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Department of the Public Service
VACANCY NOTICE
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for appointment to the post of
CHIEF ECONOMIST
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH ECONOMY
A. RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATIONSHIPS
- To lead the formulation and implementation of economic strategies and interventions and initiatives; develop and implement research and analysis strategies; and monitor and evaluate economic policies, to inform fiscal and economic decision-making, toward the achievement of departmental and national goals.
- Responds to the Deputy Permanent Secretary and liaises with Heads of Departments/Divisions, line agencies, regional and international financial institutions and donor agencies on matters related to work in progress.
B. DUTIES AND TASKS
- Leads and manages assigned staff through target setting, continuous dialogue, mentoring, coaching, assessment of staff performance, identifying training needs and gaps, and managing leave, to ensure effective performance management and promote employee wellbeing.
- Prepares the work programme for the Unit, in line with the Department’s strategic objectives, through strategic planning, consultation with stakeholders and reviewing key evidence-based reports/documentation, to enable the determination of targets, milestones and deadlines.
- Develops funding proposals and requests for technical assistance for strategic projects by conducting research on economic realities and identified priorities, in accordance with established procedures and donor requirements, to seek viable funding and other resources for national programme/project initiatives.
- Monitors legislative and administrative economic developments in domestic, regional and international environments through the application of requisite economic modelling techniques and conducting research and analysis, to provide technical advice on policy reforms.
- Leads and conducts research and analysis on emerging economic trends, sector priorities, key reforms and national programmes by assessing current economic situations, to support the rationalisation of resources against policy priorities.
- Monitors and evaluates existing policy and other measures related to specific functional areas by reviewing and reporting on policy objectives, impacts, challenges and constraints for the introduction of interventions and the assessment of effectiveness, goals and results.
- Identifies opportunities for economic growth by overseeing economic research, examining global trends, evaluating existing policies, engaging stakeholders and reviewing analyses and reports to enhance economic development and stability.
- Initiates, coordinates and plans for the economic, social, cultural, environmental and physical development of Saint Lucia through macro and micro economic research and analysis and monitoring of trends and application of economic principles to support the national development agenda.
- Coordinates and oversees the preparation and periodic review of the implementation of the Medium Term Development Strategy (MTDS) and Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) by directing the scheduling of meetings, preparing documents and consulting stakeholders, to determine suitability and responsiveness to policy environment and development challenges.
- Develops economic models and forecasts of the country’s economic performance in various scenarios by using mathematical and statistical techniques to predict and test hypothesis, to provide insight, forecast economic trends and develop strategies for response.
- Reviews submissions to the Cabinet of Ministers by verifying and analysing related documents for accuracy and relevance of recommendations and to ensure adherence to established standards.
- Facilitates continuous learning through training, workshops and meetings by applying effective training methodologies and presentation skills to build capacity in the economics field.
- Supports the review of relevant legislation, policies and procedures through consultation with stakeholders and making recommendations that are constitutionally sound to enable legal reform and decision making.
- Establishes linkages with relevant stakeholders through collaboration and networking at the local, regional and international levels, to enable information sharing, knowledge transfer and the identification of requisite resources to fulfil the mandate of the Department.
- Ensures the development, implementation and maintenance of proficient records management systems in accordance with standard operating procedures, to ensure the retention and accessibility of data that serve the information needs of stakeholders, enable reporting obligations and promote accountability and transparency.
- Implements and monitors the budget for the Unit by working in collaboration with Division heads to ensure access to funding for various programmes/projects, the effective use of resources, and to facilitate early detection and management of budget variations.
- Represents the Department on committees, conferences and meetings at the local, regional and international levels to articulate government’s policy position and foster networking and alliances.
- Prepares reports on the work programme of the Unit, in accordance with standard operating procedures, to allow for a review of set targets and objectives, facilitate decision-making and promote accountability.
- Performs any other job-related duties as may be assigned.
C. CONDITIONS
- Congenial accommodation is provided within a general administrative office.
- Institutional support is provided through the Constitution of Saint Lucia, civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, and other relevant policy documents.
- Opportunities exist for personal development through established orientation and training programmes, as outlined in the Training and Development Policy for the Saint Lucia Public Service.
- May be required to work beyond the normal working hours.
- Required to remain current on practices and developments in strategic leadership and management and economics field.
- Required to demonstrate political acuity.
- Required to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
- Functions in a scheduled travelling post with travel allowance in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
- Required to own and maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of duties and to possess a valid driver’s license.
- May be required to travel regionally and internationally in the conduct of duties.
- Salary and benefits are in accordance with that stipulated in the terms and conditions of employment.
D. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Expert knowledge of the machinery of government and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Expert knowledge of and ability to undertake economic forecasting, econometric modelling and market trend and policy analysis.
- Expert knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply economic planning and development and quantitative and qualitative research theories and practices.
- Advanced knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, and other relevant policy documents.
- Expert analytical and conceptualisation skills.
- Expert leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
- Expert interpersonal skills and consistently demonstrates emotional intelligence.
- Expert oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
- Expert negotiation and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
- Expert organisational and project management skills.
- Advanced computer literacy skills; with the ability to manipulate software applications such as statistical, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation programmes and econometric programmes.
- Ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Intellectually acute, visionary, innovative and capable of translating ideas into policies.
- Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in the execution of duties.
- Ability to adapt to organisational change.
E. EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Demonstrated knowledge of the machinery of government and ability to interpret and apply its administrative policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply economic planning and development and quantitative and qualitative research theories and practices.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply civil service rules and regulations, collective agreements, standard operating procedures, Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Public Finance Management Act, 2020, and other relevant policy documents.
- Demonstrated analytical and conceptualisation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communication, listening and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution/mediation skills.
- Demonstrated organisational and project management skills.
- Demonstrated computer literacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and maintain working relationships with team members and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time, meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, judgment, in the execution of duties.
- Demonstrated intellectual acuity and ability to be visionary and innovative.
- Demonstrated ability to complete assignments and tasks as defined by performance targets.
- Demonstrated political acuity.
- Demonstrated ability to remain current on practices and developments in strategic leadership and management and economics field.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and submit reports that meet established standards.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to organisational change.
F. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Master’s Degree in Economics or related field of study plus four (4) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above; or four (4) years’ relevant professional experience; OR
- Bachelor’s Degree plus Post Graduate Diploma in Economics or related field of study and four (4) years’ experience in a post at Grade 15 or above; or four (4) years’ relevant professional experience.
G. SALARY
Salary is at the rate of EC $103,194.00 per annum (Grade 19).
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made on the prescribed Government of Saint Lucia Employment Application Form, and should be addressed to:
The Secretary
Public Service Commission
Sir Stanislaus James Building
The Waterfront
Castries, St. Lucia
Applications are to reach at the above address no later than April 26, 2024.
Only suitable candidates will be acknowledged.
Please be advised that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience may not be considered for an interview; only the candidates with the best qualifications and experience will be short listed for interviews.
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