Overview
This role leads the development of the British Council’s economic evidence base, demonstrating the economic and public value of our global programmes. Working within the Research and Insight team, the postholder advances research on cultural relations and soft power through an economic lens, and builds strong relationships with academics, government departments, and sector partners.
They provide expert advice on measuring and communicating economic impact, develop impact assessments for key programmes, and promote the use of economic thinking in planning and evaluation. The role works collaboratively across Research and Insight, Evidence, Evaluation and Learning, and Strategy, Data, Policy and Planning, as well as with regional teams.
The postholder manages commissioned research projects, builds organisational capability in economic evaluation, and contributes to internal learning and communities of practice. Ultimately, they bring together evidence on the economic value of our work to create a clear, coherent narrative that demonstrates the British Council’s contribution to UK prosperity and international cultural relations.
Accountabilities
The role supports the Research and Insight team’s strategy by planning and managing its own workload, coordinating contributions from others, and offering professional insight. It provides specialist economic analysis to strengthen programme design and evaluation, while maintaining up‑to‑date expertise and building capability across the organisation through training and knowledge-sharing.
The postholder develops a strong understanding of internal customers’ needs, working closely with teams across the organisation to ensure economic research and evidence are effectively generated and used. They identify opportunities to improve processes and contribute expert advice to strategic and change initiatives. The role also builds and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders, as well as research suppliers. It manages projects and budgets for its area of work, and delivers high‑quality analysis, reports and commissioned research to support organisational priorities.
Requirements
Requirements of the role:
- Degree or equivalent in economics
- A strong understanding of one or more of the key sectors with which British Council engages, and of international relations or research.
- Substantial experience – preferably in a professional context – of economic analysis and modelling, capital value, producing clear and succinct reports, making recommendations and presenting findings to stakeholders.
- A proven ability to work on projects in a complex environment, with the ability to think strategically about how your work fits into your organisation’s agenda and adapting accordingly.
- Ability to deliver quality policy analysis and applied knowledge to tight deadlines, identifying risks and issues and focusing on what matters most to inform decision making
- Experience of working with senior managers and high level stakeholders including academic and research partners
- Strong organisational ability
- Strong skills in economic analysis and modelling, with the ability to apply these skills to the sectors in which the British Council operates
- Excellent communication skills, as you may be required to explain economic concepts or implications to non-specialists, as well as working across a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, working within and across teams and organisations, and the confidence to engage clearly with team members, defending the integrity of your analysis when needed.
Closing and selection process
Closing Date: Applications will close at 23:59 on 15th February 2025 UK Time.
Selection process: Please note that as the first step 2 small screening tests will be assigned to shortlisted candidates to complete within 2 hours. Testing is due to take place in the week commencing 23rd February. A time slot will be scheduled at least two days in advance of the tests being administered. If these tests are passed, the next stage will be a written exercise followed by a competency based interview that may also include questions on the written exercise, planned for early March.
Eligibility and location
You must have the legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.
Contract and remuneration
Contract type: Indefinite
Pay band: 8
Salary: £38,820-£46,203 plus London Weighting allowance of £3,300 is London based
Location
Location: UK (London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast)
Additional notes
Requirements: Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the listed locations at the time of application.
Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided.
British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.
