JOB PROFILE
JOB STORE # 159
TITLE: ECONOMIST
CLASSIFICATION: ECONOMIST 27
JOB OVERVIEW
The position is responsible for the design, implementation and evaluation of complex health compensation,
pharmaceutical and human resource statistical analysis and economic modelling projects to support business
and strategic planning and decision-making for the Ministry of Health. The output of this analysis is used to
advise senior executives on matters directly impacting goals, objectives and financial commitments of the
Ministry of Health. The ongoing monitoring and evaluation of health sector compensation policy and
performance informs strategic directions and facilitates course correction where warranted.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Required:

Plans, leads and conducts complex economic and policy analysis and forecasting models for monitoring
and evaluating the medical services system with respect to health human resource compensation,
pharmaceutical issues, outputs and related patient health outcomes. Leads economic and statistical
analyses and econometric modeling to support decision-making related to health services programs
and planning.

Develops forecasting models required to support strategic decision making and policy and program
development and reporting for the Ministry, the Medical Services Commission (MSC), Doctors of BC
(DoBC) Tariff Committee, to monitor costs and provide analyses of billing and utilization to manage the
allocated budget of over $3 Billion annually as well as similar activities with respect to pharmaceutical
programs.

Defines scope, objectives, indicators, data requirements and evaluation models to support initiatives
undertaken by the Ministry, as well as proposals put forward by key stakeholders such as the MSC, and
DoBC.

Develops a human resource economic analysis, research, evaluation, and reporting framework.
Develops a critical analysis of the utilization, effectiveness and efficiency of health human resources
and relevant key performance indicators for frequent monitoring and reporting.

Provides evaluation advice and expertise in working with colleagues in other branches of the Division
and Ministry to define scope, objectives, indicators, data requirements and evaluation strategies for
various health human resource research projects.

Reviews and analyzes national and international health service models and trends. Identifies relevant
indicators for patient care, health system administration and qualifies/quantifies the relative status of
the B.C. health system. Identifies successes and areas requiring further development.

Identifies data needs and sources, and manages and oversees the design and maintenance of
databases for critical information. Proactively evaluates health human resources data, develops
Career Group:
Job Family:
Policy Research & Economics
Economics
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Professional
June 2011
standard approaches to present current issues, and increases the ability to monitor and manage
emerging issues.

Conducts cost-benefit analysis of large volumes of complex data; tests robustness of assumptions and
checks calculations.

Represents the Ministry in discussions with other jurisdictions or other levels of government on the
economic impacts of health human resource initiatives.

Represents the ministry at related inter-ministry, inter-governmental, industry or sector committees,
conferences, or working groups as required. Maintains familiarity with trends, programs, policies,
regulatory and economic tools in other relevant jurisdictions, industries and/or sectors.

Prepares written and oral interpretations of complex information to both technical and non-technical
audiences

Prepares Treasury Board and Cabinet submissions, Minister’s correspondence, briefing notes, and
position papers as required.

Prepares major government/sector publications and reports and maintains current knowledge of
related academic literature.
JOB REQUIREMENTS

A Master’s Degree in Economics or related education (i.e. Public Administration, Business
Administration, Resource Economics).

Two years of demonstrated experience through past employment:
o
preparing and presenting the results of complex statistical and economic analysis to both technical
and non-technical audiences; preparing briefs and communicating information at the executive
level; developing and maintaining effective working relationships (working with colleagues in a
government or related setting is preferred).
o
using modeling results to make recommendations that inform decision making.
o
using relational databases, large datasets, and associated applications such as SAS or SQL.

Preference may be given to those with expertise in health economics, labour economics and/or
modeling experience relating directly to health human resources or forecasting.

Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a
criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security
screening checks as required by the ministry (Note: It is important that you read the job posting
carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Commitment to Continuous Learning involves a commitment to think about the ongoing and evolving
needs of the organization and to learn how new and different solutions can be utilized to ensure
success and move the organization forward.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Policy Research & Economics
Economics
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Professional
June 2011

Conceptual Thinking is the ability to identify patterns or connections between situations that are not
obviously related, and to identify key or underlying issues in complex situations. It includes using
creative, conceptual or inductive reasoning or thought processes that are not necessarily categorized
by linear thinking.

Impact and Influence is the ability to influence, persuade, or convince others to adopt a specific course
of action. It involves the use of persuasive techniques, presentations or negotiation skills to achieve
desired results.

Planning, Organizing and Coordinating involves proactively planning, establishing priorities and
allocating resources. It is expressed by developing and implementing increasingly complex plans. It also
involves monitoring and adjusting work to accomplish goals and deliver to the organization's mandate.

Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components
and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and
compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships
("if...then…") to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or
accuracy of all information.

Innovation indicates an effort to improve performance by doing or promoting new things, such as
introducing a previously unknown or untried solution or procedure to the specific area or organization.
Service Orientation implies a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the
public, co-workers, other branches/divisions, other ministries/agencies, other government
organizations, and non-government organizations. It means focusing one’s efforts on discovering and
meeting the needs of the customer/client.

Career Group:
Job Family:
Policy Research & Economics
Economics
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Professional
June 2011