Chief Economist

• Peak national business group & highly respected organisation
• High profile position
• Member of the Executive Team

Role Purpose

The Australian Chamber is a leading advocate for business.

This role provides a unique opportunity to influence the direction, content and impact of the public and policy making debate around economic and industry policy, including energy policy. The role will make an important contribution to the leadership and influence of the Australian Chamber in helping to determine the future of economic and industry policy in Australia. It will also help to reinforce and increase a positive profile for the contribution of business to the development and implementation of sound economic and industry policy to encourage private sector growth.

Key Responsibilities

•  Lead the development of policy and advocacy on issues of economics, monetary policy, competition policy, the Budget, regulation, innovation, tax and transfers, energy and infrastructure
• Support other areas of policy development and advocacy by the Australian Chamber, particularly in the annual national award wage case and the Australian Chamber’s international engagement
• Build effective relationships with other Australian Chamber staff, members, industry and other stakeholders, including senior government, business, academic, think tank and NGO representatives
• Co-ordinate, prepare briefings for, and deliver representations on behalf of business in relevant national forums, including Parliamentary inquires, with support of relevant members
• Build a positive profile for the contribution of the Australian Chamber to policy debates and solutions
• Prepare, and deliver external presentations, media releases, and member communications
• Direct engagement with media on economic policy issues particularly economic statistic announcements
• Build the organisational capability of the Economic and Industry Policy team

Skills, Experience and Qualifications required

• Demonstrated and consistent alignment with the values of the Australian Chamber
• Highly developed understanding of economics, and the key issues and processes in industry policy and the policy making process, gained through significant tertiary study and workplace experience
• Intellect and political acumen to find practical, creative and politically achievable solutions to economic and industry policy challenges, and advocate them effectively
• A balance of policy, technical and communication skills:
  • Very high level of policy knowledge and development, and advocacy experience in, economics and industry policy
  • Very high level skills and substantial experience in negotiations, influencing, collaboration and oral and written communication; at senior executive and head of organisation level
  • Operational experience in, or demonstrated practical understanding of, business
  • Strong demonstrated leadership skills
  • Superior ability to manage competing priorities
  • The highest standards of personal integrity
  • A team player of the highest order
  • Effective in engaging with the media
  • Tertiary qualified in relevant disciplines, ideally at the post graduate level

To apply for this role, please email a CV and covering letter addressing the ‘Skills, Experience and Qualifications required’ to [email protected]

Click for more information on the Australian Chamber’s Strategic Priorities or a position description for the Chief Economist’s role.