Economist (Evaluation) in London

Strategy and Communications sits at the centre of the organisation, bringing together several teams with organisation‑wide remits and mutual collaboration opportunities. The work of the directorate’s teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross‑organisational programmes, to making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.

GLA Economics provides expert advice and analysis on London’s economy. We aim to be an authoritative and highly regarded source of information and data for anyone with an interest in London’s economy. The team supports the appraisal and evaluation of projects and programmes to ensure effective decision making, produces monitoring and forecasting of key economic variables, and undertakes policy analysis to inform investment decisions, service delivery and policy strategies. We work closely with colleagues across the GLA’s City Intelligence Unit (CIU).

The role is varied within the Appraisal and Evaluation function of GLA Economics. This sub‑team advises policy teams within the GLA Group on the appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes. For example, helping to develop business cases, carrying out or advising on options appraisal and cost‑benefit analysis, identifying Key Performance Indicators for monitoring purposes, supporting the design of robust economic impact evaluation, or critiquing the outputs of external evaluators. While this role encompasses elements of both appraisal and evaluation, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates with an interest in, and demonstrable experience of, evaluation methods. This is an opportunity to ensure that GLA policies and programmes are developed and assessed on the basis of sound, objective evidence and analysis.

Working across a range of policy areas, you’ll be applying your expertise in economic evaluation and appraisal to a variety of different projects from day‑to‑day. This could include:

• Advising on the methodology for a project or policy evaluation, helping to draft a specification, reviewing the outputs of external evaluators, or carrying out an evaluation yourself.
• Supporting teams and stakeholders to identify how best to monitor the performance of their project or programme for reporting purposes.
• Identifying indicators and data sources for reporting or devising Outcomes Frameworks.
• Designing and delivering training or workshops on evaluation methodologies, Logic Models/Theories of Change, and leading the expansion of our internal Evaluation & Appraisal network, in order to build organisational capacity.
• Helping to prepare a business case for internal or external funding, such as aspects of the strategic or economic case, undertaking options appraisal, cost‑benefit analysis or other forms of value for money assessment.
• Undertaking analysis about a particular socio‑economic trend or issue affecting London’s economy, for publications such as the State of London.

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• A degree or professional qualification in economics or a related subject, preferably to post‑graduate level, or an ability to demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge through experience in economics or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience, or clear demonstrated capacity to acquire expertise in, the fields of economic evaluation and appraisal.
• Experience in the application of Government guidance including the Magenta and Green Books is highly desirable.
• Experience and/or a strong understanding of experimental and quasi‑experimental impact evaluation methods is highly desirable.
• A demonstrated capacity to develop and deliver high‑quality analytical projects to inform and influence policy development through evidence.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of international, national, regional and London economic issues and trends and how these might affect policy and service delivery options for the GLA Group.
• Broad knowledge of, or demonstrated capacity to acquire expertise in, policy areas relevant to the work of the GLA Group, such as economic development, regeneration, land use planning, transport, housing and environmental policy.
• Strong numeracy skills, including experience of technical/economic modelling, and an ability to find creative and workable solutions to analytical problems.
• Microsoft Excel skills to a high level are essential.
• Ability to use statistical packages such as R, Stata, or Python are desirable.

Stakeholder Focus is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance:

• Seeks to understand requirements, gathering extra information when needs are not clear.
• Presents the GLA positively by interacting effectively with stakeholders.
• Delivers a timely and accurate service.
• Understands the differing needs of stakeholders and adapts own service accordingly.
• Seeks and uses feedback from a variety of sources to improve the GLA’s service to Londoners.

Communicating and Influencing is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance:

• Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Clearly articulates the key points of an argument, both in verbal and written communication.
• Persuades others, using evidence‑based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively.
• Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way.
• Presents a credible and positive image both internally and externally.

Problem Solving is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance:

• Processes and distils a variety of information to understand a problem fully.
• Proposes options for solutions to presented problems.

London’s diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part‑time work as this role is open to job share. Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required. GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest‑free season ticket loan, interest‑free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.