Economist - graduate entry, London; 2026

Each year CEPA recruits analysts (the CEPA Economist position) to join its consulting team in London.

We are looking to recruit multiple economists to join our team in October 2026, working across all aspects of our business in our London office (with potential for flexibility on the start date based on individual circumstances).

CEPA Economists will have the opportunity to work in multiple sectors. Our work covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Energy (e.g. electricity and gas networks, energy markets, renewables).
• Water.
• Transport (e.g. air, rail and road regulation).
• Global health (e.g. evaluation of disease prevention schemes).
• Infrastructure.
• Communications, media & payment systems.

Economists will need to use their analytical skills and critical thought to deliver solutions to complex challenges. Projects often require us to brainstorm ways in which to apply economic frameworks and theories in novel ways. We typically perform: economic and financial modelling; econometric assessments; qualitative assessments; literature reviews; and stakeholder interviews. Day-to-day work for Economists include supporting analysis; developing client deliverables; supporting business development; and supporting the company’s day-to-day operations.

Examples of projects worked on by CEPA Economists include:

• modelling the impact to the energy network from new sources of generation being added;
• using econometrics to identify optimal charging structures in transport;
• modelling the long-term socioeconomic benefits of a new wastewater treatment plant in Dublin;
• applying auction design theory to the allocation of broadband subsidies; and
• assessing the impact of key global health organizations through mixed-methods evaluations and public health/economics modelling.

We work mostly for public sector clients, such as regulators, government departments and international organisations. Your work will directly impact policy decisions which will make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

We work in small project teams, meaning that Economists make a major contribution to the success of our work, interacting with senior members and clients from day one. Economists will typically work on multiple projects at any one point in time, and work on 10-15 projects over the course of a year.

In our London office, we promote a hybrid working environment that enables flexibility and promotes effective collaboration under an enjoyable working environment. To encourage this, we currently expect staff to work in the office at least 50% of their working days.

Application process

Candidates should complete the online application form , by 16 November 2025. As part of the application form, you will submit your CV and answer questions regarding your motivations and technical skills, such as:

• As a CEPA Economist you would work across a variety of sectors. Which CEPA sector are you most interested in?
• Why does that sector interest you the most? (Max 300 words)
• Provide one example of a current market failure in the CEPA sector that interests you most. Explain how one policy option could be used to address it? (Max 300 words)
• Describe one example of when you applied economics to a practical problem. This can be either as part of your education or outside of it. (Max 300 words)
• We also ask a series of optional diversity and inclusion questions. If you have any questions about the application process,please send them to careers@cepa.co.uk .

After the submission deadline, candidates will be asked to complete a virtual online assessment, testing their ability to apply economic and logical thinking and analyse complex information.

Successful candidates will be invited to take part in a short remote interview on Microsoft Teams focused on their motivation for joining CEPA. The process finishes with an in-person assessment day in our London office in early-mid January. We expect to conclude the process in January 2026.

CEPA is certified to be Disability Confident Committed. We will make adjustments for those who require them to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible.

Profile

Candidates will:

• have achieved or be expected to achieve a 2:1 or higher in an undergraduate degreeand have achieved a degree in an economics-related subject; and
• be able to demonstrate quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, excellent written and spoken communication skills and experience in Microsoft packages including Word and Excel.

It is advantageous but not essential to have relevant work experience from either the public or private sector. We provide interactive, tailored training sessions to help you become experts in the practice implementation and issues facing the sectors in which we work.

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I)

We recognise that creating an inclusive environment is important in attracting and retaining talented staff. We are an organisation with a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, whichhelps us to deliver exceptional advice to our clients. To find out more, please visit the D&I section of our website .

Remuneration

CEPA offers a highly competitive remuneration package for its staff. Beyond this, staff benefits also include:

• a signing bonus for new Economists, as well as annual profit-share and bonus schemes;
• health, income protection and life insurance;
• 25 days paid holiday per year (up to 30 with our holiday buy-back scheme), plus UK bank holidays;
• a hybrid working environment – working from CEPA\’s London office at least 50% of the time;
• access to an Employee Wellbeing Platform;
• a corporate cycle scheme; and
• visa sponsorship for international students.

Recruitment Webinars

We are hosting two Recruitment Webinars prior to our submission deadline, at the following times:

• Thursday 23 October 13:00-14:00 UK time
• Tuesday 4 November 17:30-18:30 UK time

These webinars are intended to provide more detailabout what to expect when applying to and working at CEPA and give you an opportunity to ask us questions about the assessment process, the Economist role and about life at CEPA. To join us at these events, sign up using this form .

Additional information

Please find further information on the Economist position here , with first-hand views provided here .