Economist - Analytical Projects Unit
HM Treasury
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 6th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
HM Treasury
If you’re interested in making a difference to people’s lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth.
Our work ranges from protecting customers through the regulation of the financial sector, helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating a greener economy, to promoting British trade around the world and supporting people across the country on jobs, growth and more.
We are part of the Darlington Economic Campus, a pioneering new cross-government hub which brings people together to play an active role in the most important issues of the day whilst working closer to the communities we serve. The campus provides the opportunity for people from all over the UK to help shape the future of the country, and our flexible working practices ensure you can collaborate effectively with our partners. It’s central government, made more accessible to you!
Job description
About the Group
The Economics Group leads HM Treasury’s (HMT) analysis of developments in the UK economy and advises ministers on the implications for the Government’s economic strategy. It provides expert economic analysis and advice for Ministers. The Group’s data hub is transforming how the Treasury uses data across its entire business. The Group collaborates with external experts on the UK economy, including the Bank of England, Office for Budget Responsibility and leading academics. Economics Group provides support for the UK Government’s economic and social research professions, including running centralised recruitment and the annual conferences.
About the Team
The Analytical Projects Unit (APU) sits within the Economic Risks and Analytical Projects Unit team in the Economics Group. It provides analytical expertise and support to critical projects across HMT. Members of the team are deployed on projects covering a range of public policy issues – both influencing HMT’s macroeconomic policy within Economics Group and building the evidence base for policymaking across other areas.
The Unit is led by a Range E2, with two Range Es, two Senior Executive Officers, two Higher Executive Officers, and two Economics Apprentices. Oversight is provided by the Deputy Director for Economic Risks and Analytical Projects Unit, and the Director of Economics. It is a friendly and supportive team, working in a matrix management style, where team members feel valued.
Joining the team is an excellent way of gaining an overview of HMT’s work, building a network, and being involved in high-profile Ministerial priorities.
About the Job
This role will suit candidates with excellent analytical and communication skills who are looking for a varied and stretching portfolio of responsibilities, and enjoy working collaboratively with a range of partners. You will need to be able to support, develop, and manage one first year Apprentice Economist in a matrix management structure, be able to build a large network across the department and get up to speed on new issues quickly.
You will complete projects lasting around three months that apply analytical tools and techniques, as well as economic knowledge, to support policymaking in line with Ministerial priorities, often at pace.
Previous projects for the team have included:
- Building the evidence base on the labour market impacts of health interventions.
- Developing a model to analyse the impact of energy policy schemes.
- Assessing modelling capability for maintenance spending.
- Macroeconomic assessment of the UK economy (inflation, investment, labour markets etc).
During projects, you will be matrix-managed in their day-to-day work by a Range E project manager from within their project team. We have well-developed systems for ensuring excellent matrix management, including in a hybrid environment, and ensuring high-quality performance feedback.
Key Accountabilities for this role include:
- The Unit employs a matrix management structure for staff working on projects. You will be responsible for line management of one Apprentice Economist with a strong focus on staff development. You will build effective relationships with the project managers to whom project staff are allocated to ensure excellent day-to-day management and regular feedback is provided.
- Integrating in a new team and becoming abreast of the policy area quickly. This will include understanding who key stakeholders are, proactively developing an understanding of the area, and setting the project’s scope within this.
- Scoping out and planning analytical projects, including by identifying the best analytical techniques, the key outputs, and prioritising work streams with the greatest impact to improve HMT’s understanding of an issue and inform policy advice.
- Delivering high quality analytical projects at pace, working collaboratively with policy teams across HMT and other Government departments. There may also be opportunities to task-manage staff on projects.
- Communicate the conclusions of the project to Senior Officials, Ministers, and other partners, influencing the strategic direction of HMT policy.
- Representing the team across the organisation, helping to burnish the APU’s reputation as a key part of the HMT architecture which influences HMT policy.
- Supporting wider corporate work of the branch, team and group. For instance, contributing to one of the group’s corporate objectives (which include diversity, inclusion and wellbeing; management excellence; openness, etc.).
Candidate Drop-In Session
The hiring manager will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and ask any questions you may have. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time.
26 September 2024 – 14:00 to 14:25
If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact Rehana Choudhury: rehana.choudhury@hmtreasury.gov.uk.
Person specification
We are looking for the below skills, experience and behaviours and we will ask you to demonstrate these in your application form. Please review the Candidate FAQ document that is attached to the advert for guidance on how to complete your application form.
- Highly numerate with an ability to apply analytical tools and techniques, along with a good understanding of economics, to inform policy decisions (Technical Skills).
- Ability to analyse and use a range of relevant and credible information from internal and external sources to solve problems (Making Effective Decisions).
- Ability to scope out a project, set out key milestones and manage a busy workload, prioritising effectively to meet short and long-term objectives (Delivering at Pace).
- Ability to communicate clearly in written and verbal communications, bringing technical analysis to life for non-specialists (Communicating and Influencing).
The lead criterion is: Technical Skills
If we receive large volumes of applications, we will conduct an initial sift on the lead criterion only.
Required Qualifications:
An undergraduate degree in Economics, or equivalent work experience.
Candidate Guidance Support Session
We will be running an overview of Success Profiles and the STAR approach; top tips for the application and interview process and an opportunity to ask general questions around our recruitment practices. If you would like to join us, then use the link below to join the call at the right time.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Please evidence your skills of being highly numerate with an ability to apply analytical tools and techniques, along with a good understanding of economics, to inform policy decisions.
Benefits
- 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)
- Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
- Generous parental and adoption leave package.
- A Civil Service Pension which provides an attractive pension, benefits for dependants and average employer contributions of 28%
- Onsite restaurant and coffee bar. The London office also offers a gym, showers and prayer room
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving
- Access to a retail discounts and cashback site
- A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes
- A range of active staff networks, based around interests and diversity
Flexible Working Arrangements
HM Treasury views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they can enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including; part-time, compressed hours and job sharing. Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees the flexibility to adjust their working patterns throughout the week which is subject to operational needs and line management approval.
At HM Treasury we have an incredibly broad remit; our work touches every citizen of the country. So, it’s important our employees come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, bringing us the widest possible range of perspectives and ways of thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all staff can realise their potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
HM Treasury operates an office based working approach across all Treasury sites - Darlington, London, and Norwich, and along with the rest of the Civil Service, has an expectation of a minimum of 60% attendance in the office, along with working remotely. This blended working approach allows you to work collaboratively, meet stakeholders face to face, support others and promotes a healthy work life balance (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review. All our offices have been recently modernised and designed to collaborate and connect with colleagues as well as desk and quiet space to allow a range of ways to work.
The office working expectation is linked to the location of the role. If you apply to a post in a single location, then you will not be able to meet this expectation at any of our other sites or move your role to another location.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Recruitment Timeline
Closing date: 06 October 2024
Shortlisting: week commencing 07 October 2024
Interviews: week commencing 14 October and 21 October 2024
This timeline is indicative and may be subject to change. We will inform you if there is a substantial change to the recruitment timeline.
If your contact details change at any time during the selection process, please ensure you update your Civil Service Jobs Profile.
Please note that only applications submitted through Civil Service Jobs will be accepted.
Eligibility Statement
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role in the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Checks will be performed as part of pre-employment checks in line with this. Please refer to the Candidate FAQ document attached to the advert for more information.
Everyone working with government assets must complete Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks. Additionally, individuals appointed to the Treasury group will be subject to National Security Vetting. The level of security vetting required for this role is Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)
To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, applicants will need to have lived in the UK for at least 3 out of the past 5 years. In exceptional circumstances, a lack of residency would not be a bar to security clearance however the Department will need to consider eligibility on a case by case basis once the advert closing date has passed.
Please read the Vetting Charter for information on what to expect during the vetting process and what will be expected from you. Many areas of your life may be explored during your vetting journey, and it is important that every individual, regardless of their background and experiences, should feel comfortable going through this personal process, whilst having confidence that it is fair, proportionate, and inclusive.
These short videos address common concerns and preconceptions which applicants may have about national security vetting. If you have questions relating to security clearances, please contact HMTSecurityVetting@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Rehana Choudhury
- Email : Rehana.Choudhury@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : hrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk
Further information
