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Policy

Senior Economist

About Us

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing the vast majority of Canada's home, car and business insurance companies. We rely on the collective expertise of our members and leadership team to create policy positions, advocate for a competitive and sustainable market and influence meaningful change in the insurance industry. As advocates for the insurance industry and the people who depend upon it, we seek to understand the challenges facing Canadians, the industry and governments so we can proactively prepare for the future.

The Role

Are you passionate about shaping public policy in Canada? Are you interested in financial services? Do you excel in a dynamic environment where your analytical and data skills can make a significant impact? IBC is looking for an experienced and self-motivated Senior Economist to support the needs of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry.

Reporting to the Acting Assistant Chief Economist and Head of Industry Data, you will be a crucial part of our esteemed team, contributing to groundbreaking initiatives that support IBC’s regional teams and its member companies. Your work will help drive change in the property and casualty insurance industry.

The role will lead a team that is focused on all aspects of financial sector regulation and taxation legislation. Working through IBC’s Finance Standing Committee, and interfacing with regulatory bodies (e.g., OSFI, FSRA, AMF) and tax authorities (e.g., Finance Canada, CRA), you will lead a team that produces background research materials, drafts submissions, coordinates working groups, develops presentations and be an important leader in our Policy Development department.  

Key Responsibilities

  • Leadership: manage a team of economists/researchers in the production of public policy materials. The ability to coordinate, oversee and inspire the team is critical to success.

  • Research Capability: thorough understanding of economic theory and public policy, including quantitative and qualitative research methods. The ability to build and oversee a robust research program.

  • Domain Knowledge: understanding of the general insurance industry is an asset, but is not required, as is knowledge of financial sector legislation and regulation. Specifically, knowledge of the capital framework, solvency regulation, tax legislation, the IFRS 17 accounting standard is advantageous.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: ability to effectively liaise with legislators, regulators and senior executives within the insurance industry, clearly communicating priorities and inspiring trust and confidence with partners.

  • Strategist: in collaboration with the Acting Assistant Chief Economist and Head of Industry Data, develop strategies and associated tactics to engage stakeholders, lobby governments and communicate with the public.

  • Coordination: lead in all aspects of standing committee and working group meetings, including preparation of meeting agendas, background papers, briefing notes, commentary and presentations on finance-related issues.

  • Soft Skills: clarity, concision and accuracy in both written and verbal communication is a requirement.

  • Collaboration: maintain a thorough understanding of industry issues and public policy issues, in particular those for the region you support as a business partner. The ability to work well in structured and unstructured team environments is vital. 

What You Bring

  • Education: master’s degree in economics, finance, public policy or a related field (e.g., CFA, MBA) is a requirement.

  • Policy Experience: 8-10 years of experience working on public policy issues, particularly economic policy issues, is required.

  •  Leadership: experience directly managing a team of researchers is required.

  • Analytical Prowess: sound understanding of economic/financial/accounting theory and methods. Strong ability to analyze and interpret datasets, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions. Skills in quantitative analysis, including data manipulation and interpretation are required.

  •  Excel Proficiency: experience using Excel to manage and analyze data efficiently. Fluency with key statistical and econometric software tools is considered an asset.

  •  Research Skill: expertise in conducting thorough primary and secondary research, including jurisdictional scans, to gather relevant information and best practices. 

  •  Communication Skill: customer-focused with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience crafting clear and persuasive documents such as policy briefing notes, research reports, and presentations.

  • Self-Motivator and Team Player: ability to work autonomously while also thriving in a multi-disciplinary team-oriented environment.  

  • Adaptability: capable of managing multiple tasks effectively while maintaining a high-level of organization. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Discretion in working with sensitive or proprietary information.

  • Experience working directly in insurance, financial services or other highly-regulated industry is an asset.

  • Project Management: experience in managing projects, setting priorities, influencing others and taking initiative to ensure on-time delivery.

Why Choose IBC

  • Competitive Total Rewards Package: pay, pension and benefits that is comparable within the industry and associations.

  • Career Growth: we are rigorous in our selection process. Our objective is to secure candidates who will grow their career at IBC.

  • Hybrid Work Environment: we offer flexibility with regard to in-office presence.  

  • Work-Life Balance: we offer flexibility to choose work hours that suit your preference and provide several perks that support a healthy work-life balance.

  • Impactful Work: we are in the business of compliance. However, our advocacy centers on changing the rules and your contributions will directly influence legislation and regulation across Canada.

  • Reputation: we are considered by many as the top public policy shop amongst industry associations. The scope, volume and complexity of our work compels us to operate a high level of analytical sophistication. Our team is recognized not only for its excellence, but also for offering opportunities for exposure to IBC’s senior leadership team, senior executives within the insurance industry and senior counterparts amongst government and regulatory bodies.

  • Corporate Culture: IBC prides itself on having a respectful, collaborative, team-oriented culture. From the Office of the President down, we do our best to encourage and support our employees, accommodating them when necessary. Our anonymous employee survey consistently reports high levels of employee satisfaction.

  • Employee-Led Culture Initiatives: IBC has several internal committees that focus on topics that are of concern to staff, including mental health and diversity & inclusion. These committees seek to promote a healthy and positive working environment.

  • Dynamic Environment: be part of a forward-thinking organization that values drive, innovation and creativity.