Graduate Economist

Join our team to build Australia’s capability to work in genuine partnership with countries of the region to deliver solutions to the increasingly complex development challenges we face.  

We are offering a unique opportunity to springboard your career in development economics or a related field such as public policy, international development. Our Governance Practice team at Oxford Policy Management (OPM) is seeking two Economists (entry level), for a fixed-term contract until 11 October 2025 with a possibility of an extension.  The role/s will work alongside the Development Finance and Economics Branch (DFB), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to build its capability, capitalise on opportunities available to Australia and progress shared interests.

The positions will be located Australia wide (Canberra desirable but not essential). Remote from home - no shared working space.  Ability to work in AEST zone (preferable). Periodic travel to Canberra with the potential to travel overseas to participate in professional development opportunities.

Position Summary

As an OPM Economist working alongside DFB, you will be at the forefront of development economics, developing economic knowledge and bolstering analytical capabilities to support Australia’s engagement with countries in the Indo Pacific region respond effectively to emerging economic, fiscal, and debt challenges.

You will interact daily with the DFB team - a diverse, collaborative, and dynamic group. You will be coached periodically by a lead member of OPM’s Governance Practice and guided by OPM’s Senior Program Manager. Furthermore, you will collaborate with a broad range of internal and external DFAT stakeholders.

As an Economist at OPM you will:

In collaboration with the DFB team, you will be responsible for performing objective and systematic research, undertake analysis and making informed conclusions, including as part of delivery of economic programs supporting Australia’s developing country partners. You will identify opportunities and risks to support the Government of Australia in its partnerships with regional partners in addressing climate challenges, achieving Sustainable Development Goals, and enhancing development finance.

Specific tasks include:

• Conduct research on macroeconomic, fiscal, and debt trajectories of countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Provide support to developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region in formulating positions to address debt sustainability and liquidity risks.
• Conduct economic analysis (qualitative and quantitative) in support of regional partners on domestic, global, regional, and bilateral economic issues.
• Engage in activities to support regional partners to build understanding of International Financial Architecture and International Financial Institutions reform initiatives.
• Engage key stakeholders to identify opportunities, drive outcomes, and foster cooperation.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant discipline for example, economics, public policy, international development (preferable).
• Experience working or volunteering in a professional setting (desirable).
• Demonstrated experience supporting development economics activities and or initiatives (desirable).

Knowledge, skills and behaviours:

• Knowledge of economic and public finance issues facing Australia and the Indo Pacific region (preferable).
• Demonstrated analytical and quantitative skills to interpret economic data and present insights (preferable).
• Ability to confidently articulate messages in a clear and concise manner to influence internal and external stakeholders in alignment with DFAT's interests (preferable).
• Proficiency in preparing clear and concise briefs utilising graphics and data to support analysis (preferable).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under limited direction and make decisions using good judgement about set work activities (preferable).
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 (preferable) and other data analysis programs (desirable).

Our offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Work alongside a diverse, collaborative and dynamic team within DFAT.
• A springboard for an exciting career in development economics or related field such as public policy, international development.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Domestic travel (if located outside Canberra) and potential international travel.

Additional Essential Requirements:

Proof of Australian Citizenship and have a checkable background

An existing or the ability to obtain an Australian Government 'baseline' security clearance. Refer to the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website for more information https://www.agsva.gov.au. 

We are strengthened by the diversity of colleagues across our global business and are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Our recruitment practices reflect our ambition to make the international development sector more inclusive and firm belief that our work delivers the best outcomes when we actively include a diversity of perspectives and experiences. 

Application

If you share our vision for fair public policy that benefits both people and planet, we would love to hear from you. We review and interview applicants on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply by way of CV, cover letter and university parchment responding to the job requirements as one document via our careers site at the earliest. We may close this advertisement before the published closing date, should a suitable candidate be identified.

OPM is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of the business. Should you require adjustments to make the application process more accessible please contact us via: recruitment@opml.co.uk

For more on why we think you should work with us, visit our Working at OPM page. 

The roles will be funded by DFAT and managed by OPM.