Economist (Economics Issues & Insights Unit)

Overview of the Role

The Economist Service represents the leading cadre of economists within Singapore's public sector, aiming to enhance economic analysis to strengthen policymaking. Economists serve across various Ministries and agencies such as Trade and Industry, Finance, Manpower, Social and Family Development, Health, and Sustainability and the Environment. Their expertise aids in shaping a broad spectrum of policies including economic, fiscal, social, health, security, and infrastructure planning.

Key Duties

As a member of the Economist team, you will help establish a robust evidence base that supports policy development in Singapore. Your work includes:

• Proactively identifying pressing and emerging economic and socio-economic topics through early sensemaking efforts.
• Compiling and synthesizing existing research, incorporating insights from both local and international studies to form comprehensive evidence.
• Heading research initiatives and policy projects to address gaps in current knowledge specific to Singapore’s context.

Qualifications and Skills

• Possession of an undergraduate, Master's, or PhD degree in Economics. Candidates with postgraduate qualifications have an advantage, yet strong undergraduate applicants are also considered.
• Advanced quantitative abilities, including econometrics, to conduct policy modelling, simulations, and impact evaluations.
• A strong enthusiasm for empirical investigation and demonstrable experience solving complex quantitative problems.
• Proficiency in statistical or programming tools such as STATA, R, or Python.
• Capability to extract, integrate, and clearly communicate key findings from economic research and theory.
• A serious interest in developing expertise across diverse topics such as economic growth and structure, sustainability, labour markets, globalization, investment, productivity, and innovation.
• Excellent communication skills with the aptitude to explain complex concepts simply.

Application Notes

Applicants are requested to submit their latest educational certificates and transcripts from 'A' Levels or Diploma level onwards, including unofficial transcripts if available. Submission of any Economics coursework projects or theses is also encouraged to aid application review.