Associate Economist

NSW Treasury; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 78,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Public sector superannuation

Job summary

NSW Treasury is offering an Associate Economist role (Aboriginal Targeted) within the Career Launch Program in Sydney. The 12-month program includes placements in Treasury’s First Nations Economic Wellbeing branch and other divisions, with training and mentoring to develop public policy economics capabilities.

Applicants should be recent graduates, available to start on 1 February 2027, and eligible for Australian or NZ citizenship or permanent residency. Applications close 16 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics, public policy, or a related field by January 2027.
• Available to commence employment on 1 February 2027.
• Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 12-month program with placements in two areas within Economic Strategy and Productivity.
• Contribute to policy development and government decision-making with mentors and training.
• Assist in informing policy through economic analysis and evidence.

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics/public policy

Job description

Associate Economist (Aboriginal Targeted) – Career Launch Program

Economic Strategy and Productivity

• Employment Type: Ongoing


• Remuneration: $78,000 - $84,799 p.a. plus Superannuation and Leave Loading


• Hours Per Week: 35 hours


• Location: Sydney CBD with flexible working options available


• Applications Close: Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 9:59 AM

Launch your career with NSW Treasury

We are seeking new and recent graduates looking to commence a career in public policy economics with NSW Treasury - the NSW Government’s financial and economic adviser.

The Career Launch Program for Associate Economists is a 12-month program comprising:

• placements in two different areas within the Economic Strategy and Productivity Group. For our targeted Associate Economist role, this will include a placement within Treasury’s First Nations Economic Wellbeing branch within our Centre for Economic Evidence division and another placement which could include the NSW Productivity & Equality Commission, Markets & Regulation, Macroeconomy or Revenue Divisions (see NSW Treasury Teams and Groups)


• regular training sessions covering a range of topics including economics for public policy, problem solving skills, and career development


• regular engagement with mentors


• opportunities to play a role in informing policy development and government decision-making.

Associate Economists will be exposed to a broad range of work and economic policy issues. Working at the centre of the NSW Government, they will also be well-placed to develop their professional network and a well-rounded understanding of career pathways in public policy. On completion of the Program, participants move to their ongoing teams in Treasury.

This opportunity is being conducted as a targeted recruitment process. NSW Treasury recognises and values the knowledge, lived experience, cultural capability and unique perspectives that First Nations peoples contribute to NSW, therefore we strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply for this opportunity.

For all other applicants, applications for our general Associate Economist - Career Launch program can be placed via our general Associate Economist - Career Launch here

https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/associate-economist-career-launch-program-596909

As an Associate Economist, you will join a diverse and welcoming team in the Economic Strategy and Productivity Group. The benefits of working with us include:

• Flexible working at our CBD office in Martin Place, Sydney


• Flexible working hours within a standard 35 hour working week


• Continuous learning and development opportunities


• An emphasis on maintaining a culturally, mentally, and physically healthy workplace. Our commitment to Wellbeing at Treasury includes opportunities to connect with colleagues to boost social connection, the provision of support services, and seminars on fostering wellbeing


• A range of leave provisions to cater for your needs in and out of work, including generous paid parental leave and carers leave.

About you

We are seeking confident and enthusiastic team-players with strong inter-personal skills who enjoy being challenged and thinking on their feet.

You should have a passion for applying economic frameworks and principles to drive better public policy for the people of NSW.

You should have a strong commitment to developing your professional capabilities, including problem solving, effective communication, working collaboratively, and resilience and courage, providing the foundations for a successful career at NSW Treasury and in public policy economics more generally.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to apply for the Associate Economist program you must:

• have completed or be due to complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, public policy, or a related field) by January 2027


• be available to commence employment on 1 February 2027


• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia.

Lived experience and ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with and understand issues impacting on First Nations peoples are highly valued for this role.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an in-person interview and undertake two capability based assessments.

NSW Treasury does not provide relocation expenses, nor can we support employer-sponsored work visas. We do not offer internships.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that may become available over the next 18 months.

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.

If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, then we want to hear from you. Treasury NSW recognises and values cultural knowledge and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we therefore strongly encourage you to apply. We are strongly committed to being an Employer of Choice, one who offers, provides, and practices cultural safety in our workplace

Visit our Careers Centre or contact our Talent Advisor Natalie Wu [e-mail]

Close of applications:

Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 9:59AM