Research Economist

Department: Advanced Education
Location: HALIFAX
Permanent
The Department of Advanced Education is responsible for post-secondary education-related matters in Nova Scotia. This includes the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Office and Post-Secondary Accessibility Services, as well as oversight over the ten universities, private career colleges, and language schools.

As the Economist, you provide advanced economic, statistical and policy analysis to support strategy, planning and evidence-informed decision-making within the Department of Advanced Education. You will be part of the Strategy and Innovation Division which oversees strategic direction for the post-secondary education system including strategy development, partnership engagement and funding for research and innovation.

Reporting to the Manager, Evidence and Research, you lead and undertake complex data analysis, research, develop forecasts and models, and translate evidence into practical advice and recommendations. Your work supports policy development, funding approaches, economic evaluation, performance measurement, accountability, and strategic planning for Nova Scotia’s post-secondary education system.

Your analysis will help the department better understand enrolment, labour-market needs, student outcomes, institutional sustainability, research, innovation, and the economic and social contributions of post-secondary education.

In this role, you will help strengthen the evidence base that supports post-secondary education decisions, working closely with colleagues across government, institutions, sector partners, and data providers.

Identify emerging issues, risks, trends and opportunities affecting post-secondary education and assess their implications for departmental and government priorities.

• Gather, organize, validate and analyze data from multiple sources.
• Lead the development and application of economic and statistical models used to assess system performance, funding approaches, policy options and investment decisions.
• Design and conduct policy simulations and scenario analyses involving tuition policy, operating grants, demographics, enrolment patterns, student pathways and outcomes, research activity and other funding factors.
• Analyze labour-market trends, skills needs and the alignment between post-secondary credentials and employer demand to inform policy, program and system planning.
• Lead return-on-investment analyses and economic evaluations of policies, programs and services in the post-secondary education sector.
• Assess the economic and social contributions of the post-secondary education sector to provincial, regional and local economies.
• Support the development of performance measurement indicators and accountability reporting.
• Interpret complex evidence and present findings as clear insights, options and recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Prepare briefing notes, presentations, correspondence and other analytical materials for executive leadership, central agencies and partners.
• Work with colleagues across Advanced Education and other government departments on shared priorities and integrated analysis.
• Build working relationships with post-secondary institutions, sector organizations, research partners and data providers to obtain, interpret and validate information.
• Master’s Degree + 2 years related experience.

Relevant academic disciplines may include economics, statistics, data analytics, finance, accounting, public policy, public administration, social sciences, computer science, business, mathematics or another field of study directly relevant to the position.
Related experience includes conducting economic, statistical, policy, program or research analysis in a complex environment, and using data to support policy, funding, accountability, planning or investment decisions.

Working with large or complex datasets from multiple sources, including organizing, cleaning, validating, analyzing and interpreting a range of qualitative and quantitative data.

• Selecting and apply appropriate analytical methods, test assumptions and assess the quality and limitations of evidence.
• Using quantitative, statistical, modelling, forecasting, scenario analysis or evaluation methods to assess options, risks, impacts and trends.
• Using data analysis and visualization tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, R, Python, SQL or similar software to support applied analysis and reporting.
• Identifying trends, risks, emerging issues and policy implications, and communicating technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences and clear advice for decision-makers.
• You are a proficient user of Microsoft 365 tools, can exercise sound judgement when managing complex assignments and can provide accurate, well-supported analysis within established timelines.

The following qualifications would be considered assets:

• Experience conducting economic or policy analysis related to post-secondary education.
• Experience analyzing labour-market trends, skills needs, enrolment patterns or student outcomes.
• Experience assessing return on public investment or the economic and social contributions of education, research, innovation, or public sector programs;
• Experience using Microsoft Copilot or enterprise AI tools to support workflows and productivity
• Knowledge of data governance, information management, privacy and cybersecurity principles.We may assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Significant applied experience (10 years or more) in economic, statistical, policy, program, research, data analytics, modelling, forecasting, evaluation, or decision-support work that demonstrates an equivalent level of knowledge and skill.

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. The majority of the work is performed in an office setting. Some site visits may be required. Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.

• Forward thinking policies and strategies.
• Salary Range: $3,029.89 - $3,693.39 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.