The Canadian Union of Public Employees is inviting qualified and motivated individuals to apply for the position of Senior Economist in the National Services Department, to work from its National Office in Ottawa, Ontario.

** The ability to speak and write in French is considered an asset for this position. If the successful candidate is deemed bilingual, they will receive the bilingual bonus.

GENERAL FUNCTION

Under the general direction of the Managing Director of the National Services Department, and in liaison with the National President’s Office and National Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, the Senior Economist will be responsible for providing expert economic and fiscal policy advice and strengthening the Union’s profile and influence on a broad range of economic/fiscal policy areas important to CUPE including monetary and fiscal policy, labour market policy, tax policy, public policy, trade policy, industrial policy, revenue projections, and budget analysis and estimates.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Monitor federal and provincial economic/fiscal policy developments and prepare and present related research and policy papers, briefs, and submissions.
Advise and brief the Union’s elected and non-elected leadership on a broad range of national and provincial economic/fiscal and public policy issues.
Provide elected CUPE leaders and staff with information and analysis to support national, regional and sector bargaining objectives.
Prepare annual CUPE budget revenue projections and budget analysis and estimates, in collaboration with the National Secretary-Treasurer’s Office and the Finance and Administration Department.
Be accessible for commentary on economic/fiscal issues and participate in debates and public forums on such issues, and/or brief the National President and National Secretary-Treasurer or designated spokesperson as requested.
Develop relations with key government officials and policy makers, key economic journalists, academics, and other progressive economists.
Represent CUPE in meetings with government representatives, affiliated unions, and public coalition partners and in public forums.

QUALIFICATIONS

Post-graduate degree in Economics (preferably a Ph.D. or a Ph.D. candidate; or a master’s degree with equivalent work experience).
A demonstrated ability to communicate economic/fiscal issues clearly in both written and verbal form.
Demonstrated commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into economic analysis, ensuring that policy recommendations account for the needs and experiences of diverse groups.
A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of economic/fiscal issues important to public sector unions and the labour movement in general.
Proven ability to develop economic policies and strategies that promote equity and inclusion, with a focus on reducing economic inequalities across different demographic groups.
Commitment to and supportive of the goals, objectives and culture of the labour movement and CUPE.
Ongoing dedication to learning about emerging diversity, and equity trends, ensuring the integration of inclusive practices in research, data analysis, and economic policy development.
Proven experience as an advocate for alternative doctrines to those of mainstream economic/fiscal policy makers.
Ability to read, write and speak both official languages would be an asset.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT as set out in the collective agreement between CUPE and the Canadian Staff Union National Office Component.

WEEKLY SALARY RANGE: $2,891.37 to $2,957.92**

** If the successful candidate is deemed to be bilingual, a bilingual bonus of 7 % will be applied. A formal assessment of the second language would be required.

BENEFITS:

Vacation accrual: 20 days per year with an increase of five days every five years. Existing vacation arrangements are accommodated.
Group insurance paid 100% by the employer
Long-term disability at 82.2% of pay – pensionable time
Extended Health and Dental vision, hospital, prescription drugs, professional services, etc.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
CUPE pays 100% of benefits during retirement if 7.5 years of service is completed. If not, a prorated formula is applied.
Life insurance
Defined benefit pension plan

To apply, access the National Website Careers Portal and complete the online form for National Office (Ottawa) and the opportunity Other: Senior Economist, National Services Department - CUPE National Office | Canadian Union of Public Employees. After the form is completed and submitted, you will be presented with a message containing instructions on how to submit your resume and cover letter, using a provided reference number. Cover letters and résumés should be received no later than August 7, 2026.

CUPE is committed to fostering a representative workplace and a culture grounded in respect, diversity and inclusiveness at all levels of our organization to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse CUPE membership and the diverse communities in which we live and serve. CUPE encourages applications from qualified members of equity-deserving groups, including women, Black and racialized people, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates on any protected human rights grounds at any stage of the selection or recruitment process. Please inform us if you require accommodations by contacting us at staffing@cupe.ca. (All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, CUPE members and existing CUPE staff will be given priority.)

Canadian Union of Public Employees

Open Positions

Senior Economist