Government Accountability Office

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Government Accountability Office, or GAO (www.gao.gov) is hiring a Chief Economist. GAO is a research and oversight agency for the U.S. Congress and contributes non-partisan, fact-based, objective analyses of federal government programs and policy. We seek an experienced, recognized applied economist to join GAO as Chief Economist for a term appointment for up to 3 years to promote innovative analytical tools at GAO and across the federal government. The Chief Economist position is located within GAO’s Applied Research and Methods team, a team of 135 skilled technical researchers, including social scientists, statisticians, economists, data analysts, actuaries, and other technical specialists. Highly qualified candidates should have

• A Ph.D. in Economics or related social science field with at least a decade of relevant post-doctorate work experience.
• Experience producing and publishing high-quality empirical research in economics or a related field.
• Experience using innovative methodologies to quantify hard-to-measure outcomes, including innovative applications of tools for causal inference, machine learning, and/or simulation.
U.S. citizenship is required.

GAO provides Congress, the heads of executive agencies, and the public with timely, fact-based, non-partisan information that can be used to improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars. The Chief Economist would support GAO’s mission by serving as an economic leader, facilitator, pacesetter, and strategic thinker in improving government operations and public policy; maintaining a research agenda relevant to GAO's work and conducting high-impact economic analyses that inform Congress and the agency's strategic goals; keeping abreast of emerging economic research affecting our understanding of government programs to examine proposed policy and program changes from an economic perspective; providing authoritative advice and consultation to the Executive Committee, Managing Directors, and other senior management on economic matters; and participating in deliberations and decisions having office-, agency-, and government-wide implications.
Since 2011, GAO has received top ranking among mid-size federal agencies for best workplace and support of diversity. GAO seeks a work environment where all employees are valued, treated fairly, and given opportunities to develop to their full potential.

To apply for employment, you must apply through the USAJOBS link below. Your application is first screened by non-economic staff from GAO’s Human Capital Office. If you have experience that meets the “Qualifications” for the position listed in the USAJOBS announcement, please explain and identify this clearly in your USAJOBS resume.