AE MAINSTREAM SCHEME 2019-20

Job descriptions

Cabinet Office (CO)

The Cabinet Office, Mainstream Economist Location: London

About the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office is a ministerial department at the centre of government, coordinating policy and strategy across the Civil Service. We support the Prime Minister and ensure the effective running of government. The Department has four core priorities:

1. Support the Prime Minister and Cabinet to define and deliver the government's policies

2. Drive efficiencies and reforms that will make government work better

3. Create a more united democracy, ensuring a stable electoral system that works for all

4. Strengthen and secure the United Kingdom at home and abroad

What to expect as a mainstream Economist in the Cabinet Office

As a mainstream economist you will develop your technical and broader competency skills in order to deliver high quality, impactful policy analysis. You will be conducting analysis at the centre of government and using that to help shape and drive forward Cabinet Office priorities.

Specifically:

Assistant economists will learn to apply economic concepts and tools/methodologies to a range of practical, real world problems

Assistant Economists build skills in effectively communicating analysis to a range of customers/stakeholders, including non-analysts

Different roles require different skills and provide opportunities for the development: you be may be involved in economic appraisal for investments, preparing impact assessments (for policy/legislative changes), preparing briefing notes and submissions to ministers, or working on a range of policy projects

In order to ensure you build up a wide range of experiences, analytical techniques and skills, you will (alongside other Assistant Economists), rotate every September between the main analytical units in the Cabinet Office. The roles on offer and the units they are in vary each year depending on the needs of different teams, but previous Assistant Economist roles have included: the Analysis and Insight Team; the Constitution group; the Government Digital Service; the Joint Intelligence Organisation; and the Implementation Unit.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

BEIS – HEO Mainstream Economist

Salary £32,200 (plus £4,425 - £6,000 pay enhancement)

Various Business Areas across Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

Type of Role Analytical

Location 1 Victoria Street and Whitehall, London

About the jobs

These are exciting, high profile analytical posts across the range of BEIS priorities. If successful, you would be joining a strong multi-disciplinary Analytical Community of around 350 analysts across BEIS. This is one of the largest analytical departments within Government.

BEIS has responsibility for ensuring that the economy grows strongly in all parts of the country. It does this based on developing a robust industrial strategy and ensuring that the UK has secure energy supplies that are reliable, affordable and clean. It works with business to encourage investment and innovation that fully utilises the UK science base; and enables a whole economy approach to deliver our climate change ambitions.

BEIS operates as a multi-disciplinary analytical (economists, statisticians, data scientists, operational researchers, social researchers) department, with analysis playing a central part in policy making within the department. As a Mainstream Assistant Economist at BEIS, you will be involved across the policy cycle: from option appraisals and impact assessments at the beginning of policy formation; to policy evaluations to ensure that BEIS policies deliver the best use of public money. Our analysts also produce a range of statistics (e.g. energy use) and models (e.g. investment funds) to support policy development. Analysts are also involved in the central functioning of the department, for example in preparation for Budget events and cross-Government Spending Reviews.

Analysts in BEIS generally assist on a particular policy area, taking some responsibility for providing the required analysis to support that policy. This will typically include working closely with policy leads to structure policy problems and ensure analysis influences decision making, understanding and developing the available data and evidence, and managing external research contracts to add to the evidence base. The size of the BEIS analytical community means that our analysts have the opportunity to develop a wide base of experience across different policy areas – underpinning their personal development and career progression.

BEIS is currently undertaking a programme of work to strengthen and build its Analytical Community focussing on deepening management and leadership at all levels, strengthening analytical capability and ensuring analysis supports Ministerial decision making.

Examples of work within the department are:

Industrial strategy - we work with business to exploit opportunities that will enhance productivity and maximise the growth of the UK economy

Analysis to inform National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rate-setting – helping to ensure that low paid workers are rewarded fairly for their contribution to the economy

Advice on the recommendations made by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) for the level of the Fifth Carbon Budget. The impact assessment was the culmination of a major multi-disciplinary, cross-departmental project. The project reviewed the CCC’s recommendation using three lenses: the international context, the pathway to our 2050 goals and affordability.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS)

Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

Who we are

DCMS sectors make up more than 14% of the UK economy and our efforts enrich the lives of people across the UK; from providing access to superfast broadband, to boosting social action and building participation in culture, the arts and sport.

From its origins as the Department of National Heritage, DCMS has grown to the forward looking department it is today. A department that focuses on the UK’s future as a digital, global leader with innovation, technology and creativity at its economic heart - together with the heritage, sporting and cultural assets that make it a great place to live, work and invest.

We create the conditions for growth by removing barriers, providing strategic direction and supporting innovation and creativity. We want everyone to be able to enjoy our national culture, play sport and have access to effective communications. Our sectors provide 5.4 million jobs and deliver c. £46bn of exports of services, with their value increasing year-on-year. These sectors are important not only for their economic potential; they are critical to creating a global UK whose technological, cultural, creative and sporting assets position us on the world stage as an essential partner for trade and investment as the UK exits the European Union.

Our strategic objectives set out how we will deliver our vision of driving growth, enriching lives and promoting Britain to the World.

Evidence and Analysis in DCMS

Given the rapidly changing world that we live in it is more important than ever that our decisions are underpinned by the best possible evidence and analysis. We have therefore recently undertaken a significant expansion in our team of economists to support policy development and delivery across the Department’s portfolio, particularly in areas affected by EU Exit.

As a relatively small department with an influential and varied policy portfolio, economists in DCMS have a high degree of responsibility and closer involvement with ministers and senior policy officials than in larger departments. Our economists collaborate closely with policy professionals and analysts across DCMS, government and industry to provide a robust and influential evidence base to underpin EU exit, trade negotiations, Britain’s soft power, the future of our digital economy and building a safe, fair and informed society.

Examples of the work economists undertake in DCMS include:

Developing the evidence base to understand the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and internet of things and the case for government intervention or support

Estimating the economic impact of major sporting events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games

Evaluating the impact of major programmes such as 5G test bed and trials Developing the case for investment in cultural organisations and National

Museums Estimating the impact of potential free trade agreements on DCMS sectors Analysis to understand the impact of the changing digital landscape for how

people consume news, media and entertainment

The Central Analytical Team and DCMS support continuous professional development and will encourage the post holders to develop and grow in the Department. As our Analytical Community grows, you can expect to build a network with analysts from across the Department to improve and develop your knowledge of DCMS and its’ sectors.

Location

All economist posts are based in London at DCMS offices at 100 Parliament Street.

Security Clearance

Candidates should have, or expect to undergo, Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level security clearance to take up a post at DCMS. To receive CTC individuals should have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years. Further information about security vetting can be found here.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

Location: York, Bristol or London

Working as an economist at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

In Defra, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors (which together make up around 7% of the UK economy) and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. You will play an important role in achieving our vision of ‘creating a great place for living’.

This is a particularly exciting time to join Defra, not least as an economist.  We are one of the lead Departments in delivering a successful exit from the EU. With over a thousand pieces of EU and national legislation identified as Defra-owned and underpinning 80% of our work, we have an unparalleled opportunity to devise policies that best meet the future needs of the UK.

Our vision is to create a great place for living for people in this country. We have four impact objectives which explain our ambitious long- term strategic aims, and the positive differences we will make to the UK:

To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future

To lead the world in food, farming and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production

To deliver a safe and ambition departure from the EU, setting global standards in protecting and harnessing value from the natural environment

To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference with world class delivery capacity

As an organisation, Defra works to: Provide excellent delivery, with outstanding value for money to deliver outcomes; Be an organisation continually striving to be the best, focussed on outcomes and

constantly challenging itself; Be an inclusive, professional workforce where leaders recognise the contribution

of people and build capacity to deliver better business outcomes.

We offer an inclusive culture which embraces and supports our colleagues to achieve and sustain increased levels of employee wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

Click here to hear from our own economists about working at Defra

For more information on the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs see our website

The work you will be doing

Being an assistant economist in Defra entails working closely with colleagues to structure policy problems and ensure economic analysis informs decision making, making best use of available data and evidence. You will work primarily with an Economic Advisor and wider analysts in developing the evidence base, drawing from a wide range of expertise, undertaking quality assured economic appraisal and evaluation, and providing robust analytical advice. Responsibilities will vary according to post, but could include:

Conducting and reporting analysis, to ensure policy options are underpinned by careful synthesis of available evidence and forward-looking analysis;

Communicating with and advising policy colleagues on what the latest evidence and analysis tells you;

Managing stakeholder engagement, analysing and reporting on outputs;

Addressing policy needs through development, testing and application of advanced models.

Defra is looking for assistant economists to work across a range of areas particularly focused on priorities resulting from EU exit. Our economists are embedded in teams across Defra, summarised below.

• The Office of the Chief Economist ensures high quality economic analysis is being produced across the department to meet priorities and directly delivers important pieces of cross-cutting work. The Office also updates ministers on significant economic developments and leads the economist profession across the department.

• EU & International trade teams help shape the UK’s future relationship with the EU from the perspectives of Defra’s objectives and develop Defra’s positions on relevant international trade issues.

• Future Farming economics helps develop future domestic agricultural policy for the UK outside the EU.  The team currently consists of 10 economists and sits within the wider evidence team including statisticians, natural and social scientists and operational researchers.  The evidence team is embedded with policy teams and so is an integral part of the policy development process. 

• Marine & Fisheries teams are developing a new policy framework for the fishing industry outside of the EU and working to develop systems to manage the marine environment more sustainably.

• The Natural Environment and rural system directorate develops policies around the contribution that land use change and management can make to wider environmental outcomes, including carbon storage, air quality, water quality, flood management and nature conservation, and supports development of the rural economy.

• Environmental Quality develops policies and approaches around activities that can impact on environmental outcomes, including measures to improve air quality, regulations on use of chemicals and pesticides and policies on waste management, many of which will be affected by EU exit.

• The Animal & Plant Health & Welfare (APHW) directorate works to find the most effective ways to protect the nation from animal and plant diseases and pests which can have significant impacts on consumers, industry, the rural economy and livelihoods

• The better regulation team seeks to improve the regulatory measures that Defra is responsible for to achieve strong outcomes whilst reducing and minimising the burdens on business.

• The Floods & Water directorate’s work includes refining water environment regulation (including post-EU exit), economic regulation of the water utility sector including ongoing market reform, and the costs, benefits and incentive issues surrounding the management of flood risk.

The Economics Profession in Defra

At Defra you will join a diverse but cohesive group of economists working to deliver high quality, impactful economics to achieve great outcomes. To deliver our vision we are working together as a professional group fostering a strong collective identity to ensure we are impactful, skillful, vibrant as a community, and connected to the outside world.

You will join a culture where continuous learning is encouraged and colleagues are happy to share their expertise. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from alternative professions such as policy, science, statistics, operational research and social research, in a rich learning and policy-making environment. We will also offer you the chance to develop economic and policy competences through in-work training and other opportunities, such as economic seminars.

Our office locations

The majority of posts will be based in York, Bristol or London. Defra is able to support flexible working, which means that you may be able to work from home or in a closer Defra office for some of the week. You will be able to agree appropriate working arrangements with your team.

Department for Education (DfE)

Location: Sheffield/Coventry/Manchester/Bristol

ABOUT US

The Department for Education is responsible for early years, schools, children’s services, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England. We are also home to the Government Equalities Office, which leads on gender and LGBT equality analysis and policy. We work to achieve a highly educated and productive society in which opportunities are available to all, irrespective of background or family circumstances.

JOB DESCRIPTION

DfE economists are found right across the Department working collaboratively to build the evidence base to support policy development and delivery. We offer our skills in appraisal and evaluation, analysis of data and modelling and application of critical thinking to help ensure that the Department makes evidence-based decisions. There is no such thing as a typical day for our economists but an economist posting, while focusing on different aspects of DfE policy, is likely to include some of the following examples of work:

Secondary analysis of DfE data, such as the second Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE2), or the Longitudinal Education Outcomes study. These are large and powerful datasets which can help to answer policy questions right across the Department. Work can range from descriptive analysis right through to complex technical modelling and econometrics.

Scoping and producing evidence-based briefings, synthesising and summarising domestic and international evidence on key policy areas covering a wide range of topics to aid policy decision-making.

Developing cost benefit analysis and assessing the value for money of Departmental activity and potential policy plans.

Providing support in the day to day running of the Department, such as providing analysis to answer correspondence from external parties, providing information for Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and support to private (Ministerial) and press office.

DfE economists are also encouraged to support the wider economics profession and/or Department alongside their day job with corporate activities.

Department for Existing the European Union (DExEU)

Location: 70 Whitehall

Analysis and Insight directorate

The Analysis and Insight Directorate (A&I) sits at the centre of DExEU’s work. We work closely with other government departments and DExEU directorates to generate and combine the best analysis across DExEU and Whitehall, to support the UK’s negotiations and preparations for leaving the European Union. We aim to put evidence at the heart of policy making, has three principal analytical objectives: 1. to model and analyse the implications of exit options particularly on trade, customs, and migration; 2. to lead, coordinate and challenge Whitehall’s analysis in support of Brexit negotiations and preparations; and, 3. to provide timely and insightful economic advice to Ministers and senior officials. What we are looking for:

Mainstreamer who will play an important role in analysis that will shape key decisions for the UK as it leaves the European Union. The post holder will work particularly closely with analysts across relevant Whitehall Departments as well as policy colleagues, helping manage the relationship with departments, building a collaborative partnership to challenge analysis and support discussions on priorities and work plans. They will also work on a range of strategic projects bringing analysis together to inform policy thinking.

Specific Requirements: SC cleared

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)

Number of bids: 6-Mainstream Assistant Economist

Location: London or Leeds

Salary payable: HEO grade -National £27,844, London £31,522 per annum

Job summary

Overview area of work and post

These roles are based in the Department of Health and Social Care. Our economists typically work within multi-disciplinary analytical teams, applying your economics skills to support development of health and care policy on some of the highest profile issues in Government.

As an Assistant Economist you will work with colleagues from other analytical professions and with policy making professionals. You will have an opportunity to develop your skills and to learn how academic knowledge of economics is applied in the public sector.

Teams work on several topics analysing the performance of the NHS in both historical and international context and understanding the future challenges the NHS may face.

Assistant Economists are fully supported in developing the knowledge and skills they require to contribute to the work of the team, and to develop in your professional role as a career analyst, economist and health and care specialist.

Key objectives for this role

Key objectives for the role include:

Supporting colleagues to deliver evidence-based policy in the health and social care sector

Applying your professional economist skills to high profile issues. Working alongside other government analysts and policy colleagues

Responsibilities and tasks

Considering policy issues from an economic perspective. Sourcing and formulating evidence and analysis Working with colleagues to develop the best possible policy in high

profile subject areas.

working with others

Competences professional economics skills communication and influencing

Key interactions: who will the role work closely with?

Individuals will be assigned a designated line manager to work with who will be responsible for their professional development.

Department for International Development

The DFID Context

The Department for International Development (DFID) leads the UK’s work to end extreme poverty, deliver the Global Goals, and tackle global challenges in line with the government’s UK Aid Strategy. Our aid budget is spent on tackling the great global challenges – from the root causes of mass migration and disease, to the threat of terrorism and global climate change – all of which also directly threaten British interests. We are ending the need for aid by building peaceful and stable societies, creating jobs and strong economies, fighting corruption, unlocking the potential of girls and women, tackling climate change and helping to save lives when humanitarian emergencies hit. We are doing this because it is both the right thing to do and firmly in Britain’s national interest.

DFID works in partnership across Whitehall and with governments, civil society, the private sector and multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, United Nations agencies, and the European Commission. We have staff in two UK headquarters in London and Glasgow (East Kilbride) and a network of offices around the world. Wherever they are based, all DFID staff are united by a single goal: to tackle poverty and improve the lives of people in developing countries.

Working for the Department For International Development

Economics in DFID

Economic analysis matters, giving Ministers fresh ideas about big, complex issues and deep insight into policy options. Economists also delve into design details and advise on which aid investments are best value for money, looking at key trends in the countries where we work. The economics cadre is the largest advisory group in DFID, with roughly half its members based overseas. Economists work right across DFID, at all levels, and are at the heart of DFID’s decision making. Economists are all trained in macro, micro, international economics and econometrics and develop knowledge across many topics such as public financial management, growth, jobs, gender, inclusion, tax, trade, investment climate and the use of different aid instruments, including lending from the World Bank and IMF. DFID economists also play programme management roles, using skills in commercial awareness, financial management, risk management, and value for money as well as developing relationships with a range of partners.

Working as a Mainstream Economist

DFID offers a diverse range of challenging roles at entry level. As a Mainstream Assistant Economist you will be allocated to a range of roles according to skillset, business needs and priorities and will rotate to different posts to develop a broad range of skills and experience.

Longer term, DFID offers an exciting career path and the chance to work at the heart of international development both in the UK and overseas working collaboratively with peers and senior economists, programme and policy advisers across DFID to deliver our collective vision. All our roles provide on-the-job learning and opportunities for continuous professional development; through our annual conference, workshops, regular seminars, peer learning, shadowing, mentoring, and self-directed learning.

Skills and Knowledge

In DFID, economists develop core GES skills in application of knowledge, analysis of data and effective communication. Within this, you will keep abreast of economic theory and practice and use them appropriately, assess the reliability and relevance of evidence, analyse data, identify opportunities for economic analysis to contribute to policy development and appraisal, work well with others, and communicate on technical issues effectively with a wide range of colleagues.

As a Mainstream Assistant Economist in DFID there are opportunities to:

• Provide advice on appraisal, impact assessments, evidence-based business cases and evaluation.

• Work with and understand economic models and interpret output data for the purposes of providing supporting evidence.

• Work on country programmes and policy teams, using economic analysis to help make spending decisions.

• Lead economic reporting on specific countries or regions.• Lead and contribute to end of programme reviews and annual reporting.• Help build the evidence base for DFID’s interventions.• Lead briefings on economic issues for more senior staff, peers and partners.• Help build economics knowledge of those around you through informal and

formal training opportunities.• Work with colleagues across Whitehall on cross Government agendas.• Develop a level of specialist knowledge in regions or topics • Participate in the full range of learning opportunities within DFID.• Develop programme management skills.

Things you need to know

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who have a Master’s degree in economics (including macro, micro, quantitative methods and international economics). You will be proficient in Excel and other relevant software packages.

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must pass basic security checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality statement

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules.

Contact point for applicants

If you wish to discuss working for DFID , please contact: Joanna McGowan, Head of Profession, Economics J-McGowan@dfid.gov.uk 07469 105943 or Anne Mullen, Cadre Manager A-Mullen@dfid.gov.uk 07876 393232

Department for International Trade (DIT)

Location: London

This is an exciting opportunity to experience and contribute to analytical work which is informing the key policy development of a government department. The roles will involve working in analyst teams that are developing the evidence base and economic analysis to support the International Trade Department and play a crucial role in supporting and shaping the UK’s policy and process in trade and investment. Not only will the role offer the opportunity to see how international trade and investment theory relate to real-world strategy and policy development, but will also provide an insight into how trade and investment policy choices are made, and the role of good quality analysis in informing them.

There are five interdisciplinary teams analyst teams in the department supporting the range of DIT’s responsibilities, including trade policy and trade agreements to trade and investment promotion and business planning. The teams will offer opportunities to apply creative and strategic thinking through contributing to the wider analysis and research program to ensure it meets the department’s needs.

Assistant Economists may have the opportunity to lead on some projects and contribute on others. Depending on the specific role, this can include understanding new academic research and what it means for policy development, preparing and interpreting data, preparing analysis and explaining the findings to colleagues about what it means for policy choices, briefing, and possibly be involved in some trade case work (e.g. trade defence cases). For a few posts there may be an opportunity to lead on economic and trade modelling. As the work of the department is new and rapidly evolving the actual areas of work will be determined at the time of appointment and depend on evolving policy requirements.

Exact areas that will be covered by the available roles will vary depending on the issues which the team is addressing but the key broad areas include:

Analysis in support of the UK’s future independent UK trade policy and its potential impacts to support planning on both negotiations and operations;

Analysing trends in global and UK trade and investment; Analysis on key subjects such as trade in services and the impact of regulations on

trade; Analysis in support of decisions on trade defence actions; Analysis in support of departmental business planning purposes; Assess, monitor, and evaluate the impact of our trade and investment promotion

activities; Supporting the development of export services to UK business and investors.

Successful candidates will need to be comfortable engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including our overseas stationed staff, other government departments and other international institutions as well as a range of policy makers.

Department for Transport (DfT)

The UK’s transport system is used by most of the population every day, whether travelling to and from work, school, shops, hospitals, or just meeting friends and family. The international freight industry ensures that there are food and goods in the shops, and prompt delivery of parts and raw materials. Most of the transport industry is in the private sector: much of it is subject to safety or economic regulation, often under international agreement; some of it – especially public transport – is subsidised by the taxpayer.

The Department for Transport is investing to make journeys better: simpler, faster and more reliable. Our plan will support jobs, enable business growth, and bring our country closer together.

We are supporting a record £70 billion investment in rail, roads, ports and airports. We are funding the biggest rail modernisation since Victorian times, and the most extensive improvements to roads since the 1970s. We are making transport safer and more sustainable. We will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

The Role of Economists

Our analysis gives ministers fresh ideas about big, complex issues and deep insight into policy options. We advise which investments are best value for money. We analyse the wide ranging economic impacts of transport schemes. We assess the social and environmental benefits and costs, to get a full picture of the impact of a scheme.

We look ahead at key trends in society, such as population growth or the number of trips people take, to forecast how demand for transport will change in the future.

Our analysts are currently influencing a wide range of programmes, for example:

Analysis to support key decisions on the future scope of Crossrail 2 Cost benefit analysis on the development of clean air zones regulations Developing the evidence base around connected and autonomous

vehicles Estimating the likely carbon footprint of various transport modes

Working in DfT

Our roles offer the chance to put your academic knowledge and skills into practice and gain experience in government economics, in an organisation that genuinely values sound analytical thinking. There are opportunities to apply economics expertise to live policy issues, use econometrics, develop cutting-edge appraisal guidance, use economics to support the development of transport schemes and comparison of options, and more.

The roles offer high levels of responsibility, with the chance to manage your own projects. Experienced Assistant Economists often get the chance to manage a summer student. Work can be a mix of fast paced analysis and longer term projects which aim to build on our evidence base, providing an ideal opportunity to develop the key analytical skills required for promotion.

You’ll be able to collaborate with and learn from peers, senior economists and other analyst professionals including statisticians, operational researchers, transport modellers, social researchers and scientists.

All of our posts provide excellent on-the-job learning, supported by your manager. We also offer extensive training catered to individual needs; workshops, seminars, mentors and more.

Salary and Benefits You’ll get £28,000, increasing to £33,990 after a year and completion of probation. We support flexible working: part-time; flexi-hours; occasional working from home.

Further Information

Contact Kirstie Burgin, tel.: 07825 014931, email: kirstie.burgin@dft.gsi.gov.uk

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed how varied this role can be. It’s such great exposure across the Department.”

“I enjoy applying my degree skills to real-world scenarios. Plus I’ve expanded my knowledge to new areas like carbon emissions”

Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)

Location: London, Sheffield, Newcastle, Leeds, and Manchester

Salary: London minimum: £34,052; Outside London minimum £29,722

Number of placements: 15

Job description:DWP policies touch the lives of nearly everyone in the UK, with over £200 billion being spend on welfare benefits. Economists in DWP play a pivotal role in providing high quality, influential economic analysis for Ministers and policy makers, to make decisions to deliver ground breaking initiatives to improve the lives of millions.

DWP economists don’t just focus on the theoretical frameworks but instead apply our economics knowledge to real-world problems. We analyse data, build models and trial the latest thinking in economic and behavioural theory, to ensure that high quality evidence is at the forefront of future policy decisions and as part of implementation and evaluation of any changes.

There are a number of significant challenges for DWP economists to play a leading role in supporting, for example:

How can we maximise the opportunities whilst minimising the risks for the UK labour market from EU Exit?

How can we most effectively support people to move into employment and achieve financial independence?

How can assess what barriers prevent people with disabilities and/or health conditions from moving into and progressing in work, and which interventions are most effective at addressing these barriers?

How can we create a fair and affordable welfare system which improves the life chances of children and of adults?

How can we ensure value for money for the taxpayer by reducing our operating costs, whilst continuing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our services and delivery?

About DWP:

DWP operates on a scale that is almost unmatched anywhere else in Europe, the vast majority of people in Britain will come into contact with us at some point in their lives. Our 5 objectives look to:

1. Build a more prosperous society by supporting people into work and helping them to realise their potential

2. Improve outcomes and ensure financial security for disabled people and people with health conditions by increasing opportunities to realise their full potential with the help of the welfare system and through the labour market

3. Ensure financial security for current and future pensioners by: helping people to increase their pension savings; providing information on their private and state pension provision to enable effective planning for the future; and supporting older people to extend their working lives

4. Increase every child’s opportunity to succeed by helping separated parents agree effective child maintenance arrangements and supporting families in distress to reduce parental breakdown and separation

5. Transform our services and work with the devolved administrations to deliver an effective welfare system for citizens when they need it while reducing costs, and achieving value for money for taxpayers

As a DWP economist, you’ll be part of a thriving Economist community, with a huge array of economic activities regularly taking place. This ranges from economist debates, economist events exploring the theoretical economics behind our policies, seminars on the latest econometric thinking, annual economist conferences and socials across all our locations.

With the biggest analytical community across government and as one of the largest government departments, there are a huge range of opportunities to work with other analytical professions (including Statisticians, Social Researchers and Operational Researchers) as well as policymakers and operational colleagues to support your learning and development.

Locations: if successful, you will provide a preference for which office you would like to be based from. We usually give people their first preference, however as Manchester is a newly established hub, our ability to offer posts in Manchester will be dependent on the size of the analytical community there at the point of allocation.

Forestry Commission (FC)

Plant Health, Forestry Commission England

Location: Edinburgh or Bristol preferred, although other FC locations will be considered. However frequent attendance initially in Edinburgh will be required (estimated 2 days per weeks) with regular visits to York, London and Bristol.

Background Information

The Forestry Commission England’s Forest Services are the Government’s forestry experts responsible for enabling land owners and manager, businesses, civil society organisations and local communities to protect and expand England’s woodlands. It achieves this through regulation, incentives and advice.

Within Forest Services (FS), the multi-disciplinary Policy and Advice team (PAt) helps the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and other government departments to develop forestry and woodland policy that works. It does so by drawing on all Forest Services’ wide ranging forestry and woodlands experience, expertise, evidence and networks.

Purpose of the job

The post will provide economic analysis and advice to support plant and tree health policy and operations in the FC taking a leading role on forest pests and diseases. The post holder will work in an interdisciplinary environment, working with economists and plant health experts in the FC and its research agency, Forest Research as well as in Defra and the devolved administrations.

Key work areas

Conduct economic impact assessments of proposals to control pests and diseases affecting woodlands.

Contribute to strategic reviews of how to control major pest and disease threats Manage research and analysis to fill gaps in data and understanding; for example, on

valuing non-market benefits. Provide analysis to build the evidence base on the impacts and cost-effectiveness of

woodlands in delivering ecosystem services particularly in relation to the impact of pests and diseases

Support awareness and use of economic analysis, data and research in the Forestry Commission

Contribute to innovative approaches to incorporating economic data into decision-making

Additional non-economic project work such as the drafting and review of pest specific contingency plans and the commissioning of external research or advice on tree/plant health related issues

Person Specification

Competencies required for the post are set out below.

Technical and professional

Essential:

Degree in economics

Experience in carrying out economic appraisal and evaluation

Highly competent IT user with experience of the MS Office suite of applications

Desirable:

Relevant experience working in the field of forestry, rural land use or environmental land policy or management

Knowledge and understanding of the Plant/Tree Health and Forest Reproductive Material functions

Experience of providing expert advice with regard to appraisal, impact assessments, evidence based business cases, and evaluation

A knowledge of and interest in environmental economics

Core Behaviours

Seeing the Big Picture Seek out and share experiences to develop knowledge of the team’s business

area. Understand how the strategies and activities of the team create value and meet

the diverse needs of all stakeholders.

Making effective decisions Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and

external sources to support decisions. Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the

consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

Communicating & Influencing

Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact.

Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs.

Working together Encourage joined up team work within own team and across other groups. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support.

Qualifications First or upper second class degree with at least 50% of the modules in economics, or a masters degree in economics.Licences

The post may involve travel to sites across the UK and therefore applicants need to hold and continue to hold, a full current driving licence that enables them to drive in the UK and should be willing to stay away from home overnight. The Forestry Commission is willing to consider any proposals put forward by applicants which would allow them to do the job in any other way.

HM Revenue & Customs

Location: London and Manchester

Job description

There are around 100 economists in HM Revenue & Customs that work in partnership with HM Treasury on the development of tax policy. In addition, some apply their skills to produce forecasts of over £500 billion of tax revenues for the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), while others use their economics to help improve the way HMRC administers and enforces the tax system.

Tax policyWorking closely with HM Treasury and HMRC tax policy officials, HMRC economists provide the economic analysis that drives many of the Chancellor’s decisions on taxation included in his Budget Statements. The work is wide-ranging as the tax system impacts the economy in so many ways. For example, you could be analysing the impact of tax rate changes on individuals’ work incentives or their consumption behaviour, or businesses’ investment decisions, or options for the customs regime following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union reduction.

Some examples of published reports produced by HMRC economists are as follows:- Evaluation of the impact of the Stamp Duty relief for first time home buyers;1

- The Exchequer effect of the 50 per cent rate of income tax2; and- Econometric analysis of alcohol consumption, to estimate the price elasticity of

demand for alcoholic drinks3.

Most of the economists that work on tax policy are collocated with HM Treasury in Parliament Street in London, although there are also economists working on analysis in Canary Wharf in London, Manchester and Liverpool.

Tax Revenue forecastsWorking closely with the OBR, economists in HMRC produce the tax revenue forecasts that are used in the OBR’s fiscal forecasts which also have a major influence on decisions taken by the Chancellor in each fiscal event. The forecasts are produced using a variety of methods, including time series econometrics. Again most of the economists that work on forecasts are based in London in order to be close to HM Treasury officials and the OBR.

Tax operationsHMRC collects over £500 billion in tax revenues and pays out over £30 billion in tax credits and child benefit. Economists are involved in answering important questions for HMRC’s strategic objectives, such as estimating the amount of error and fraud in the tax system, using behavioural economics to improve taxpayers’ compliance with the tax system, or working on international transfer pricing cases.

HMRC is also building its capacity to fully exploit the vast amounts of data it holds using state of the art predictive analytics and data science techniques. Economists with a keen interest in data science can therefore play an important role in helping HMRC meet these objectives.

1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluating-the-impact-of-stamp-duty-land-tax-first-time-buyers-relief2 http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140206181159/http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2012/excheq-income-tax-2042.pdf3 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/387513/HMRC_WorkingPaper_16_Alcohol_elasticities_final.pdf

Career developmentWe place great emphasis on professional development, for example with the following:- Courses in post-graduate tax economics with leading academics.- Frequent seminars, conferences, and workshops.- Training courses to help you develop communication and management skills. - Access to coaching, career advice and guidance from experienced professionals.

The working environmentYou will have the support of a community of around 100 economists in HMRC. Economists work in large cross-disciplinary teams with statisticians, social researchers and operational researchers; in total there are over 450 analysts in HMRC’s core analytical directorates. Being a very large analytical community there is a lot of opportunities to develop skills and techniques in different areas. HMRC is an environment where analysis really drives decisions so the analysis you produce is highly influential.

Most of our economists work in the Parliament Street building shared with HM Treasury or in Canary Wharf. There are excellent facilities such as staff restaurant, café, deli, gym and other activity rooms, and there is an active social and sporting scene. There are also increasing opportunities to work in the North West.

Further informationIf you would like further information, please contact:Katy.Peters@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

Home Office (HO)

Home Office: about the organisation

Successful candidates would join Home Office Analysis and Insight (HOAI), a directorate that brings together analytical units across the Department into a single community. HOAI’s vision is to be a centre of excellence for professional analysts, delivering high quality analysis for customers whilst also working across areas of technical and subject-matter expertise and drawing on a range of sources to provide ground-breaking insights. All analysts are expected to have the opportunity to work on influential cross-cutting projects in addition to their ‘day job’.

Economics has a clear role within the Home Office to support decision-making, and in developing policy and operations.

About the roles

Economists within the department are responsible for economic policy appraisal and providing support to transformational delivery as well as providing the economic analysis that underpins the Home Office’s multi-million pound investment decisions.

Successful candidates will be placed throughout the Home Office. These placements could involve working for the:

Central Economics Unit. Economists in this team work on cross-cutting strategic economics projects (for example supporting Home Office’s analysis for formal Spending reviews), assess and support business cases underpinning our major spending decisions, and lead across the economist community on standards for quality assurance and economic appraisal. The Chief Economist and Head of Economic Appraisal lead this team.

Crime and Policing. The Crime and Policing Analysis Unit is a fast-paced team working on very topical issues like trends and patterns in knife crime, developing the government response to domestic and sexual offences, and negotiating the funding settlement for the police service with the Treasury. Economics-related tasks include assessing costs and benefits for new legislation aimed at reducing knife crime, gun crime and homicide; assessing the cost to society of different types of crime; spatial mapping of crime and economic activity to determine the nature of any relationship, and econometric analysis aimed at improving our knowledge on the drivers of crime, both at a macro and micro level.

Counter Terrorism and Serious and Organised Crime. Economists work is largely driven by implementation of CONTEST, the Government’s counter terrorism strategy, and the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy. Economics is at the heart of decision making, for example on value-for-money analysis on a range of counter terrorism activities. Research is also multidisciplinary with social and operational researchers, for example on understanding how illicit markets (e.g. drugs, money laundering) operate to inform the law enforcement response to disrupt them.

Migration and Borders. Migration economists work with statisticians and researchers in providing analysis and evidence on the economic impact of migration.

This year migration economists in the Home Office, and in the Migration Advisory Committee secretariat have been central to a number of analytical reports on: the Economic Impact of EU migration; EU exit Long Term Economic Analysis, and an assessment of the impact of future migration policies alongside the Government White Paper. Over the next year, work will be continuing to develop this analysis to support final policy decision making in the longer term, with economists playing a vital role.

Border Force. Graduate Analysts provide key analysis and insight to enable the Home Secretary and other Government officials to be sufficiently informed to make decisions relating to EU Exit, current and future major investment programmes, and any future operating model for the border. Typically, this will involve work such as: providing the economic analysis and modelling to support investment decisions; fulfilling the Permanent Secretary’s ambition of having an analytical framework and addressing evidence gaps by developing the existing data strategy; and, developing economic analytical capability within Border Force, including the ability to monetise security threats and assess the impact of change on UK prosperity.

These roles offer a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience and a better understanding of the role of analysis in Government.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Location: Bootle

Economics in HSE The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the independent body responsible for regulating workplace health and safety in Great Britain. We act in the public interest to reduce work-related death, serious injury and ill health across Great Britain’s workplaces.

The Economic and Social Analysis Team (ESAT) provides high-quality, evidence-based advice covering the full breadth of HSE’s remit and produces analysis and research that is used across the UK Government, industry, academia and international bodies like the OECD and EU. HSE economists provide advice and analysis on the development of HSE strategy and policy in tackling serious occupational injury; work-related ill health including cancer and mental health; and serious industrial accidents. This includes risks arising from emerging technologies like driverless vehicles and cyber threats; and labour market shifts like zero-hour contracts and the ‘gig’ economy.

HSE economists are able to consider a variety of key questions and policy areas that are important to the development of the economy and the protection of workers and members of the public, including:

• What are the costs and benefits of changes in health and safety regulation to workers, businesses and wider society? • What are the economic impacts of reducing the likelihood or the impact of major accidents at hazardous workplaces such as power plants, chemical factories, and offshore installations? • How should HSE determine the appropriate type and level of intervention in responding to health and safety failures and how should behavioural ‘nudges’ be designed for maximum effectiveness? • What are the quality of life and welfare costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses and how can we measure the impacts of long-latency health issues at work, such as exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens? • How can emerging non-market valuation techniques, such as Subjective Wellbeing Valuation, improve how we measure these costs? • What are the incentives that businesses and workers face to comply with health and safety regulations? • What are the impacts of the business cycle on health and safety outcomes? To provide sound evidence-based answers to these questions and more, we collaborate with other analysts and specialists in HSE, including statisticians, social researchers, psychologists, medics and policy advisors. HSE economists also work with economists in other Departments on cross-Governmental research on the value of life and health; and to deliver strategic aims to promote the use of economics to support decision-making as part of the Government Economic Service.

ESAT also conducts some analysis on a commercial basis, acting as a consultant to provide evidence to assess occupational risks and support their proportionate management. We carry this work out as part of HSE’s wider commercial strategy. This work can provide experience of a wide range of areas of analysis and techniques; and the opportunity to manage delivery to customers in the private sector, universities and the governments of other countries.

What will I do as an Assistant Economist in HSE?

As part of a relatively small team, currently comprising seven economists and five social researchers, Assistant Economists (AEs) have many opportunities to take on responsibility and develop their skills. The Economic and Social Analysis Team provides advice across the scope of HSE’s remit – from offshore oil and gas exploration to genetically modified organisms – and this offers great variety to AE that will help form a solid basis for a career as a government economist.

The main responsibilities and activities of this post can include:

• Producing high quality regulatory impact assessments of specific legislative changes to support Ministerial decision-making and to satisfy the evidence standards of the Better Regulation Executive

• Supporting Economic Advisors in developing HSE’s evidence base on the economic impacts of health and safety risks in collaboration with other analysts, scientists and policy advisors

• Working with other government departments and specialists in academia to develop HSE’s use and understanding of techniques to value life and health, the use of data analytics and the application of behavioural interventions to policy problems

• Delivering economic analysis to support health and safety risk-management to a range of customers through HSE’s commercial consultancy function: these customers could include public bodies, private corporations, research funds and the governments of other countries

• Line-management and development of student economists working at HSE through the GES sandwich student scheme or other internship programmes

• Promoting opportunities in HSE and the GES through engagement with students at local university economics degree programmes and guest lectures HSE assistant economists are strongly involved in wider GES activities, such as organising the ‘GES in the North’ Conference, attending GES training and events, and promoting the GES to students at local schools and universities.

Pay and benefits Assistant economists in HSE are employed at the Civil Service grade of Higher Executive Officer, also referred to as Band 4 within HSE. The salary for this grade is currently £30,288. Holiday entitlement is 25 days annual leave (for full time appointments, pro-rata for part-

time), plus public holidays. The Economic and Social Analysis Team is based in Liverpool and Buxton, with all economists in the team currently working in Liverpool.

Ministry, Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

Directorate: Analysis and Data Directorate, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentLocation: 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s job is to create great places to live and work; and give more power to local people to shape what happens in their area. Our work is focused on four main areas:

Ensure people throughout the country have access to affordable and high-quality housing

Provide opportunities for all parts of the country to thrive economically

Build integrated communities

Support effective local government

As an Assistant Economist in MHCLG you will be responsible for a variety of unique and interesting pieces of economics work in support of our policies. These roles vary across different business areas, but frequently involve leading pieces of analytical work, engaging with other government departments and external stakeholders, working collaboratively across teams within MHCLG to deliver analytical projects, and providing analytical solutions for customers.

The posts are based in MHCLG’s Analysis and Data Directorate and this is a multi-disciplinary team comprising economists, operational researchers, social researchers, statisticians, data scientists, IT specialists and data collection teams. The Directorate is a vibrant, fast-moving and high-profile place to work and is at the heart of delivering critical evidence for the Department and other stakeholders. You will be expected to work alongside policy colleagues and provide analysis to support their work.

Analysis and Data Directorate provides analysis on all MHCLG’s policies. Our priority areas include:

Expert analysis and advice on the housing market; planning and key policies such as Right to Buy

Data collection and analysis to support the Building Safety programme

Policy analysis on local public service reform and public sector efficiency including key policies such as the Needs and Resources Review of local government and business rates retention

Undertaking economic analysis in preparation for key fiscal events such as the 2019 Spending Review as well as forecasts for the Office of Budget Responsibility

Cities and local economic growth, high streets and Enterprise Zones

The annual Local government finance settlement

Troubled Families, Homelessness and domestic abuse

Robust National and Official Statistics including on house building, planning, affordable housing and land use

the English Housing Survey (EHS) - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/english-housing-survey

Wellbeing and the Indices of Multiple Deprivation

Open Data Communities - http://opendatacommunities.org/

As an Assistant Economist in MHCLG, you can expect to work with experienced government analysts on high priority projects. You will have the opportunity to use your economic skills on the job and will be able to acquire new skills as part of your learning and development. Working in MHCLG will

also give you the chance to work alongside experienced policy makers and give you a real insight into policy making today.

OpportunitiesWe will agree the precise nature of your work with us nearer the time depending on the skills and interests of candidates but opportunities include:

Undertaking value for money assessments of potential housing policy options through the application of cost benefit analysis;

Providing economic analysis and advice on MHCLG policy areas including in preparation for the 2019 Spending Review;

Modelling and analysis of different policy options including Office of Budget Responsibility forecasts in MHCLG policy areas e.g. business rates;

Providing economic scrutiny and value for money assurance on high profile business cases;

Enhancing MHCLG’s economic appraisal guidance to ensure consistency in value for money analysis and helping build the economics evidence base on appraisal more generally; and

Applying economic theories and principles to public policy issues and providing economic analysis to inform high priority policy issues.

When working on such areas, Assistant Economists will:

Work closely with analysts across government, including HM Treasury;

Gain experience of working in an analytical team in government;

Gain exposure to work on developing innovative new tools and techniques for analysing data and sharing results; and

Work in a multi-disciplinary environment with analysts of different specialisms and helping to build the evidence base in key policy areas.

Person specificationThis post would suit individuals who:

Have an interest and/or experience in applying their economic skills to public policy and the public sector;

Have a background in microeconomic theory and excellent analytical skills;

Have knowledge and/or experience of using MS Office – i.e. PowerPoint, Word, and Excel;

Are interested and/or have experience in taking an evidenced based approach to help inform, and make recommended decisions;

Enjoy working in a team and can build relationships and work collaboratively;

Have good communication skills; and;

Are self-starters and can work independently.

Please note that successful candidates will need to pass the CTC security checks – this requires candidates to have been living continuously in the UK for the past 3 years.

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem)

Role details

Role Title Economist

Band C

Division and Directorate Various

Location London / Glasgow

Number of positions and contract type

Several, Permanent

Purpose Energy is an essential service, key to every aspect of modern life. We use gas and electricity to heat our homes and workplaces, power the phones we hold in our hands, the appliances we cannot live or work without and, increasingly, our cars. There are three elements to supplying energy to homes and businesses in Britain:

generating electricity and producing gas (wholesale markets); transporting them through the gas and electricity infrastructure (networks); and selling them to homes and businesses (retail markets).

Ofgem regulates all of these elements and our economists play an integral part in the decision-making process, ensuring that decisions are based on sound evidence and analysis. The work you will do as an economist will contribute to Ofgem achieving the following outcomes for consumers:

Lower bills than would otherwise have been the case; Reduced environmental damage both now and in the future; Improved reliability and safety; Better quality of service, appropriate for an essential service; Benefits for society as a whole, including support for those struggling to pay their

bills.

This is an exciting time to be joining Ofgem as the way in which energy is produced, generated, transported, stored and supplied to consumers is changing. The push to reduce carbon emissions and the deployment of new technologies means the energy system is in transition to one that is low carbon, more decentralised, smart and flexible.

Our economists typically work in three main areas:

Consumers and Markets, which focuses on the wholesale and retail markets, as well as conduct and enforcement;

System Operation and Networks, which focuses on RIIO (1&2), system transition and commercial, as well as charging and access; and

The Office of the Chief Economist, located within the Delivery directorate, which leads our analytical strategy and development, research hub, analytical assurance work, behavioural insights and annual report on energy markets.

As part of Ofgem’s network of economists you will be expected to contribute to the ongoing coherence and robustness of economic analysis that we undertake to inform our policy decisions. Our economists typically work closely with senior economists, managing and leading defined tasks, policy issues, and technical processes. They are expected to apply appropriate economic concepts, using model-based arguments and other standard techniques to address issues and problems. We also expect economists to contribute to Ofgem research on energy market issues and keep up to date with developments in

economic theory and practice. In addition, they are expected to present the analyses, findings and policy recommendations in form of policy papers and/or oral presentations.

Key responsibilities

Report to Band D Potential to line manage one or more Band B analyst Carry out high quality analysis Draft reports or parts of reports Contribute to knowledge sharing, including showcasing our analytical skills, and

developing links with economists inside and outside the organisation Participate in Ofgem’s economist recruitment activities Potentially management of external consultants

Key outputs and deliverables

An economist can expect to:

Provide advice with regards to appraisal, impact assessments, and policy analysis and evaluation

Undertake analysis of qualitative or quantitative data for the purposes of producing evidence for policy advice.

Assess the reliability and relevance of evidence and give objective advice. Review economic models, challenge input data and assumptions and interpret

output data Ensure that all assumptions are transparently presented with results and that key

risks and sensitivities are assessed Contribute to producing both internal and external documents Facilitate effective internal stakeholder engagement, specifically presenting or

communicating analysis in ways which non-economists can readily understand. Contribute to Ofgem research on energy market related issues

Key stakeholder relationships

Economists must be able to establish strong stakeholder relationships both internally and externally. They will be expected to:

Develop good working relationships at working level with policy and other analytical colleagues across the organisation

Build a network of contacts both internally and externally, to share knowledge, experience and good practice on economic analysis

Participate in the network of economists at Ofgem to contribute to the coherence and robustness of our economic analysis

Consider perspectives of key stakeholders when formulating policy solutions Communicate effectively to stakeholders Contribute positively to our reputation for good quality economic expertise for

example through research work and showcasing other analytical work.

Specific skills and capabilities

Essential:

A degree in economics, or equivalent qualification/expertise Excellent analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative Demonstrable expertise in applying economic concepts to policy appraisal and

evaluation using a broad range of techniques Ability to simplify and analyse complex concepts and communicate them effectively

both in written papers and oral presentations Experience of managing and working effectively with diverse sets of stakeholders

Desirable:

An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in economics or related subjects Experience in regulatory and competition economics Knowledge and experience in econometrics or statistics Experience or a working knowledge of the GB electricity and gas markets Intermediate or advanced Microsoft Office skills (eg Word, Excel, Power Point) Familiarity with statistical programmes and programming languages (e.g. R, Stata).

Competencies These are the competencies that are relevant for this role and a selection of these will be

assessed at interview.

Seeing the Bigger Picture Making effective decision making Leading and communicating Collaborating and Partnering Delivering at pace

Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Assistant EconomistOffice for National Statistics

LocationFareham, South East : Newport, Wales, NP10 8XG : City of Westminster, London, SW1V 2QQ

About the jobThe Government Economic Service is at the heart of everything government does with high quality economic analysis essential to decision making in everything. 

As an assistant economist, you will be joining a community of over 1,500 economists across more than 30 organisations, putting your economic learning to direct use by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. 

This is an exciting time to be joining the civil service, and with continuous support you’ll prepare vital briefings for ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics. 

Assistant Economists play a key role in the growth of our economist community and contribute to our vision of being widely respected for informing debate and improving decision making through high quality, easy to use statistics and analyses on the UK economy and society.

These roles will present opportunities to work with the best data sources in the UK and take part in cutting-edge research and production of key economic statistics. These key economic indicators are vital to every area of our ever-changing lives, and are becoming more important than ever before, with increasing demand for information on how the economy is performing.

These roles will allow you to build your economics expertise within different areas of UK economic data, as well as developing a range of analytical skills which you can deploy in your future career.

Successful candidates will be allocated to roles according to skillset, business needs and priorities; these may include (but not necessarily limited to):

• the production of high profile economic statistics including monthly and quarterly GDP, ESG’s flagship publication the annual Blue Book and regional economic statistics

• helping to implement innovative new data sources into consumer price statistics as part of the Consumer Prices data collection strategy

• facilitating researcher development of research proposals with a particular focus on those using business data and working with the team as part of identifying and negotiating access to internal and external data sources

Other potential opportunities may include:

• Collaborating with the Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence (ESCoE) to work with the academic community to explore the issues surrounding measurement of the modern economy

• Joint working with government departments such as: Bank Of England (BoE), Cabinet Office (CO), HM Treasury

• Attending and presenting at Economic Forums, seminars and events Training

Welsh Government

Economists at the Welsh Government are involved in nearly all devolved policy areas including health, education, economic development, transport, Welsh language, the environment, agriculture and certain aspects of taxation.

To support policy development in these areas, a number of outstanding assistant economist opportunities are available to work for the Welsh Government and influence the day-to-day lives of every person in Wales. You will use your skills and knowledge as a professional economist to formulate, implement, and evaluate government policy in a range of policy areas including those, but not limited to, those mentioned above.

As an assistant economist, you will put your economic learning to direct use by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. This is an exciting time to be joining the Welsh Government as you will have opportunities to prepare vital briefings for ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics, scrutinise business cases to ensure value for money options are highlighted and undertake impact assessments for proposed new legislation.

Posts are normally located in Cardiff but there may be scope to be based at other Welsh Government offices.