Metro Vancouver

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

NATURE OF WORK:
The work of the Senior Economist involves complex, specialized, professional economic analyses for evaluating capital spending and providing recommendations related to the development of new policies and by-laws, and other decisions related to the implementation of the Board Strategic Plan and the regional management plans at Metro Vancouver.

Reporting to the Sustainability Strategist in Corporate Strategies of the Planning, Policy and Environment Department, this position involves providing sound advice, from an economic perspective, in forecasting and policy analysis related to Metro Vancouver's regional planning initiatives and its core utilities.

DUTIES:
Researches, analyzes, forecasts and interprets economic, financial and other data related to Metro Vancouver's regional planning and provision of core services responsibilities using techniques including discounted cash flow analysis, triple bottom line analysis, econometrics and input-output modeling. Examples of forecasts include solid waste generation and regional greenhouse gas emissions.

Conducts benefit-cost analysis as part of policy and program evaluation and provides, or supports the development of, triple-bottom line business cases of projects and other initiatives.

Performs economic analysis to determine the feasibility and prioritization of projects that support various corporate and regional objectives related to energy, air quality, ecological health, greenhouse gases, drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, land use, recreation, mobility and prosperity.

Participates in and provides guidance to cross-department, multi-disciplinary internal and external teams assembled to develop and evaluate policy alternatives and specific programs / projects.

Constructs and administers survey instruments for the purposes of informing policy decisions and plan implementation.

Works with consultants contracted by Metro Vancouver to provide research and analyses to ensure they use appropriate research methods and data to produce valid and defensible results.

Develops terms of references/scope of services for studies, projects and policy development processes.

REQUIREMENTS:
Masters' degree in Economics (or related field) and 5 years' professional experience OR Ph.D. in Economics (or related field) supplemented by at least two years' professional experience.

Knowledge of economic theory and quantitative methods involving econometrics, benefit-cost analysis, triple bottom line analysis, survey design, analysis of risk and uncertainty, and non-market valuation.

Excellent quantitative, analytical, policy development and evaluation skills with experience in policy and project evaluation that includes integration of sustainability principles.

Working knowledge of urban development economics, transportation and land use economics, regulatory impact assessment and capital planning.

Proficiency with econometric software, particularly STATA.

Familiarity and/or experience working in local government settings an asset.

Demonstrated ability to manage project teams with diverse areas of expertise and from different departments and/or agencies.

Knowledgeable in the creation and management of Requests for Proposals, contracts and similar instruments.

Effective in managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.

Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both verbally and in written form, to a variety of audiences.

Experience coordinating and communicating with other experts and policy makers in other agencies.

Ability to build and maintain respectful working relationships in a team environment within and external to the organization, including experience in dealing and resolving disagreements with project teams as they arise.

Ability to communicate openly, thoughtfully, tactfully and in a timely manner when dealing with sensitive or difficult situations

Skilled at promoting innovative thinking and integrated, sustainable solutions.

Please follow this link www.metrovancouver.org to our Careers page where you can submit your application by September 8, 2014.

While we greatly appreciate all the replies we receive, regretfully only those selected for an interview will be contacted.