Position Description
Ministry of Environment
Climate Action Secretariat
POSITION TITLE:
Senior Economic Advisor
POSITION
NUMBER(S):
00097662
DIVISION:
(e.g., Division, Region, Dep’t)
UNIT:
(e.g., Branch, Area, District)
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE:
Climate Action Secretariat, Victoria
Climate Change Policy
LOCATION:
Victoria
Manager, Climate Change Policy
POSITION
NUMBER
PHONE
NUMBER:
00099616
SUPERVISOR’S
CLASSIFICATION:
Business Leadership
FOR AGENCY USE ONLY
NOC CODE:
APPROVED CLASSIFICATION:
CLASS CODE:
ENTERED BY:
PHONE NUMBER:
387-0732
PROGRAM
The Climate Action Secretariat (CAS) is the central Government agency responsible and accountable for meeting the
Province of British Columbia’s greenhouse gas reduction targets by coordinating climate action activities across
Government and with stakeholders. The Secretariat has a mandate to ensure an innovative, coordinated and effective
approach to climate action in British Columbia. The Climate Change Policy Section is responsible for provincial climate
policy analysis and development, and providing advice and support for Cabinet through coordinating and facilitating best
practices research and policy on climate action across Government ministries. The Climate Change Policy Section
conducts economic and policy analysis to ensure the Province meets its greenhouse gas reduction targets, while
maintaining a course for a prosperous, successful and sustainable future. The Section conducts economic analysis of
climate change policy decisions, offering strategic advice and recommendations on program planning, evaluation of
economic practices, policy development and assessment of alternative climate action approaches. The work of the
Climate Change Policy Section has significant economic and financial implications for British Columbia through such
activities as carbon pricing and the development of multi-million dollar international carbon markets.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Senior Advisor is the Government of BC’s senior climate policy economist and provides expert policy and strategic
advice to senior ministry Executives, the Minister, and Cabinet regarding the significant economic and financial
implications of provincial climate policy and international climate policy agreements. The Senior Advisor is an expert
specialist; leading and managing complex quantitative and economic analysis of climate policy to ensure that provincial
climate policy meets provincial objectives. The Senior Advisor represents the province in negotiations, such as the
Western Climate Initiative – a future multi-million dollar carbon market. The position leads and manages a program of
economic and statistical research and analysis to develop and make strategic recommendations on provincial climate
policy based on the assessment and forecasting of the significant economic, social, and environmental policy
implications. The Senior Advisor also represents the Government of BC in working groups, consultations and
negotiations, within the province, nationally and internationally.
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NATURE OF WORK AND POSITION LINKS
The position applies an expert understanding of all issues related to provincial climate policy and international climate
agreements, including development of markets for carbon, and the use of complex economic models to conduct
economic research, provide strategic policy recommendations, and anticipate future climate policy issues of significant to
the province. The position leads and conducts highly specialized and complex quantitative and economic modeling
analysis to estimate the outcomes of decisions with significant financial and economic consequences for the province.
The position provides strategic oversight and advice on the WCI and other potential national and international climate
policy agreements.
The economics of climate policy is a highly complex and dynamic, high-stakes policy area, which is subject to
considerable scrutiny from industry and stakeholders, and frequently featured in media reports. The complexity and
significance of the analysis and research conducted requires considerable judgement, insight, and initiative to achieve the
provincial policy objectives. As a ministry expert on climate policy and complex quantitative economic analyses, the
Senior Advisor establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with industry, non-government organizations, other
governments, ministries and crown agencies. The position functions with a high degree of independence and freedom,
representing the Government of BC, to act and interact in consultation and negotiation with a number of key stakeholders.
To achieve objectives, the position develops and maintains productive working relationships with:

Manager, Executive Director, Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister, Minister, the Premier’s Office, and
Cabinet - to provide expert advice and recommendations, as the provincial expert regarding the economics of
climate policy and international policy agreements

Policy Advisors, Analysts and Managers - to lead and collaborate on complex quantitative economic analysis of
climate policy, providing guidance and advice on all related issues

Government Communications and Public Engagement (GCPE) - to provide analytical support and content for the
development of communications materials

Management and Senior Executive of Provincial Government Agencies - to collaborate on submissions to
Cabinet with senior officials from Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource
Operations, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Ministry Advanced
Education and Ministry of Labour Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government to support, advise and
collaborate on submissions to Cabinet.

Industry Stakeholders – to collaborate and provide expert advice and support for industry stakeholders affected
by climate policy in BC

Federal and Provincial Counterparts - to liaise and negotiate on climate policy and economic issues on the
analysis, planning, and implementation efforts employed in other jurisdictions

Independent Scientific Bodies - to ensure expertise and information of peer-reviewed, science-based climate
policy and economic theory

Work Groups and Task Forces – to set the direction and establish work and analysis objectives required for
aligning efforts with the goals and commitments of the Province.

Academia – to liaise, participate and attend climate policy and economic conferences to ensure credibility of
climate policy development, methodologies and analysis.

Contractors, Work Groups and Task Forces – to lead and set the direction and establish work and analysis
objectives required for aligning efforts with the goals and commitments of the Province.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES / DELIVERABLES
1. As a senior advisor and expert responsible for the analysis of climate policy with multi-million dollar implications
for the BC economy, provide expert advice and recommendations to senior ministry Executives, the Minister and
Cabinet regarding the economic implications of climate policy, international policy agreements, programs,
standards and initiatives, including the development of greenhouse gas emission trading markets.
2. Direct, oversee, and coordinate with senior management across Government to ensure an effective and timely
delivery of climate policy and economics related material to Cabinet, Cabinet Committees and Treasury Board:
a. Leads and manages the development on climate policy related cabinet submissions
b. Provides expert advice and recommendations to senior management across government on economics and
climate policy content of cabinet submissions
c. Leads and manages the oversight of economic analyses conducted for cabinet submissions
3. Lead and conduct the assessment of climate policies capable of significant (multi-million dollar) impacts on the
economy, using complex economic models and quantitative analysis.
a. Leads and manages the application and development of complex energy-economy forecasting models to
assess climate policy options in BC
b. Leads and manages the analysis and application of the principles and concepts of economic theory to
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c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
monitor, forecast and provide reports and recommendations based on econometric modeling, statistical
analysis, and qualitative and quantitative reviews concerning climate change policy
Summarizes economic forecasts prepared by others and recommends options for economic and quantitative
analysis of climate policy, programs and initiatives
Provides expert advice and training on economic analysis techniques and methodologies both internally and
externally
Prepares and presents interpretive reports on current economic and quantitative analyses, trends, and
patterns to both technical and non-technical audiences including senior government officials
Develops and/or enhances statistical, energy-economy, and econometric models of energy systems
Defines the scope, objectives, data requirements and evaluation strategy for each study/project
Directs the acquisition of internal and external data appropriate to specific project needs and ensures the
accuracy and relevance of data
4. Direct and oversee an internal research and analysis program to develop capacity for a timely response to CAS
staff and broader government needs for climate policy-related quantitative and economic analysis, expert advice
and direction, and policy recommendations.
a. Leads and manages a research and analysis program capable of a timely response to climate policy analysis
needs
b. Plans, organizes, evaluates and summarizes research projects and makes recommendations to senior
management on the relevance and implications of findings
c. Oversees the application and development of quantitative models (energy end-use, CGE, macroeconomic,
input-output) for estimating outcomes of climate policy, programs, and initiatives
d. Provides expert advice and detailed information for assessing the feasibility and expected outcomes of
climate policy, programs, and initiatives
e. Assesses the validity of positions and data presented by other groups and provides alternate positions based
on best available data and economic and/or analytical methods
f. Provides data, monitors reports and advises on specific economic issues that arise
g. Prepares economic and quantitative analysis of existing and new climate policy, programs, and initiatives for
Cabinet submissions
h. Interprets findings and prepares reports and recommendations on options, alternatives, results and costbenefits to assist management in policy formulation
i. Monitors trends and developments to provide supporting information and analysis both internally and for
external purposes
j. Prepares briefing materials, issue alerts (current and projected) and related reports and analyses
k. Reviews studies conducted by outside agencies to determine requirements and standards to develop new
utilization models, conduct peer reviews, manage research projects, etc.
l. Liaises with other branches and agencies to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach of analyses
5. Provides expert guidance to analysts who provide policy, analytical and research support to the Climate Change
Policy Section and to the entire Climate Action Secretariat
a. Participates in selection and training of staff
b. Plans, organizes, manages and prioritizes projects
c. Provides technical advice, guidance and assistance on methodology and the application of economic
analysis and quantitative techniques
6. Performs other related duties
a. Acts for the Manager during absences
b. Initiate and manage contracts for economic research and related policy development services; manage
contract deliverables, signoff on completion.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
 Lead and manage climate policy analysis for the Province of BC with multi-million dollar financial implications,
including carbon tax revenue and carbon market flows.
 Manage procurement processes for professional services contracts; negotiate contracts; monitor contract
performance; and approve payments. Contract budget varies ~ $200,000/year
DIRECT SUPERVISION (i.e., responsibility for signing the employee appraisal form)
Role
Directly supervises staff
# of Regular FTE’s
# of Auxiliary FTE’s
0
0
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Supervises staff through subordinate supervisors
0
0
PROJECT /TEAM LEADERSHIP OR TRAINING (Check the appropriate boxes)
Role
# of
FTE’s
<3
Supervises students or volunteers
Lead project teams
<15
Role
# of
FTE’s
0
Provides formal training to other staff
Assigns, monitors and examines the work of staff
0
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
TOOLS / EQUIPMENT
Standard office technology: laptop or personal computer; Blackberry or cell phone; office equipment (fax, photocopier);
Microsoft Office suite of software
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office environment
Occasional overnight travel, including international travel
PREPARED BY
NAME:
DATE:
Dennis Paradine
June 29, 2011
EXCLUDED MANAGER AUTHORIZATION
I confirm that:
1. the accountabilities / deliverables were assigned to this position effective: June 29, 2011.
2. the information in this position description reflects the actual work performed.
3. a copy has / will be provided to the incumbent(s).
NAME:
SIGNATURE:
Lee Thiessen
DATE:
June 29, 2011
ORGANIZATION CHART
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SELECTION CRITERIA
EDUCATION/

A combination of experience, education and/or training equivalent to:

Masters degree in Economics or Resource Management, or related field – with extensive coursework and
specialization in economics and quantitative modeling of climate policies and a minimum 2 years current
experience operating in a policy and analysis work environment or equivalent.
KNOWLEDGE OF
 macroeconomic, input-output, CGE, econometric, optimization, and energy end-use modeling methodologies and
techniques
 micro and macro-economic theory
 quantitative and qualitative analyses
 econometric research methodologies and techniques
 statistical and computerized applications
 provincial, national, and international climate policy
 direct and indirect Provincial climate polices, programs and initiatives
 Government and ministry climate policy related acts and regulations
 recent literature and common practices for analysis of energy and climate policy
 provincial, national, and international energy system characteristics and trends
 greenhouse gas emission sources, sinks, and reservoirs
 greenhouse gas emission offset legislation, protocols, and markets
 climate/atmospheric science, pollution chemistry, and biological systems
SKILLS/ABILITIES
 ability to provide expert advice and guidance to senior decision-makers
 demonstrated ability to develop, apply, and synthesize complex quantitative and economic models for
environmental/climate policy analysis
 ability to lead and conduct research and analytical projects and perform economic modeling
 strong research, statistical and analytical skills
 superior writing, communication and interpersonal skills
 superior ability to meet and deal effectively with internal and external colleagues, stakeholders, interest groups, and
other agencies
 strong analytical, organizational, problem solving, and conceptual skills
 demonstrated ability to produce high quality, accurate reports
 ability to define problems, organize and implement efficient solutions by applying multi-disciplinary theories and
techniques
 ability to use current word processing, spreadsheet, database and statistical analysis software
 ability to work with minimal supervision, both independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and take a
leadership role

COMPETENCIES
In addition to the three Public Service Core Competencies (Service Orientation, Results Focus and Teamwork &
Cooperation) the following competencies are requirement of the position:
Business Acumen is the ability to understand the business implications of decisions and the ability to strive to improve
organizational performance. It requires an awareness of business issues, processes and outcomes as they impact the
client's and the organization's business needs.
Building Partnerships with Stakeholders is the ability to build long-term or on-going relationships with stakeholders
(e.g. someone who shares an interest in what you are doing). This type of relationship is often quite deliberate and is
typically focused on the way the relationship is conducted. Implicit in this competency is demonstrating a respect for and
stating positive expectations of the stakeholder.
Decisive Insight combines the ability to draw on one's own experience, knowledge and training and effectively problemsolve increasingly difficult and complex situations. It involves breaking down problems, tracing implications and
recognizing patterns and connections that are not obviously related. It translates into identifying underlying issues and
making the best decisions at the most appropriate time.
Initiative involves identifying a problem, obstacle or opportunity and taking appropriate action to address current or future
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problems or opportunities. As such, initiative can be seen in the context of proactively doing things and not simply thinking
about future actions. Formal strategic planning is not included in this competency.
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.
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.
Leadership implies a desire to lead others, including diverse teams. Leadership is generally, but not always,
demonstrated from a position of formal authority. The "team" here should be understood broadly as any group with which
the person interacts regularly.
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