Economics Intern
The purpose of the internship program is to provide opportunities for highly motivated, near-final year university students interested in a future career with the Department to gain first hand experience in the application of economics in a public policy environment. Successful applicants will work on a broad range of tasks, including policy advice, research, analysis and report writing.

Applicants will also be considered for an internship with the Essential Services Comission (ESC). The Essential Services Comission is Victoria’s independent regulatory of the electricity, gas, water and sewage, taxi, ports and rail freight industries.

Position details Title: Economics Intern Classification: Grade 2.1.1 Work Location: 1 Macarthur Street, East Melbourne (DTF) or Level 37, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (ESC) Tenure: Fixed Term (3 months) Employment Type: Full-Time Salary Range: $44,679 (pro rata) plus 9.5% superannuation Further information: Ms Mai Thai - (03) 9651 2745 Position reports to: Senior Economist/Senior Policy Analyst Closing date: 12 September 2014 * -------------------------------------------------
Organisational environment * The Department
The Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) serves government by providing leadership in economic, financial and resource management. We influence outcomes that can have a real impact on people’s lives. Our vision is a prosperous future for all Victorians.
At DTF, you’ll be part of a highly respected and professional organisation that allows you to apply your knowledge while offering flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth. You’ll be working in the heart of State Government in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities to undertake stimulating work.
Applicants will also be considered for an internship with the Essential Services Comission (ESC). The ESC is Victoria’s independent regulator of the electricity, gas, water and sewage, taxi, ports and rail freight industries. The primary objective of the Commission is to promote the long-term interests of Victorian consumers with regard to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.

* Work Area
The incumbent will be allocated to one of the following teams of the Department or the Essential Services Commission. Please note that up to 5 economic intern positions are available.

Macroeconomic and Revenue Forecasting: Produces well‐informed, appropriate economic and revenue estimates for budget processes. Provides high quality, timely advice on research and modelling of important economic issues for the Victorian Government.
Economic Policy: Advises on whole of government economic strategies and promotes regulation reform and greater use of markets to secure a competitive, growing economy and increased living standards for Victorians. This group also works with other Victorian Government agencies on natural resources policy issues.
Cost Control and Efficiency: Implements a program of public sector reform to reduce costs to taxpayers, businesses and consumers. The program focuses on controlling costs, reducing internal red tape, improving management, and delivering efficient, innovative services that prioritise the community’s needs.
Gambling Policy and Litigation: A multi-disciplinary team within DTF with responsibility for advising on gambling policy and managing the State’s litigation in response to claims from previous gaming operators. The group provides analysis and advice to Government and other DTF groups on: gambling tax settings, including costing policy changes; licensing, including the transition to new gambling licences in 2012; regulation, including responsible gambling policy; and legal matters.
Water Division (Essential Services Commission): The team’s role involves the economic regulation of the 19 State-owned water businesses that service metropolitan Melbourne and regional/rural Victoria. For further information on the ESC, please visit www.esc.vic.gov.au

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Key accountabilities * Undertake a range of special projects the Department * Undertake detailed research and analysis, preparation of associated reports and presentation of findings * Responsibility for requests and liaison with representatives of other divisions, government agencies and private sector businesses as required * Research and draft correspondence and memoranda * Provide assistance in complex reviews and analyse findings * Spreadsheet and database management

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Key Selection Criteria * Knowledge of economic concepts and an interest in applying them in a public policy environment; * Strong analytical, research, problem-solving, and quantitative skills; * Ability to work effectively in teams and collaborating with others; and * Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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Experience and Qualifications * The intern should be a highly motivated economics student with at least a credit average in economics/econometrics subjects studies. * The intern should be in their final or penultimate year of an economics or public policy degree in 2014 (with a preference for students intending to complete a subsequent honours or Masters year). * The intern is not expected to have any practical experience in the field of economics or public policy. * The intern should demonstrate an interest in the application of economics in a public policy environment. * The intern should be eligible to work in Australia for fixed term opportunities.

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DTF Capabilities and Behaviours
The DTF capabilities and behaviours framework refers to the mix of knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required by people within DTF in order to reach high levels of achievement in the department. * Economics: Applies micro and macroeconomic theory to government policy. Identifies the broad impacts of government policy on the economic conditions of specific industries and Victoria. * Teamwork: Collaborates with team members by sharing information and soliciting ideas. Contributes to team meetings and activities. Is supportive and encouraging and actively listens to all team members. * Communicates persuasively: Tailors formal and informal communication to ensure it is appropriate for the target audience. Uses active listening techniques to ensure accurate understanding of stakeholder issues. * Researches and analyses the issues: Breaks down problems into constituent parts to identify cause and effect relationships. Undertakes objective, systematic analysis to establish links and trends within data/information.
Details of capabilities and behaviours are outlined in DTF’s Capabilities and Behaviours Framework at http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au. Go to ‘About’ then ‘Careers’. The framework is on the ‘What to Expect at DTF’ page.

Other relevant information
This position description is an overview of the role; changes to the role should be expected reflecting changes in Departmental goals and priorities, activities or job focus.
The Department encourages its employees to be empowered in their roles as well as undertake their work in a responsible and professional way.
The successful applicant will be employed pursuant to the current Victorian Public Service Agreement and DTF’s relevant policies.
Appointments may be subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. Please contact the Recruitment Manager to confirm if this is required for this role.
DTF upholds human rights in its decision-making and actions.
DTF is an EEO employer committed to fairness, diversity and respect. As such, the Department will respond to requests for reasonable adjustments from applicants with disabilities.

Specific health and safety requirements
In the context of occupational health and safety policies, procedures, training, and instruction, employees are responsible for ensuring that they: * follow reasonable instruction and cooperate with their employer; * are familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures and comply with the instructions given by emergency response personnel such as emergency wardens and first aiders; and * at all times take reasonable care for the safety of others in the workplace.

Environmental management
The Department of Treasury and Finance is committed to managing its environmental impact. We follow the waste hierarchy of avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle to minimise our office-based environmental impact in the following areas: * energy use; * waste production; * paper use; * water consumption; * transportation; and * green procurement.

Privacy notification
The Department requires declarations and personal information relevant to your employment. The collection and handling of this information will be consistent with the requirements of the Information Privacy Act 2000.

Information security
The Department is committed to the safe handling of information. It is a requirement of employment that all staff follow security procedures and policies.

How to apply
You can apply online at www.careers.vic.gov.au. Here you will also find more information about jobs and working for government.
Your application should include a professional cover letter, latest academic results and a current resume outlining your skills, knowledge and experience relating to the advertised role.
Please note that applicants are not required to address the key selection criteria.