to access statistical data, analyse (including by using statistical tools) and report in a variety of graphical and text formats.
- Excellent skills identifying and proactively solving problems and exercising discretion in a complex policy and political environment.
- Knowledge and awareness of Regional NSW economy opportunities and threats.
- Highly developed communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills including sound conflict resolution, negotiation, presentation, and facilitation skills.
- Sound time management; financial; strategic and business planning; administrative; and computer skills including Microsoft Office.
- Sound knowledge of statutory requirements of various acts and regulations relevant to the position and solid understanding and experience in risk assessment of projects, activities, and tasks.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, build and leverage productive relationships with stakeholders to achieve team objectives and to work in a dynamic, faced paced environment.
For a copy of the PD and more information, please contact the consultant at Planned Resources:
Russell Locke on Russell.locke@plannedresources.com.au or 0407 111 364
Cindy Tran on cindy.tran@plannedresources.com.au or 0406 849 717.
HOW TO APPLY ?
- Send your resume directly to Cindy.Tran@plannedresources.com.au
- Submitting Cover Letter in response to the required skills and experience is encouraged.
Applications close on Monday, 10 April 2023 at 11.59pm AEDST.
The Council provides a supportive work environment, opportunities for career development, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the local community. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Wagga Wagga City Council is a great place to work for those who are passionate about creating a better future for the region.
Wagga Wagga City Council is an inclusive employer. We strive to reflect the community in which we work, as a result we welcome and encourage applications from skilled people from all walks of life. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages.
As part of the recruitment process, pre-employment checks will be conducted in line with requirements of the position.
All preferred candidates for this position will be asked to consent to a police check. Please note that people with a criminal record are not discouraged from applying for the position. Each application will be considered on its merit.