At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead economic modelling projects and support energy policy design.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy tackling global public policy challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private healthcare, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy economics and decarbonisation strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantitative research and energy systems modelling.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Public First is a policy, research, opinion and strategy consultancy. We work with global companies, governments, start-ups, institutions and foundations around the world to tackle major public policy and strategic challenges. We are part think tank, part strategic consultancy, part polling company, and part communications agency.
Our recent projects have included:
- Helping Google quantify their economic and social impact in over 20 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and North America.
- Proposing measures to speed heat decarbonisation in the UK.
- Running the Hybrid Work Commission on the economic and policy impact of the shift towards more flexible working.
- Co-ordinating major energy sector players to push for a rethink of economic regulation.
- Modelling how to reduce emissions from a new generation of data centres.
We take an analytical approach to research, deploying economic modelling, data analysis, and opinion research to shape effective policy, create strategy and deliver communications with impact. We work with some of the world’s leading organisations on topics including tech, climate change, Industrial Strategy and education, exploring questions such as:
- How should governments balance affordability, energy security, and decarbonisation when designing energy policy?
- What are the biggest economic barriers to reaching net zero in advanced economies, and which are most tractable through policy?
- How can companies quantify and articulate the value of ESG behaviours and their core business activity to policymakers and the communities in which they work?
We are currently looking to recruit a Senior Economist, specialising in Energy Economics, to help build and scale our Economics, Modelling and Impact practice.
THE ROLE
In this role, you would:
- Lead on the design, implementation and write-up of new economic modelling projects, primarily working with energy clients (covering networks, markets and decarbonisation pathways).
- Work to build our wider energy practice, and support our work in impact measurement, policy design, polling and opinion research.
- Help bring in new clients and projects for the team with an energy focus.
The right candidate will have:
- Extensive experience with quantitative research (e.g. input-output modelling, contingent valuation etc).
- Extensive experience with techno-economic modelling of energy and/or energy systems.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, specifically on energy and decarbonisation.
- Experience with client engagement and project management, ideally in a consulting environment.
While not essential, we are highly interested in candidates with any of the following particular experience or interests:
- Green Book compliant appraisal.
- Economic regulation.
- Energy system modelling.
- Coding in Python or R.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Starting salaries range from £60,000 to £80,000, subject to experience. 25 days annual holiday with additional office closure days. A discretionary annual bonus, based on personal and business performance. Enhanced company pension contribution of 5% of annual salary. Private healthcare cover, inclusive of dental and optical (after probation). An enhanced family leave package. Bike and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes. An employee assistance programme with 24/7 access to online, phone or face-to-face counselling. We are based in Central London, close to several public transport links and for anyone who prefers to cycle we offer bike storage and showers on site. We encourage a mix of home and office-based working. We value diversity and encourage applications from all groups. Many of us, including the founders, have young children and we work hard to be family friendly. International travel and work would be possible for future projects.
HOW TO APPLY
We will be interviewing on an ongoing basis, and looking for successful candidates to start as possible. The interview process will be two rounds, including a task. Please follow the instructions after clicking "Apply for this job", and submit the application no later than midnight on 12 June 2026.
Senior Economist (Energy) employer: SHGH Group
Public First is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that tackle pressing public policy challenges. With a strong focus on professional growth, the company offers extensive benefits including competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to work-life balance through flexible working arrangements. Located in Central London, employees enjoy easy access to transport links and a supportive environment that values diversity and family-friendly practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Economist (Energy)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the energy sector, especially those connected to Public First. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into recent projects by Public First. Knowing their work on energy decarbonisation or economic modelling will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your quantitative research skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with economic modelling and how it relates to energy systems. Real examples will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Economist (Energy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your strong written communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can articulate complex ideas clearly, especially in the context of energy economics and public policy.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect your experience with quantitative research and energy systems. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to our specific needs.
Be Passionate About Policy:Let your enthusiasm for public policy shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your interest in energy and decarbonisation. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about making an impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you follow the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Public First.
How to prepare for a job interview at SHGH Group
✨Know Your Energy Economics
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in energy economics. Familiarise yourself with concepts like decarbonisation pathways and techno-economic modelling, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Quantitative Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with quantitative research methods. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used input-output modelling or contingent valuation in past projects, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Public Policy Interest
Public First is all about tackling public policy challenges. Make sure to articulate your passion for energy policy and how it intersects with economic regulation and ESG behaviours. This will show that you're aligned with their mission.
✨Engage with Client Management Experience
Since client engagement is key, think of specific instances where you've successfully managed projects or built relationships with clients. Highlighting your consulting experience will set you apart from other candidates.
