Principal Research and Foresight Analyst (Urban Economics)

City of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 109,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Discounted Myki pass

Career growth

Flexible hybrid work

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking a Principal Research and Foresight Analyst (Urban Economics) to lead economics research and foresight for long‑term planning. You’ll translate complex data into clear advice to guide policy and precinct development.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team, partnering with senior leaders to shape sustainable city outcomes and people‑centred planning. Commitment to evidence, collaboration and city shaping is essential.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in urban economics, urban planning, research, data analytics, geography or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex research, analysis or foresight projects.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to translate data into insights.
• Strong written and verbal communication for reports, briefings and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, foresight and economic analysis to inform city planning decisions.
• Translate data and trends into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Integrate research, spatial analysis and scenario planning into solutions.
• Apply urban economics knowledge to support sustainable growth and precinct development.
• Foster collaboration and build capability across the organisation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy and planning insight

Education

Urban economics degree

Urban planning/Geography data analytics

Job description

Principal Research and Foresight Analyst (Urban Economics)

• Bring economic expertise to a multidisciplinary team informing Melbourne’s long‑term planning and decision‑making
• Permanent Full Time Opportunity
• $121,095 + 12% Super

Join us in shaping Melbourne's future

The City Strategy and Urban Planning Branch is a team of 38 people that provide the long‑term strategic direction that shapes the City of Melbourne’s future. Through research, foresight and strategic urban planning, the branch guides sustainable growth, manages city change and helps deliver the City of Melbourne’s long‑term vision.

As part of our new operating model, we are building a team of talented professionals who are passionate about city shaping, evidence‑based decision making and creating positive outcomes for City of Melbourne's communities.

About the Role

As the Principal Urban Research and Foresight (Urban Economist), you’ll lead research, foresight and economic analysis that informs major city‑shaping decisions, from planning policy and precinct development to long‑term urban strategy. Working closely with senior leaders, you’ll translate complex data, trends and economic insights into clear, actionable advice that helps the City of Melbourne anticipate change, seize opportunities and deliver sustainable, people‑focused outcomes.

A Little More About the Role

• Lead impactful urban research, foresight and economic analysis to inform strategic planning, city‑shaping decisions and long‑term outcomes for Melbourne.
• Transform complex data, trends and urban economics insights into clear, actionable recommendations, helping decision‑makers navigate emerging risks, opportunities and future challenges.
• Drive evidence‑based strategy and policy development by integrating research, spatial analysis, scenario planning and stakeholder insights into practical, future‑focused solutions.
• Apply expert urban economics knowledge to support sustainable growth, precinct development, place‑making initiatives and high‑quality urban outcomes that put people first.
• Champion collaboration and capability building across the organisation, providing trusted advice to senior leaders and fostering stronger research, foresight and urban economics practices.

To view full position description, please see attached document on job application page in “Position Information”.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in urban economics, urban planning, research, data analytics, geography or a related discipline, with substantial professional experience
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex research, analysis or foresight projects
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and trends and translate them into clear, evidence‑based insights and recommendations.
• Sound understanding of urban systems and city‑shaping dynamics, complemented by strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high‑quality reports, briefings and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, while building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships across government, industry and community sectors.
• Ability to research and synthesise complex trends, community needs and place‑based insights, including First Nations perspectives

About City of Melbourne

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose‑driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward‑thinking team.

What we can offer you at City of Melbourne

• Industry-leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender-neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.
• A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
• Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
• Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city‑shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
• Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time‑in‑lieu options, and part‑time or job‑share opportunities to support a healthy work‑life balance.

A few important things to note – don’t miss out!

• To be eligible, applicants must have permanent working rights.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.