At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead economic strategy and provide expert advice to advance the Government Economic Service.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to promoting high-quality economic analysis in government.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public policy while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in economics and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We seek a proactive economist who demonstrates leadership, strong analytical skills, and effective communication to advance the Government Economic Service profession vision. This vision is “to champion economics in government, and to promote the use of high-impact, high-quality economic analysis provided by excellent economists.”
About the Team
The Government Economic and Social Research Team (GESR) is a friendly, dynamic group that supports the Government Social Research (GSR) and Government Economic Service (GES) professions. They help attract, develop, connect, and keep skilled analysts throughout the government. We work across government to make sure social researchers and economists have the resources required to deliver high-quality analysis and evidence for policy makers across all UK Government and public service functions. We also partner with external organisations (e.g. Royal Economics Society, Society for Professional Economists, Discover Economics) to improve evidence use in policy making, keep GES members updated with the latest analysis techniques, and promote diversity in perspectives and analyst hiring. The team is divided into Strategy and Operations groups. Together, they deliver all policies and commitments in the GSR and GES Strategies. They work closely with senior leaders. This is a high-profile team in both areas, offering many chances to engage with senior collaborators, develop leadership skills, and grow professionally inside and outside HMT. Diversity and inclusion of people and ideas are central to our mission. You must be committed to role modelling the positive and inclusive behaviour we expect of our membership. The team works across two locations, London and Darlington, and occasional travel is encouraged between the two. If long-distance travel between sites is difficult for you, a range of reasonable adjustments can be arranged.
About the Job
- Provide authoritative advice on developing the economics profession to GES leaders, including the Joint Heads of the GES.
- Lead professional economist for the GESR team.
- Lead the technical response to the 2026 external review of GES professional assessment, developing and recommending options for updated economics testing.
- Lead delivery of the GES Strategy and development of the next GES strategy from 2027.
- Line manage and coach the HEO GES Engagement Lead.
- Oversee the GES secretariat function, supporting key cross-government boards and meetings with senior leads.
- Oversee engagement with the ~3,700 strong GES membership, including delivery of the annual GES Conference and a regular rhythm of member communications and events.
As the role holder, you will coordinate delivery and reporting for the current GES Strategy. This strategy outlines priorities for a profession with 3,700 members across more than 50 departments. You will use your position to improve economics capability throughout the Civil Service and increase its impact on public sector delivery and government policy. You will deliver clear and decisive advice to GES leaders and departments across the Civil Service. Your role ensures governance, technical assessment, recruitment, professional development, and member engagement are efficient and consistent with the GES Strategy and the GES Technical Framework. You will be at the very centre of delivering and crafting guidelines on behalf of senior leaders. You will build direct working relationships with Departmental Chief Economists, Directors of Analysis, and other senior economists across the Civil Service. This role offers a great opportunity for an economist who thinks strategically and seeks to develop experience working alongside senior leaders and managing efforts throughout government.
About You
The successful candidate will have evidence of operating strategically, understanding the wider policy and collaborator landscape, and aligning work to organizational or cross-government priorities. You will have evidence of building positive relationships with senior partners and communicating clearly and confidently to influence decisions or secure engagement. You’ll have evidence of using analysis, judgment, and input from interested parties to make or support effective decisions at the right level. Lastly, you will have experience of working with economics, economists, or analytical professions to deliver strategic projects, improve capability, or strengthen professional standards. Applicants for the role are required to be either:
- an existing member of the GES profession or
- meet the minimum academic requirements for GES membership as set out in the GES membership.
Please review the full Civil Service advert and role profile for full details of the badging assessment required.
Some of the Benefits our people love!
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant). Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours).
- Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity.
For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link. If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form, or speak to the recruitment team.
Economist and Strategy Lead, Government Economic Service employer: HM TREASURY
HM Treasury is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Darlington where policy advisers can thrive. With a strong emphasis on personal development, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including a defined benefit pension scheme and extensive leave options, employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that enhance their expertise and contribute to the UK's financial market innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Economist and Strategy Lead, Government Economic Service
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We think you need these skills to ace Economist and Strategy Lead, Government Economic Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for HM TREASURY and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM TREASURY
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
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✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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