Economist (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

The Office of Policy and Plans is responsible for (1) developing and coordinating long range plans for Agency programs; (2) conducting special studies and analyses of program operations in light of planned objectives; and (3) planning, designing, and performing a broad range of economic analyses of the U.S. and global marine transportation systems. The Economist: Prepares detailed economic financial studies and analyses of national and global transportation and shipping operations. Develops studies and analyses that evaluate current and alternative Federal maritime programs in light of the problems and issues facing the United States marine transportation industry, including its international linkages. Prepares written reports that clearly and succinctly describe detailed research projects, the analytical assumptions and methods employed, including consideration of the complex relationships that can impact marine transportation policy and Agency programs, as well as the conclusions, findings, and recommendations developed during the course of the analysis. Prepares special studies and develop information on Agency policy, plans, or programs in response to adhoc requests by interested Agency officials, other Federal agencies, the Congress, and the general public. Utilizes relevant sources of domestic and international economic data; Agency program data; U.S. and worldwide maritime industry data; and techniques of economic, econometric and financial analysis, including the supporting disciplines of statistics and mathematics. Serves as a knowledgeable authority in the Office on United States foreign trade forecasts, United States and world fleet projections, financial studies of the United States ship operating industry and the management of data bases used to prepare shipping forecasts. The ideal candidate should have strong technical economics expertise with policy application, independent research ability, and experience briefing senior decision-makers.