You need to have a good knowledge of the projects and schemes available for local businesses and community groups. You need to have good communication skills, motivation skills and organisational skills. You will also benefit from good negotiation skills, project management skills, budgeting skills, etc. You need excellent people skills, report writing skills, and ability to take initiative. Economic development officers also need to have good levels of computer skills, management skills, etc. Your duties include identifying the projects, making motivational presentations and seeing through the projects meeting the goals of economic stimulation, tourism promotion, etc.