Economist (15-Month Contract / Hybrid)
Are you a recent economics graduate eager to help advance Atlantic Canada’s prosperity?

The Atlantic Economic Council is dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive prosperity across Atlantic Canada. As the region's premier independent economic research organization, we are at the forefront of analyzing critical issues affecting our economy. Recent topics include health care, productivity, international and interprovincial trade, and Indigenous economic reconciliation.

We are seeking a dynamic individual to join our research team. If you are passionate about economic policy and want to make a positive impact on issues affecting our region, we want to hear from you.

A unique employment opportunity

Working at the Atlantic Economic Council comes with several valuable opportunities for ambitious economics graduates:

• Impactful contributions. Help develop insights and ideas that support a healthy, inclusive and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy.
• Diverse project exposure. Contribute to multiple reports and projects addressing a wide range of economic policy issues. See your name featured as an author in our member publications.
• Networking opportunities. Interact with a wide range of professionals via meetings and events, including economists, business leaders and government officials.
• Collaborative team environment. Be a crucial member of a small, close-knit team where everything we do must provide value to our members, research funders and event attendees.
• Mentorship. Work with, learn from, and be coached by experienced researchers who are committed to your growth as an economist. We will work with you to create a development plan that helps you grow as an economist.
• Training ground. Previous economists have progressed to roles in a variety of organizations across Canada, such as federal and provincial governments and think tanks.
  

Your role as an economist

• Research. Access data from Statistics Canada and other reliable sources. Contribute to conducting surveys and interviews. Synthesize information from research reports and government documents.
• Analysis. Assess key trends and developments in the data. Identify the story, what it means and what we can do about it.
• Engagement. Consult with subject matter experts, industry leaders and government officials to verify findings, understand trends and resolve questions. Attend events that help inform the research we do.
• Communication. Write content for our research reports and member-only publications. Create slides for presentations, with the potential to present to business and policy audiences. 

Required skills and qualifications

We rely on economic thinking and robust data analysis for our insights. Your capacity to analyze qualitative and quantitative data is foundational.

• Master’s degree in economics, with an ability to apply economic principles to new topics and data.
• High level of numeracy, research and analytical capabilities.
• High degree of computer proficiency, especially MS Excel and PowerPoint.
  

Almost all our research is published, presented or posted on social media. Your ability to identify the story within the data, effectively communicate the story, and explain its implications for businesses and governments, is essential for our mission.

• Ability to write clear and concise economic reports for non-economists.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Professional bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset.

We are a small interdependent team, where everyone’s contribution matters. Your actions directly impact our reputation as a trusted source of insights.

• Proficient at working independently with attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with others and willingness to positively contribute to the team.
• Knowledge of economic development and policy in Atlantic Canada is an asset.
   

Hours and location

This is a full-time contract position (37.5 hours per week). Regular working hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. The 15-month term begins on March 2, 2026, and ends on May 31, 2027. The successful applicant will be considered for continued employment following completion of their term.

Current staff are based in our downtown Halifax office 2 days a week, working at home 3 days a week. Candidates from across Canada are encouraged to apply if they are willing to relocate to Halifax.

Compensation and benefits.

The annual salary is $60,000. The Atlantic Economic Council offers a health and dental benefits package after a three-month probationary period. 

How to apply

Applicants should send a merged cover letter and resume, clearly indicating how they meet the above requirements, by 9:00 am Atlantic time, January 6, 2026, to: hr@atlanticeconomiccouncil.ca with Subject Line: Economist.

We appreciate all applicants, but only those advancing in the process will be contacted.

The Atlantic Economic Council is the source for independent research, providing the insights and ideas that are vital to supporting a healthy, inclusive and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy. We provide a work environment that supports equality, teamwork, fairness and respect among all employees. All employment decisions are made without consideration of age, colour, creed, disability, ethnic or national origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or source of income. 

Potential applicants are encouraged to explore our website to learn more about our values, members and services. We would like to thank all those who apply for this position but only those under consideration will be contacted.