The Economic/Policy Analyst will be a key member of the Regional Planning Team and will serve the Regional Assembly, in the development and delivery of its core functions.
 
The role of the Economic/Policy Analyst is to ensure that a rigorous economic and policy rationale underpins the activities of the Regional Assembly by playing a central role in the collection and analysis of data, the establishment of baseline reporting at regional and sub-regional level, formulating and implementing  economic policies associated with the Regional Economic and Spatial Strategy, and by providing inputs to policy and programme development, and providing submissions on behalf of the Assembly, as necessary.

This role will involve inputting to the development of national, regional and local policy including contributing to the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Assembly, in particular the provisions stated in Section 29 (1)(n) of the Planning and Development Act 2024 with respect to a strategy relating to economic matters, as amended or updated.
 

The position requires excellent administrative, supervisory, interpersonal, communication, research and other particular skills and expertise depending on the demands of the role.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to policy development across a wide range of areas
• Provide statistical and econometric assistance to the Assembly
• Review and analyse economic data and policy drivers to support the development and delivery of the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy in line with statutory timeframes
• Assisting in relevant aspects of the implementation of the measures set out Project Ireland 2040, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, the current ERDF/JTF Programmes and any future relevant EU programmes.
• Support the Regional Assembly in its statutory role in relation to the Local Economic and Community Plans
• Undertake studies/reports/research (including as part of a team) which investigate and analyse specific economic, social, environmental, and spatial planning issues on behalf of the Regional Assembly. 
• Prepare advice, including any required evidence-based reports, to inform the development, delivery and monitoring or regional policy
• Preparation, input to, and delivery of submissions on behalf of the Regional Assembly
• Use data, quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques to conduct policy analysis and evaluation
• Economic modelling and forecasting, having regard to wider national and international models
• Provide support to line manager, senior management team to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Regional Assembly’s corporate and operational plans, including planning and prioritising work
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships, both internally and externally, including with Assembly members, Government Departments and Agencies.
• Act as a key point of contact and liaison, in relation to all operational matters for the areas for which they are responsible.  This includes communicating and liaising effectively with colleagues, managers, the public, and elected representatives
• Represent the Assembly on committees and at meetings. This comprises engagement with local authorities, central government departments and relevant agencies, and participation on relevant multi-disciplinary teams
• Respond to policy negotiations at National and EU level
• Any other duties as assigned from time to time by the Director, relevant to the role

Honours bachelor’s degree or higher degree in economics, public policy, or relevant discipline • Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience