At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality economic policy advice and analysis on complex issues.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key player in regulating UK financial services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to lead projects and mentor junior colleagues.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK finance while protecting consumers and driving economic growth.
- Qualifications: Graduate degree in Economics and experience in wholesale financial markets required.
The predicted salary is between 60700 - 75600 £ per year.
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) £60,700 to £75,600; London £66,600 to £83,100 (salary offered based on skills and experience)
About the FCA and Team
We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth and shaping the future of UK finance services. Economics is at the heart of the FCA’s work and underpins our regulatory decisions across wholesale and retail markets.
Role Responsibilities
- Using your economic knowledge and experience, you will deliver high-quality policy advice and analysis across a range of live policy issues, with a particular focus on wholesale markets, including capital markets.
- You will produce careful analysis to tight deadlines and undertake in-depth research on complex policy questions.
- As a Lead Economist you will manage multiple workstreams, design and manage projects, lead cost-benefit analysis for proposed interventions, and ensure outputs are robust.
- You will also provide line management and day-to-day oversight of junior colleagues, support senior management in planning and prioritising work, and act as an escalation point for complex issues.
Minimum Requirements
- Solid academic foundation in Economics, with a graduate level degree or higher in economics or a closely related field and relevant professional experience.
- Solid knowledge of wholesale financial markets, gained through professional experience or academic study.
- Demonstrable experience delivering cost-benefit analysis in a high-volume or policy-driven environment.
Essential Skills and Experience
- High-quality economic advice on regulatory and/or public policy issues.
- Extensive experience conducting robust economic policy analysis.
- Ability to work in ambiguous environments, identify key policy questions, and structure complex problems to produce clear, actionable insights.
- Well-developed stakeholder management skills, building trust-based relationships with internal and external partners.
- Effective communication skills, translating complex concepts into clear, accessible messages for non-technical audiences.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary analytical projects, planning, prioritising, coordinating team activities, and maintaining quality under pressure.
- Commitment to continuous learning, self-awareness and resilience.
Benefits
25 days annual leave plus
Lead Economist in Edinburgh employer: Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh or Leeds, where you can make a tangible impact on the financial services sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to lead multidisciplinary projects, all while enjoying a competitive salary and generous benefits package. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and integrity, ensuring your contributions help shape the future of UK finance.
Contact Details:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Economist in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the economics field, especially those who work at the FCA or similar organisations. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your economic knowledge and current market trends. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of a Lead Economist, especially around cost-benefit analysis and policy advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Practice explaining complex economic concepts in simple terms. This will help you stand out, especially since the role involves translating technical information for non-technical audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Economist in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your economic knowledge and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to wholesale markets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the Lead Economist position. Don’t forget to mention your experience with cost-benefit analysis!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key, make sure your application clearly conveys complex ideas in an accessible way. This will demonstrate your ability to translate economic concepts for non-technical audiences, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Economics
Brush up on your economic theories and principles, especially those relevant to wholesale markets. Be ready to discuss how your academic background and professional experience align with the FCA's focus on delivering high-quality policy advice.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work where you conducted cost-benefit analysis or tackled complex policy questions. Highlight how you structured these problems and the actionable insights you provided, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in ambiguous environments.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
Think of instances where you've built trust-based relationships with stakeholders. Be ready to share how you communicated complex concepts to non-technical audiences, as effective communication is key for this role.
✨Lead with Confidence
As a Lead Economist, you'll be managing multiple workstreams and junior colleagues. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you prioritise tasks under pressure. Show that you're committed to continuous learning and can adapt to challenges.
