Associate Director/Principal Economist

Expressions of Interest

Associate Director/Principal Economist, Performance Budgeting Frameworks

This temporary vacancy is only available to current NSW Public Sector employees. External candidates are encouraged to apply for our externally advertised roles

• Employment Type: Temporary
• Employment period: 6 months
• Grade/Band: Clerk Grade 11/12
• Location: Sydney CBD, Flexible working options available
• Applications Close: Monday 7 September 2026 at 9:59am

Your day as an Associate Director/Principal Economist

You will lead the development and implementation of the NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework, helping to strengthen whole-of-government performance reporting, outcomes-based budgeting and evidence-informed decision making.

Your day-to-day work will include leading high-quality qualitative and quantitative analysis, developing whole-of-government budget frameworks, overseeing performance data collection and reporting, and preparing advice, briefs, presentations and correspondence for senior decision-makers. You will also lead key projects and processes, including the production of a Performance Statement in the Budget Papers.

You will lead and develop a small team and build trusted relationships across Treasury, NSW Government agencies and other stakeholders. Your ability to communicate complex information clearly, balance competing priorities and provide accurate advice within short timeframes will be critical to delivering sound policy and resource allocation outcomes.

You will be joining our Economic Strategy and Productivity Group and will be working within the Centre for Economic Division. Read more about your future Group and Division.

You can read more about the role in the role description here.

What you can bring to the role

In this integral leadership role, you will bring the experience, judgement and relationship skills needed to deliver high-quality economic and policy advice for the people of NSW.

The ideal candidate will have:

• knowledge of, and/or professional experience in, public economics, evidence-based decision making or public policy
• professional experience providing policy advice and/or economic analysis in a data-driven environment with a strong customer focus
• advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex qualitative and quantitative evidence into practical advice and recommendations
• advanced communication, stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate solutions with senior stakeholders in a complex, fast-paced environment
• demonstrated experience leading, motivating and developing a small team through changing priorities and periods of reform
• the resilience and judgement to balance competing demands, manage sensitive issues and deliver accurate work within short timeframes

Enrich your career with the NSW Treasury

You will have an invaluable opportunity to create a positive impact for the people of New South Wales. You will be challenged to provide the best outcomes possible in this role while developing and growing your own skills.

When you join Treasury, you join an organisation that is a whole-of-government financial and economic advisor. Treasury is a critical component of the government and provides advice that informs a wide range of financial, economic and policy driven work for the state of NSW.

As you contribute your expertise, you’ll engage in continuous Professional Development, acquiring essential skills such as:

• leading the development and implementation of whole-of-government performance and wellbeing frameworks
• strengthening strategic policy advice, stakeholder influence and executive communication
• leading complex analytical projects and developing capability within a high-performing team

Gather more insights about Careers at Treasury and learn more about how you can transform your career in a central government agency invested in you.

Interested in working with us

Read the role description to learn more about the role and submit your application ONLY via the I Work for NSW jobs platform.

Application process:

• an up-to-date resume detailing your knowledge, skills, and experience in relation to the role.
• complete pre-screening questions as part of the application process.
• partake in a suitability interview and undergo additional assessments if shortlisted
• confirmation that your leader/s supports your application and has agreed in principle to release you should you be successful.

Read more about what to expect in the hiring process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

NSW Treasury is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve, where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to contribute and do their best work.

We are committed to fair and equitable recruitment processes and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including First Nations peoples, people with disability, people of all ages and genders, LGBTQIA+ people, and people from diverse cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds.

We actively support workplace and recruitment adjustments to remove barriers and enable equitable participation. If you require an adjustment or assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Talent Advisor listed on the job advertisement or visit the following link for more information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-treasury/about-us/careers

• As a Disability Confident Recruiter, NSW Treasury is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment and supports adjustments so candidates with disability can participate fairly at every stage.
• As a Level 1 Activate Carer Employer, we recognise and support employees with caring responsibilities through inclusive and flexible workplace practices.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for ongoing or temporary employment at NSW Treasury, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of Australia and a substantive or temporary NSW public service employee, contractors are not eligible to apply.

Any questions?

Visit our Careers Centre or contact our Talent Advisor Natalie Wu natalie.wu@treasury.nsw.gov.au

Close of applications: 9:59am Monday 7 September 2026

A concurrent search is also underway