Senior Economic Data Analyst in Manchester

This role is available across our London, Bristol and Manchester Locations

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.

Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government, by:

• joining up public sector services
• harnessing the power of AI for the public good
• strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
• elevating leadership and investing in talent
• funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
• committing to transparency and driving accountability

We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world-leading GOV.UK and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government.

We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people all over the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol.

The Government Digital Service is where talent translates into impact. From your first day, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most highly-skilled digital professionals, all contributing their knowledge to make change on a national scale.

Join us for rewarding work that makes a difference across the UK. You'll solve some of the nation’s highest-priority digital challenges, helping millions of people access services they need

Former DSIT recruitment campaigns are continuing as usual, but candidates should be aware that following theGovernment’s announcement on the changes to some civil service departments, roles will be subject to the machinery of government moves and will ultimately be in one of the new departments. We will provide more information if you are selected for a role. This work remains of high importance to the civil service, and we thank you for your continued interest.

The GDS IDEA (Insight, Data Science, Economics, and Analysis) Unit is looking for talented data scientists to join our dynamic, high-impact, multidisciplinary team. We combine cutting-edge AI, advanced data science, and analytical expertise to deliver powerful insights, automation efficiency, and build the evidence base that drives smarter, more impactful decisions across DSIT.

As a Senior Economic Data Analyst you’ll:

• Lead analytical projects to build on GDS’ existing economic evidence base, delivering analysis across digital and data themes, including AI, service transformation and data sharing.
• Identify opportunities for your analysis to support improved implementation where challenges exist, building relationships with analysts and key officials across GDS and wider DSIT
• Lead horizon-scanning work on emerging digital and AI technologies, developing and applying advanced modelling frameworks (e.g. Monte Carlo, uptake curves, ROI estimates) to quantify the benefits of such technologies
• Create reproducible analytical pipelines in Python, managing the full data lifecycle from preparation and linkage through to delivery, documentation, and visualisation
• Support effective data management by advocating consistent use of trusted sources and transparent documentation of data processes
• Provide clear, engaging briefings and visualisations of complex analysis for senior officials and cross-Government audiences
• Support the wider organisation with Green Book standard cost benefit analysis on complex and novel projects, including for HMT fiscal events

Person specification

This role requires:

• an experienced (economic) data analyst with experience working in Government and applying a wide range of analytical techniques, such as economic analysis, Monte Carlo analysis, predictive modelling and cost-benefit analysis
• strong analytical skills, with experience of working in high-performing teams producing top-quality analysis for multiple stakeholders and managing various deadlines. An understanding and experience in the application of Green Book techniques in Business Cases would be an advantage, as would experience of data analysis and visualisation in Python
• excellent ability to translate complex and broad material — both qualitative and quantitative — into clear written or oral analysis and communications, including briefings and presentations; and an ability to operate effectively and flexibly in a fast-paced, political and complex environment.
• the ability to work proactively and set the agenda, working with a high degree of autonomy and being comfortable identifying priorities in your policy areas, and what needs to take place to achieve them. This will require considering a wide range of evidence and advice from expert stakeholders
• membership of the Government Economic Service, the Government Operational Research Service, the Government Social Research or the Government Statistician Group
• a degree in a numerate discipline or equivalent professional work experience — this could be as an operational researcher, statistician, social researcher, economist, or data analyst

Please note this role Requires SC clearance. We are unable to sponsor visas for this role.