Economist
(entry-level position)

The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC), Atlantic Canada’s foremost independent economic research organization, is looking to strengthen and diversify its team of researchers. This entry-level position is ideal for recent economics graduates with no or minimal relevant work experiencec.

From demographics to labour shortages, digitalization to global value chains, the environment to inclusive growth, APEC is on the forefront of analyzing the most important issues for Atlantic Canada’s economy. Check out our recent publications, webinars and presentations on our website.

Responsibilities

• Research. Access data from Statistics Canada data and other reliable sources. Contribute to the design of APEC’s own surveys and semi-structured interviews. Review and synthesize relevant research reports and government documents.
• Analyze. Assess the key trends and developments in the data. Identify the story, what it means and what we can do about it.
• Engage. Talk to data and subject matter experts, industry leaders and government officials to verify findings, understand trends and resolve questions.
• Communicate. Draft reports on regional economic trends and topics. Draft slides for APEC presentations.

The APEC Advantage

Working at APEC provides several unique benefits. These characteristics of the role will help you decide if APEC is the right fit for you.

• Contribute to multiple reports and projects that address a wide range of economic policy issues. See your name in print as a result.
• Interact with other economists, business leaders and government officials.
• Be a critical member of a small close-knit team where everything we do has to provide value to our members, research funders, and event attendees.
• Help discover the insights and develop the ideas that will support a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy.
• Work with and be coached and mentored by more experienced researchers.

APEC provides an excellent training ground for early-career economists. Previous students and employees have moved on to work for a variety of organizations across Canada including federal and provincial governments and economic think tanks.

Required Skills and Qualifications

We think economics and rely on quantitative and qualitative data for our insights. Your capacity to analyze data as an economist is foundational for everything we do.

• Masters degree in economics, with an ability to apply economic principles to new topics and data.
• High level of numeracy, research and analytical capabilities.
• High degree of computer proficiency, especially MS Excel.

Almost everything we do is published, presented or posted on social media. Your ability to identify the story the data are telling us, communicate that story clearly and succinctly, and to explain what it means for businesses and governments, is essential for our mission.

• Ability to write clear, concise, and useful economic reports for non-economists.
• Strong oral communication skills, with the potential capacity to present to business and policy audiences.
• A candidate with professional bilingual (English/French) capacity is highly sought after to help APEC expand its reach to francophone media and audiences.

We are a small, highly interdependent team. What you do counts. So does our reputation as a trusted source of insights.

• Attention to detail and an ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Easy to get along with, enjoy working closely with others, and willing to contribute to the team.
• Knowledge of economic development and policy in Atlantic Canada is a distinct advantage.

Location

This position is open to anyone able to live and work within a short commute of any of the Atlantic cities in which we hold events (Halifax, Charlottetown, St. John’s, Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton). Remote employees are required to videoconference on a weekly basis. They must also meet periodically with APEC’s team in Halifax. Currently, all APEC staff are located near its Halifax office but work remotely four days a week.
 

Term and Salary

This is a 12-month term position, beginning September 2023, with the potential for a subsequent extension or a permanent position.

The annual starting salary is $57,000.  

APEC offers a health benefits package and a matched contribution group RRSP plan to permanent employees only. Flexible work arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with APEC’s employee policies.

Applicants should send a merged a cover letter and resume, clearly indicating how you meet the above requirements, by noon, March 13, 2023,to: hr@apec-econ.cawith Subject Line: Economist-Entry Level.

The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) is the source for independent research, insights and ideas vital to supporting a healthy, inclusive and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit https://www.apec-econ.ca/about-us/  to learn more about APEC, our research and events. We would like to thank all those who apply for this position but only those under consideration will be contacted.