As a Supervisor in Economics, you will lead a team of economists and economic policy analysts within the Department of National Defence. You will be responsible for managing the development, analysis, and communication of economic research and policy recommendations that support defence and security decision-making at all levels. Your team will conduct complex economic analyses, evaluate defence spending, assess resource allocation, and provide evidence-based advice on policy initiatives that affect DND operations and strategic planning.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include directing your team's research activities, ensuring the quality and timeliness of economic analyses, managing project timelines and budgets, and mentoring junior economists in their professional development. You will work closely with senior Defence leadership, other government departments, and external stakeholders to ensure economic perspectives are integrated into policy decisions. You will also represent DND economics at interdepartmental forums and contribute to the broader economic policy dialogue across the Government of Canada.
You will work in a collaborative, intellectually demanding environment where analytical rigor and clear communication are essential. The role offers the opportunity to influence significant defence policy decisions through sound economic analysis and to develop the next generation of government economists.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily economics operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
Research methodology, Analytical thinking, Written communication, Policy analysis, Critical reasoning, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in economics, a related social science discipline, or a field that demonstrates strong analytical and research capabilities. A master's degree in economics or a related field is preferred and often required at this supervisory level.
Professional certifications or membership in economic associations such as the Canadian Economics Association can enhance your credentials. Within the Government of Canada, you may pursue professional development through the Treasury Board Secretariat's learning programs, departmental training initiatives, and external courses in public sector management, policy analysis, and leadership.
Ongoing professional development is encouraged and may include advanced statistical methods, policy analysis frameworks, digital tools and software relevant to economic modelling, and management training to support your supervisory responsibilities. DND also supports participation in conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities that keep you current with economic research and government policy developments.
Entry Plans
Entry to this supervisory position typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service. You may apply through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website, where the Department of National Defence posts positions in the Economics job family. Competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
If you are already employed in the federal Public Service as an economist or economic analyst, you may be considered through internal competitions or lateral moves to DND. Some candidates transition from other departments where they have gained relevant economic policy experience. The Treasury Board Secretariat and Privy Council Office also conduct periodic recruitment for economists across government, which may lead to placement at DND.
Experienced economists from outside government may enter through external competitions, though supervisory positions typically require demonstrated experience managing teams or leading projects. Student programs and post-secondary recruitment initiatives provide pathways for recent graduates to begin their careers as junior economists, with opportunities to advance to supervisory roles. Appointment processes follow Treasury Board guidelines and Public Service Commission standards, including verification of education credentials and security clearance requirements appropriate to the role.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work in supervisory economics positions is limited due to the managerial responsibilities and the need for consistent leadership presence. However, the Government of Canada is committed to flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Remote and hybrid work options may be available depending on DND's operational requirements and your specific team's needs. Many analytical and research tasks can be performed remotely, and virtual collaboration tools support distributed team management. You should discuss flexible work arrangements with your hiring manager and department, as these are negotiated based on business requirements, team dynamics, and individual circumstances.
Formal part-time supervisory arrangements are uncommon, but job-sharing or compressed work weeks may be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Department of National Defence values work-life balance and supports reasonable accommodations within the constraints of managing a team and meeting defence policy deadlines. Specific details about flexibility should be confirmed during the recruitment process and discussed with your direct supervisor and HR advisor.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
