Senior Economist

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/1886078

About us

The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.

With a newly appointed Commissioner for Economic Growth and Better Regulation Victoria, we are seeking an enthusiastic Senior Economist to join our team. Working collaboratively with government, industry and the community you will meaningfully support the wellbeing of Victorians by working on key projects fostering sustainable economic growth and an effective, efficient regulatory environment.

Better Regulation Victoria (BRV) works with the Victorian Government and community to support the analysis, design and implementation of best-practice regulation. BRV supports the Commissioner for Better Regulation to:

- Assess the adequacy of Regulatory Impact Statements (RISs) and Legislative Impact Assessments (LIAs)
- Assist with the design, application and administration of regulation
- Identify opportunities to reduce red tape and develop regulatory reform initiatives
- Advise on and investigate complaints about competitive neutrality
- Undertake research on specific regulatory issues, at the request of the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer or Secretary, DTF.

Better Regulation Victoria works alongside Economic Growth Victoria. Economic Growth Victoria (EGV) supports the Commissioner for Economic Growth (who is also the Commissioner for Better Regulation) to undertake a range of work to advance the Government's inclusive economic growth agenda, including undertaking research and inquiries commissioned by the Government, engaging with stakeholders, and preparing advice:

- to address immediate economic issues
- on major issues affecting the performance of the Victorian economy
- on the effectiveness of government programs; and
- on regulatory matters.

About the role

This position plays a key role in BRV's regulatory impact analysis work and contributing to a high performing team. It provides a unique opportunity to work across the VPS and provide influential advice that improves the design of regulations, which supports the wellbeing of Victorians. The position involves:

- advising departments and agencies whether a RIS or LIA is required for proposed regulations
- supporting Victorian Government departments and agencies to undertake high-quality analysis of the impacts of proposed regulations and assessing the impacts of current regulations
- reviewing draft RISs and LIAs and providing rigorous, proportionate practical and clear feedback to the relevant department or agency
- supporting the Commissioner to assess the adequacy of RISs and LIAs
- managing projects and positively contributing to a high performing team of around 7 staff
- managing and contributing to strategic projects to improve the RIS and LIA processes.

This position also involves making contributions to other BRV work including on broader regulatory reform, red tape reduction, competitive neutrality inquiries and other research supporting regulatory reform.

Key accountabilities

- Provide authoritative advice and analysis of the impacts of regulatory proposals.
- Support team members to undertake, rigorous analysis and research on complex regulatory and policy issues.
- Prepare high quality, influential written and verbal advice on complex issues for the Commissioner for Better Regulation, senior managers, departments, and other external stakeholders.
- Lead / contribute to negotiations, consultation, and presentations with external stakeholders (including departments and agencies, regulators, businesses and members of the community) and build ongoing relationships with key stakeholders.
- Contribute to a positive team culture, including identifying opportunities to improve internal processes and practices as well as providing guidance to other staff members as required.

Key selection criteria

- Highly developed analytical and research skills. Demonstrated ability to analyse problems through the application of economic and related frameworks.
- Experience delivering and preparing high quality advice both verbally and in writing, including the ability to convey complex issues persuasively and effectively in plain language.
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong networks and ongoing positive relationships with departments, regulatory agencies and business groups.
- Experience in managing competing work priorities and the ability to engage collaboratively as part of a team to deliver agreed outputs (advice, reports, training etc)
- An appropriate tertiary qualification in economics, law or a related public policy field that provides a strong analytical framework is required.

Experience and qualifications

An appropriate tertiary qualification and significant experience in economics, law or a related public policy field that provides a strong analytical framework is required.

About our culture

We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.

The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.

Further Information

For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Jason Knight; 0438 622 465

How to apply

To apply, select the ‘Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience.

Applications close at midnight, 9 October 2025. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Covid-19 Vaccination

DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated.

Applications close Thursday 9 October 2025 at 11.59pm

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