Lead Consultant - Economist in Birmingham

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 develop a nuanced understanding of complex economic issues. You will have a proven track record in leading consulting assignments, economic/VfM evaluations, and/or other economic analysis projects. You will be self-motivated and 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:

• Hybrid working policy for flexibility.
• Employee wellbeing hub for personalised support.
• Competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’.
• Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
• Dental insurance and an online GP service.
• 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays.
• Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution.
• Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection.
• Enhanced parental leave policies.

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews is not permitted to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance.

Location: London; Leeds, UK; Plymouth, UK; Birmingham, UK