This role is permanent, located in central Wellington, New Zealand.

• Provide a first-class regulatory economic perspective to the Ministry’s work
• Develop long-term strategy for regulatory economic analysis
• Be part of a new central agency

About the Ministry for Regulation:
The Ministry for Regulation is a newly established small government agency with a big job to do. We are a small group of dedicated professionals, working in a ‘can do’ environment.

The New Zealand government uses regulation to protect communities from harm, and to improve outcomes for its people. Our job is to help improve the overall quality of regulation – and the way it is implemented – by working across the public service with experts in their fields.

About the Role:
The Chief Economist will lead a small team of people to work across the Ministry to provide insightful economic perspectives and advice. This critical role provides the economic advice and analysis which will impact and influence the work of the Ministry. The Chief Economist will also work closely with other NZ government agencies to provide strategic leadership in the regulatory area.

As the Chief Economist, you will be responsible for developing and overseeing the long-term strategy to deliver high quality regulatory economic analysis to the Ministry and Minister.

You will provide an informed and insightful regulatory economics perspective to the work of the Ministry. With your team, you will provide detailed cost-benefit analyses to ensure all implications of regulatory changes are accurately assessed, reviewed and promoted.

You will build relationships within NZ and internationally to ensure the Ministry is fully informed of the wider regulatory trends and impacts.

You will represent the Ministry on regulatory economic issues in public forums and industry events.

Please see the job description here: Chief Economist

About you:
We are looking for someone who:

• Has a PhD or master’s degree in economics
• Has extensive experience in regulatory economics, including experience of the relationship between law and economics
• Has a broad base of regulatory economic knowledge, with the ability to apply regulatory economic principles and insights across a wide range of domains
• Is able to critically evaluate economic literature and quantitative evidence, especially in relation to policy design and the impact of economics, law, and regulation on productivity, competition, and economic growth
• Experience in analysing complex data and using econometric models and a sound understanding of the practice of conducting microeconomic research
• Skilled in negotiating with and influencing policy decision makers
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships within and across organisations, including with relevant international and domestic organisations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate complex economic concepts and findings to non-economists, including policy professionals, lawyers, stakeholders, and leaders
• Demonstrated experience in providing guidance, mentorship, and oversight of a team

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to be directly involved in standing up a new central agency
• Work with a dedicated and supportive team, with a strong delivery focus and a can do approach
• An opportunity to influence and deliver on a wide range of strategies and frameworks
• Flexible working options

How to apply:
For further information or a confidential conversation please contact Ruth Greening, Recruitment Specialist at Ruth.Greening@regulation.govt.nz

Applications close on 12 October 2024.