Principal Economist

Take a central role

The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment. 

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.  

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers:  Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process. 

Did you know?   
Our regional offices are the eyes and ears of the Bank of Canada. Intelligence they obtain from Canadian businesses and households through surveys and other kinds of field research is crucial to bringing diverse perspectives into the work of the Bank and setting monetary policy. When shocks like a pandemic or a trade war hit the Canadian economy, this intelligence is crucial to achieving the best results for Canadians.  
 

What you will do  
The Canadian Economic Analysis Department (CEA) provides economic analysis and research that support the Bank’s monetary policy function. Within this department, the Survey and Economic Intelligence Division (SEID) works from the Bank’s regional offices to establish two-way engagement with Canadians. SEID conducts consultations and surveys, including the Business Outlook Survey, Business Leaders' Pulse, and the Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations. Using intelligence from these and other sources, SEID conducts research and analysis to support monetary policymaking.  
 

SEID also builds and maintains a network of contacts in business, civil society, government and academia. This allows it to rapidly gather information on key economic developments. SEID communicates with this network to improve the public’s understanding of Bank policies. SEID also works closely with the Communications Department to support the Bank’s Governing Council in engaging with Canadians across the country. 
 

Under the general direction of the Regional Director (Economics) of British Columbia and the Yukon, you will: 

• help assess the information needs of the department and design survey methodologies to meet these needs 
• initiate, lead and conduct economic analysis using qualitative findings from field interviews and apply statistical methods to the analysis of current and historical survey data
• conduct statistical/econometric analysis related to current economic conditions and issues and undertake longer-term research projects to advance the Department’s research priorities  
• keep abreast of national and provincial economic trends by monitoring and analyzing macroeconomic and microeconomic data and preparing briefing notes for Bank leadership  
• lead business intel interviews with private-sector senior executives throughout BC and the Yukon
• build relationships with external parties to share knowledge, research and analysis  
• participate in communication activities to ensure that the Bank’s messages on monetary policy are understood   
• coach and collaborate with other economists in the Department

You will also carry out your work in a manner consistent with the organization’s core values and support the Regional Director in fostering a climate of transparency, collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement at the regional office and among colleagues within and outside of the Bank. 
 

What you need to succeed 

• a solid understanding of core micro- and macroeconomic fundamentals along with general knowledge of monetary policy formulation and implementation 
• experience leading high-quality written analysis of economic developments 
• ability to conduct insightful economic analysis and develop sound policy advice by understanding the needs of senior management and seeing through the details to the big picture
• ability to quickly understand and analyze complex economic and financial data with statistical or programming software
• ability to communicate both orally and in writing to a variety of audiences and actively participate in meetings with senior-level professionals 
• ability to organize work effectively under pressure, setting priorities to ensure follow-through and completion of multiple projects in a timely manner and under tight deadlines
• experience working collaboratively with others within a team, across teams, and with internal partners

Nice-to-have  

• experience designing surveys and analyzing survey microdata
• advanced knowledge of data analysis and econometric tools
• experience innovating to solve big problems by taking measured risks 
• a robust network of business, civil society, government or academic contacts in BC or the Yukon

Your education and experience 

• a master’s degree in economics or finance and minimum five years of experience in economic or financial analysis or in a field related to policy development; or
• a PhD degree in economics or finance with a minimum of two years of experience in economic or financial analysis or in a field related to policy development; or
• an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Language requirement
The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French. Although the position language requirement is English or French essential, we do encourage everyone to improve second their language proficiency for future career growth and to contribute towards fostering a bilingual environment.

What you need to know

• Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Reliability 
• Relocation assistance may be provided, if required
• Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

Hybrid Work Model

The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a substantial part of each month as part of the Bank`s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of eight days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider. 

• Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $124,279 to $146,211 (job grade 18)
• The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
• Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health, dental disability and life and/or accident insurance coverage that meets your needs
• Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
• Indexed, defined-benefit pension

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.