Associate Economist – Career Launch Program

esasa; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Learning & development

Mentoring

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

NSW Treasury in Sydney invites new and recent graduates to apply for the Associate Economist – Career Launch Program. This 12-month program includes placements across the Economic Strategy and Productivity Group, ongoing training, and mentoring to support your development in public policy economics.

On completion, participants move to their ongoing teams in Treasury. The program emphasizes transferable policy skills, resilience, teamwork, and flexible working arrangements in a dynamic government

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Participate in two placements within the Economic Strategy and Productivity Group.
• Attend training sessions on economics for public policy, problem solving, and career development.
• Engage with mentors and contribute to policy development and government decision-making.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Team player

Resilience

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in economics/public policy or related field

Job description

Associate Economist – Career Launch Program

Launch your career with NSW Treasury, the NSW Government’s financial and economic adviser.

Employment Type: Ongoing

Hours Per Week: 35 hours

Location: Sydney CBD with flexible working options available

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

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. This could include the NSW Productivity & Equality Commission, Centre for Economic Evidence, 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.

Associate Economists 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.

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
• Available to commence employment on 1 February 2027
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia.

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

Close of applications: Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 9:59AM