At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex economic evaluations and advisory projects for UK public sector clients.
- Company: Join ICF, a leading public policy consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, extensive training, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Work in a diverse team with over 30 nationalities and excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pressing policy issues while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in economics, 10+ years of experience, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We are looking for a Lead Consultant (Economist) to join ICF's growing economics function within our UK Policy Research, Evaluation and Strategy (PRES) team. ICF is one of the UK's leading public policy consultancies, supporting government departments, regulators and public bodies to develop evidence-based policy and make better decisions. Our economists work alongside policy researchers, evaluators and subject matter experts to provide robust economic analysis that informs policy development, appraisal, evaluation and investment decisions.
Our economics team delivers economic evaluation, value for money (VfM) analysis, cost-benefit analysis, impact assessment, economic appraisal, business case development and bespoke economic analysis. We work on issues at the top of today's policy agenda, including economic growth, energy, telecoms, security, the impact of new technologies, and better regulation. Economic analysis in support of assignments for one or more of DESNZ, BIST (DBT), DCMS and Defra will be a particular focus of your work, alongside ICF's wider public sector portfolio.
The Lead Consultant (Economist) role is required to strengthen ICF's senior economic leadership and technical delivery capability in response to sustained demand for economic analysis across evaluation and advisory projects. The role will help ensure that economics expertise is embedded across evaluations and wider analytical work.
From day one, you will have the opportunity to help win, manage and deliver a diverse range of economic analyses for UK public sector clients. You will be a core member of our growing and collegiate team and work in an international environment in which more than 30 nationalities are represented. You will be contributing innovative ideas and practices to the business, helping achieve excellent, cutting‑edge economic analysis and expanding ICF's work into new areas. You will have the chance to develop your knowledge and skills through excellent training and development opportunities, including via ICF's peer‑to‑peer communities of practice.
Your main responsibilities will be to:
- Lead complex economic evaluation and advisory projects.
- Provide technical quality assurance.
- Lead bids and strategic client relationships.
- Develop new economics opportunities.
- Mentor economists and grow capability.
You will thrive in a fast‑paced environment. You will have a wide range of interests and be able to manage a varied workload to deadlines without compromising quality. Your experience could have been gained in consulting, government, a regulatory agency, academia or the private sector. You will have:
- Degree in economics or quantitative discipline.
- At least ten years' relevant experience.
- Recognised technical leadership.
- Strong business development and people management experience.
Desirable experience includes:
- Economic evaluation, value for money analysis, appraisal or cost‑benefit analysis.
- HM Treasury Green Book, Magenta Book and Aqua Book.
- Economic modelling and quantitative analysis.
- Experience in one or more of DESNZ, DBT.
Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.
The benefits of joining ICF include access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well. We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home.
Lead Consultant - Economist in London employer: ICF International
At ICF, we are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your passion for sustainability can thrive. As a Calling Analyst or Consultant, you'll engage in impactful projects that shape Europe's climate and biodiversity policies while benefiting from ongoing learning opportunities and a supportive culture. With a hybrid working policy and a focus on employee wellbeing, ICF is committed to investing in your growth and success from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Consultant - Economist in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Lead Consultant - Economist at ICF International!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like ICF International or be willing to refer you for that Lead Consultant - Economist position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from ICF International who’s on the lookout for their next Lead Consultant - Economist star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Lead Consultant - Economist role at ICF International!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Consultant - Economist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at ICF International. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICF International
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at ICF International. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
