Assistant Economist in Darlington

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is one of the world's top competition and consumer agencies. It has important responsibilities in producing research and analysis through the Microeconomics Unit (MU) to contribute to wider government policy development and broader thought leadership. At a time when the UK economy faces unprecedented challenges, high-quality policy-relevant research is vital, presenting opportunities for a skilled Assistant Economist to join the Microeconomics Unit in Darlington.

As an Assistant Economist, you will have the opportunity to work on a range of quantitative research projects in the Microeconomics Unit. The Unit has delivered influential research on competition across the UK economy, market power in UK labour markets, and industrial strategy. Over the coming years, the Unit's portfolio is expected to include:

• The next phase of the MU Growth Programme, investigating the drivers and blockers of productivity growth, with a focus on the role of competition;
• The next iteration of our State of UK Competition report;
• The annual Positive Impact report, measuring the CMA's contribution to the economy;
• The CMA's ongoing programme of ex post studies into past competition policy interventions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Work with Microeconomics Unit colleagues to carry out economic and quantitative analysis as part of research projects.
• Deliver high quality and timely quantitative analysis under the guidance of more senior economists.
• Communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing, by drafting substantial sections of technical papers and published reports.
• Manage own time effectively to ensure analysis is delivered to the agreed timescale.
• Establish effective working relationships within the research team and with external stakeholders.
• Proactively develop own skills, knowledge and career in the CMA.

You will join a diverse community of economists, working in a collaborative atmosphere. Our structured training provides a range of opportunities for continuous learning to develop your economic expertise.

We welcome applications from candidates that have, or are in their final year working towards, a 2:1 undergraduate degree in economics or a joint economics degree with a strong microeconomics component or a postgraduate economics qualification.

It is essential that you can provide evidence and examples for each of the following selection criteria in your application:

• Post-graduate degree in economics, or a 2:1 undergraduate degree in economics.
• Knowledge and understanding of microeconomics and analytical techniques.
• Experience or demonstrated ability to design, develop and deliver economic research or analysis to tight deadlines.
• Sound verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and manage working relationships and to work in teams.

Benefits include a salary of £38,085, contributions towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme, 25 days leave (increasing to 30 days over five years), and access to various wellbeing benefits.

Our Values are Ambitious and Evidence-based, striving for Excellence, treating everyone with Respect, and being Collaborative and Inclusive.