Principal Economist, Disaster Costs

• Full time, ongoing role in the Hazard, Risk and Data Division.
• Parramatta/Sydney based role with flexible work options and hybrid arrangements available 
• Clerk Grade 11/12 Salary ($145,378 - $168,130 per annum) plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Disaster risk is a frontline economic, fiscal and social challenge. As Principal Economist, Disaster Costs, you’ll lead a nationally significant program of work that redefines how we value risk and resilience. From critical infrastructure and building codes, to managed relocation and land use reform, your analysis will shape some of the most complex and important decisions facing NSW.

About the Role
As the Principal Economist, Disaster Costs, you will:

• Develop and refine innovative approaches to quantify the full economic, social and fiscal costs of natural hazard events.
• Drive a strategic and high-profile program of work that supports disaster adaptation pathways, public investment and policy development.
• Lead economic methods and assessments that underpin the State Disaster Mitigation Plan, regional Disaster Adaptation Plans, and other whole-of-government initiatives.
• Translate catastrophe model outputs into actionable insights and decision tools
• Lead economic evaluations of risk reduction measures including mitigation infrastructure, building code enhancements, and planning changes.
• Develop metrics and provide expert advice on insurance affordability, exposure, and coverage gaps across NSW communities.
• Oversee high-impact consultancies, manage technical workstreams, and build internal capability through mentoring and knowledge leadership. 
• Partner with a diverse network of government, research, and community stakeholders to deliver credible and actionable analysis. 

For more details about this role, please click here to view the role description. If you have trouble downloading the role description, please contact talentacquisition@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.

About You
You are looking for more than just another economics role — something with purpose, challenge and tangible real-world impact. This role offers the opportunity to apply your skills to a complex policy area that matters deeply to communities across NSW. 

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Bring deep expertise in economic evaluation, cost-benefit analysis and policy impact assessment.
• Are confident navigating uncertainty, imperfect data and complex systems.
• Have experience working with or interpreting catastrophe models, insurance data or spatial risk datasets (highly desirable).
• Have a proven ability to lead projects, manage budgets, and direct consultants in a fast-paced policy environment.
• Communicate clearly and credibly with technical experts, executive decision-makers and non-technical audiences.

Essential requirements:
Tertiary qualifications in a quantitative discipline (e.g. economics, statistics or actuarial science) or equivalent professional experience in data-driven risk analysis. 

• Demonstrated capability to operate at a senior advisory level on complex policy, economic or investment challenges.

This is your chance to influence investment decisions that shape a more resilient future for NSW.

What we offer

• A high-profile and high-impact role within a growing, purpose-driven team.
• Meaningful work at the intersection of economics, climate and disaster resilience — embedded in the NSW’s disaster adaptation planning decision-making process.
• The opportunity to apply your skills to a complex, high-stakes policy area that directly affects communities across NSW.
• An inclusive and growth-oriented culture committed to intellectual rigour, public value and real-world outcomes.
• Flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellbeing program
• Competitive pay and conditions (including flex-time)
• Fitness Passport with a choice of 200+ gyms and pools across NSW

About the Agency
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is an executive agency of the Premier’s Department. The RA will improve how NSW plans for disasters and help communities to recover from them faster. 
To reduce the severity and impacts of disasters, the RA will complete critical planning and preparation with communities, NGOs, businesses, and government. When disaster does strike, we will get recovery started swiftly and coordinate reconstruction efforts across agencies, communities, and other stakeholders. 

How do I apply?
1. Attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the essential requirements and capabilities of this role, as specified in the role description.
2. Attach an up-to-date resume detailing your capabilities, skills and experience relevant to the role.

For more information about this role, please contact Iyanoosh Reporter, Director Hazard Risk and Data Assurance via Iyanoosh.reporter@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close Monday 7 July 2025
 

Diversity 
Great people come from all walks of life. At NSW Reconstruction Authority we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote gender diversity in our workplaces, the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the employment of people with a disability. We welcome and encourage applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background or sexual orientation.
 
Please contact talentacquisition@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au if you require any adjustment to apply for this role.
 
A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.