Economic Development Officers play a vital role in supporting Canada's economic growth and prosperity. In the Department of National Defence, Economic Development Officers develop and implement strategies to promote economic opportunities, analyze market trends, and communicate the value of defence and security initiatives to diverse audiences. You will work collaboratively with stakeholders across government, industry, and community organizations to advance economic objectives that align with national defence priorities.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include researching economic data and trends, creating communications and marketing materials, developing business cases and proposals, and engaging with external partners. You may coordinate events, manage projects, or lead initiatives that demonstrate the economic impact of defence operations and procurement. This role requires strong analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to translate complex economic concepts into clear, compelling messages for various audiences.
Economic Development Officers work in dynamic, collaborative environments within DND headquarters, regional offices, or specialized units. You will interact regularly with colleagues from different departments, military personnel, industry representatives, and the public. The work is meaningful and directly contributes to Canada's economic competitiveness and defence capability.
Key Responsibilities
Perform economics duties within the arts and social sciences function, Prepare reports and documentation as required, Collaborate with team members and stakeholders, Maintain records and ensure compliance with relevant policies
Required Skills
Research methodology, Analytical thinking, Written communication, Policy analysis, Critical reasoning, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for an Economic Development Officer position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in economics, business administration, public administration, marketing, communications, or a related discipline. Relevant academic background in social sciences, policy analysis, or international relations is also valued.
While not always required, professional certifications in marketing, communications, or project management (such as PMI or similar credentials) can strengthen your candidacy. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including proficiency in English or French, and bilingualism is an asset.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities through the Public Service Learning Network, including courses in economic analysis, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and government communications. DND also supports employees pursuing relevant credentials and advanced education through its tuition support programs. Many officers develop expertise in defence economics, procurement analysis, and strategic communications through on-the-job training and mentorship.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Economic Development Officer career stream in several ways within the federal Public Service:
**Public Service Competitions**: Watch the DND careers website and the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca) for posted competitions. These positions are advertised when vacancies arise, typically at the EC-03, EC-04, or EC-05 levels depending on your experience and qualifications.
**Student Programs**: If you are a student or recent graduate, explore the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), the Undergraduate Recruitment Internship Program (URIP), or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Internship Program (PRSIP). These programs provide hands-on experience and can lead to permanent opportunities.
**Lateral Moves**: If you are already a federal public servant in communications, marketing, policy analysis, or related roles, you may be able to move into an Economic Development Officer position through internal competitions or deployments.
**Priority Hiring Pools**: Occasionally, the Public Service maintains priority pools for qualified candidates. Check with the DND HR team or recruitment office for available pools in your region.
All candidates must pass a security screening appropriate to the role's classification level.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Economic Development Officer positions, though availability varies by location and operational needs. Many DND offices support hybrid work models, allowing you to work both remotely and in the office depending on your team's requirements and project demands.
Flexible scheduling options, such as compressed work weeks or staggered hours, may be negotiable with your manager. Remote work is increasingly common for research, analysis, and communications tasks, though some roles may require in-person presence for stakeholder meetings, events, or team collaboration.
To explore specific part-time or flexible arrangements, discuss your needs with the hiring manager during the recruitment process or with your manager once hired. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and family-friendly policies across the organization.
