ECONOMIC AND POLICY ANALYST I

State of careers Rhode Island

22h

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To be responsible for performing professional analysis and research of complex and critical issues impacting the state budget, regulation, or policy structures including, but not limited to, forecasting revenue and budget drivers such as program growth and/or enrollment, evaluating expenditures and investments; to perform cost-benefit analysis and research of a quantitative and qualitative nature used to develop state government policy and programs and evaluate their effect; to determine the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or General Assembly; and to do related work as required. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior from whom assignments are received with latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgement; work is reviewed through conferences and reports upon completion for results obtained and for conformance to law, rules and regulations, instructions, objectives and departmental policies. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Usually none, but interacts with administrative support staff and internal and external colleagues on a regular basis. ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: To be responsible for performing professional analysis and research of complex and critical issues impacting the state budget, regulation, or policy structures, including, but not limited to, forecasting revenue and budget drivers such as program growth and/or enrollment, evaluating expenditures and investments, analyzing the effect of policy and program changes. To perform cost-benefit analysis and research of a quantitative and qualitative nature used to develop state government policy and programs in the fields of policy and program evaluation and effect. To provide a high level of expertise in research design, analysis and data needed to examine issues, trends and program evaluations. To utilize econometric and other statistical methods to analyze and forecast revenue associated items and expenditure drivers and apply data analysis protocols to reach accurate conclusions. To interpret and apply policies, business practices, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. in performing policy analysis. To identify, analyze and estimate the impact, including the economic impact through the use of economic models, of changes in policy, business practices, program performance, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. to existing programs or the establishment of new programs. To estimate the impact on the state budget of program and policy changes and the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or the General Assembly. To utilize research data in order to make recommendations to policy officials to improve existing programs, combine programs, utilize resources and determine the net impact and feasibility of such proposed changes. To write policy and position memos, technical reports or other documents based upon research, investigation or analysis. To present analysis results and make recommendations to policy officials with information necessary to make informed decisions and take appropriate action on specific state program operations, issues and policies. To develop recommendations designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness. To attend meetings with appropriate personnel to discuss recommendations and related implementation issues, as required. To do related work as required.

Requirements

• A thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of policy analysis including policy development, coordination, economic analysis, cost-benefit analysis and implementation
• a working knowledge of the organizational structures common in government and the functions of departments and agencies therein
• a working knowledge of organization and management including public administration, governmental budgeting and program evaluation
• a working knowledge of the role of outside interest groups in the formulation of policy
• the ability to identify problem areas and to work independently in analyzing and evaluating complex statistical data
• the ability to apply logic and analytical techniques to determine underlying principles, reasons, patterns, or facts associated with data and other information to draw conclusions
• the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and municipal officials, superiors, subordinates and the public
• the ability to prepare clear and concise objective analyses and recommendations
• the ability to use statistical software in performing complex research and preparing conclusions
• possession of a Masters Degree from a college of recognized standing with specialization in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a closely related field
• performing review and analysis of policies and programs in a governmental, public affairs or business context
• Candidates should possess and demonstrate strong abilities relating to governmental budget preparation and accounting, including knowledge and skills necessary to generating required reporting for use and review by the Office of the Governor, Legislature, and fellow State agencies
• The individual hired to fill this position will have access to Federal tax Information (FTI), as defined in IRS Publication 1075, and, as such, must undergo a national fingerprint background screening in accordance with the criteria set forth in regulation 220-RICR-40-00-2 (IRS Publication 1075 – Background Check Process and Criteria), available at https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/220-40-00-2
• Additionally, the individual is being hired to an E-Verify site which contains FTI and must have their employment eligibility validated through E-Verify

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated strength in the areas of oral and written communication strongly preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Responsibilities

• performing professional analysis and research of complex and critical issues impacting the state budget, regulation, or policy structures
• forecasting revenue and budget drivers such as program growth and/or enrollment
• evaluating expenditures and investments
• performing cost-benefit analysis and research of a quantitative and qualitative nature used to develop state government policy and programs and evaluate their effect
• determining the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or General Assembly
• providing a high level of expertise in research design, analysis and data needed to examine issues, trends and program evaluations
• utilizing econometric and other statistical methods to analyze and forecast revenue associated items and expenditure drivers and apply data analysis protocols to reach accurate conclusions
• interpreting and applying policies, business practices, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. in performing policy analysis
• identifying, analyzing and estimating the impact, including the economic impact through the use of economic models, of changes in policy, business practices, program performance, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. to existing programs or the establishment of new programs
• estimating the impact on the state budget of program and policy changes and the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or the General Assembly
• utilizing research data in order to make recommendations to policy officials to improve existing programs, combine programs, utilize resources and determine the net impact and feasibility of such proposed changes
• writing policy and position memos, technical reports or other documents based upon research, investigation or analysis
• presenting analysis results and make recommendations to policy officials with information necessary to make informed decisions and take appropriate action on specific state program operations, issues and policies
• developing recommendations designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• attending meetings with appropriate personnel to discuss recommendations and related implementation issues, as required
• carrying out the fiscal duties and general responsibilities imposed by the Opioid Stewardship Act (RIGL 21-28.10)
• preparing Departmental budget requests and reports relating to the Opioid Stewardship Fund and assist in maintaining budgetary oversight to ensure the legality and propriety of revenue and expenditures
• using data from the state accounting system to update grant tracking in Sharepoint including budgeted expense and actual expense
• reconciling grant financial information to federal payment system and federal financial reports
• tracking and reconciling internal finance approval form data to grant budget and spending
• preparing journal entries in the state accounting system
• coordinating procurement and finance contract management including requisitions and related assignments, monitoring of invoice payments and reporting

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees