Who we are The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is the research arm of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Our mission is to provide professionally independent data, research, analysis and advice that informs public and private decisions affecting Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. ABARES has a wealth of expertise in applied economic and scientific research, developing innovative modelling techniques, undertaking comprehensive surveys and developing internationally recognised data management processes. We provide integrated socio-economic and biophysical analysis to address the policy issues facing Australia's agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries today and into the future. ABARES employs innovative and passionate individuals and offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, relaxed and inclusive working environment. At ABARES you will be working in an environment supported by world-class economists and scientists developing insights into how to design better policy for Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. The Agricultural Forecasting and Trade Branch provides research, analysis and advice on agricultural commodity prices and production; forecasts for key commodities; agricultural and trade policy; trends and drivers of trade and global markets; and emerging policy issues. The key duties of the position include The Job ABARES has a number of positions available at EL1 level, including Economist, and Data manager. As an EL1 within ABARES you will be responsible for delivering and leading key components of the ABARES work program while supporting and building a positive team culture. For all EL1 roles, duties will include, but are not limited to: leading and contributing to teams that are delivering data, research and advice on Australian agriculture, fishing and forestry providing leadership, building team capability, guiding and mentoring staff communicating with stakeholders within ABARES, other government agencies and industry developing and consulting on ideas for new projects and research activities based on departmental priorities, stakeholder needs and emerging issues building and maintaining relationships and partnerships to ensure effective communication and consultation with key stakeholders in ABARES, government and industry. In addition to the above, the following role-specific elements apply: Economist: ABARES economists analyse trends and drivers of market outcomes for our portfolio industries and produce research and forecasts that help form a shared evidence base on Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. This data-driven evidence base is used in discussions between industry and government, by trading partners, and to support policy making on key issues such as trade, market access, biosecurity, and climate events. The EL1 economist role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities: lead and deliver forecasts, research and analysis into Australian agricultural, fisheries or forestry markets communicate forecasts, research and analysis to internal and external stakeholders using a variety of methods - including in data products, written reports and verbally design, implement and document forecasting, research and analysis methods, and seek opportunities to enhance and improve methods over time ensure the development and maintenance of industry networks used to support forecasting, research and analysis processes and to improve methods over time work with colleagues at all levels to plan and manage the production of forecasts, research and analysis, by developing and managing timelines and staff, and acting as a source of knowledge and expertise contribute to and lead quality assurance and data governance processes to ensure published work meets ABARES standards. Data manager: The data management team provides ABARES forecasters, researchers and analysts with data and insights into drivers of change in agriculture, fisheries and forestry markets. The team manage - and build the capability of staff to use - the databases used to enter, transform, access and publish data. The EL1 data manager role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities: manage the flow of data into and out of the trade and commodities database and manage the interaction interfaces used to enter and access these data work with colleagues to support uplift of the ABARES Commodities Database as part of our digital transformation project manage the design of data tables published in ABARES reports, and the population of these tables with data by commodity analysts - including error checking and amendments build the capability of analysts to enter, access and manage their data and to use the software applications involved lead and support continuous improvement to data management practices, specifically in the development, quality assurance and publication of data products collaborate with the other ABARES programs as required to help develop data governance and quality standards and lead their implementation in ABARES programs. Please note the role is open to all locations listed including regional areas. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature. Flexible working arrangements We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.
