Who we are
Economic Division offers fascinating work on issues that matter to the Australian people. Our responsibilities are wide ranging from advising the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on a wide range of macro-and microeconomic policy issues; housing policy, workplace relations, data and digital policy; and fiscal policy and budget processes. As a central agency, we collaborate with other Commonwealth agencies to analyse and advise on policy and programs, as well as chaperoning Budget and Cabinet processes and the legislative and Parliamentary activities of our line agencies.
The division consists of five branches – Economic Policy Branch; Fiscal Policy Branch; Tax, Markets and Workplace Relations Branch; Data, Digital and Analytics Branch; and Office of Impact Analysis.
What you will do
We are looking for an experienced senior executive with exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement and diverse policy skills to fill the position of First Assistant Secretary/Chief Economist, Economic Division. This high-profile role is fast paced, varied and presents an exciting opportunity to lead some of the Government's policy priorities.
In this role, you will be responsible for advising and briefing the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on a broad range of policy challenges including macro- and microeconomic policy, housing, taxation, workplace relations, fiscal policy and budget and impact analysis processes. You will also be a key source of economic advice to the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister's Office, working with the department's Executive to provide clear, robust and well considered economic analysis.
As the First Assistant Secretary and Chief Economist, you will work collaboratively across the public service and engage with industry, the community sector and academia, as well as state/territory governments to provide whole of government advice.
As a key member of PM&C's executive leadership team, you will also work with key colleagues in the department to provide strategic direction and cohesive leadership. Our senior leadership team are committed to fostering a culture of collegiality, innovation and respect. Our senior leaders support diversity in its many forms, and recognise and leverage the opportunity it brings to position PM&C for success.
What you will bring
You will perform at the SES Band 2 level in accordance with the PM&C SES Band 2 Performance model and demonstrate the APS-wide DRIVE Leadership behaviours. To be successful, you will have experience that supports strong leadership and management necessary to enable staff within the Economic Division to deliver outcomes with credibility and integrity.
The successful candidate will have extensive senior executive level experience in Government and the ability to navigate Government processes confidently and sensitively. You will possess the ability to drive the implementation of priorities, identify and analyse new and emerging policy issues, and understand PM&C's role in setting and delivering policy directions. The role is fast paced and high trust and requires exceptional judgement, flexibility and leadership maturity.
You will have excellent influencing and negotiation skills and be adept at building relationships across the public service, community sector, industry, academia, and Ministers' offices. You will be able to communicate clearly and succinctly with Ministers and senior decision makers. You will also have the confidence and capability to participate as a member of the department's executive leadership team.
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, resilient and forward-looking with strong personal drive and integrity, with the ability to develop innovative solutions to problems and apply sound judgement to provide well rounded advice to Government. You will have exceptional capacity to operate under extreme pressure and corresponding accountability for those decisions made.
A degree in economics is required for this position. A strong understanding of, or experience in working with, economic policy issues is highly desirable. A Central Agency background is not required, however experience across a broad range of government policy areas would be welcomed. If you do not have the relevant qualifications but are still interested in joining PM&C to lead other policy priorities, you are encouraged to apply to be considered for similar vacancies as they arise.
Flexibility arrangements
At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of 'how can we make this work?' and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.
Eligibility
* Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At PM&C to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
* The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
* The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.
How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you Submit an online application through the Apply link by 11:30pm AEST on Monday 4 August 2025.
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