Assistant Economist Scheme 2023

About

We’ll give you:

• An outline of the recruitment process for the scheme

Our tips on filling out the application form

A chance to ask a current assistant economist more about their role in government

Our Role in Government

The Government Economic Service is at the heart of everything government does. High quality economic analysis is essential to decision-making in everything from negotiating new trade deals to building HS2, from supporting regional growth to managing the UK’s debt.

Who are we looking for?

This is a recruitment scheme for economics graduates which sits beside the fast stream as a main route into a role as an Assistant Economist in the Government Economic Service. To help us deliver analysis we are looking for economists to join us and influence the day-to-day lives of every person in the UK.

As an assistant economist, you will be joining a community of over 3,500 economists across more than 30 organisations, putting your economic learning to direct use by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. This is an exciting time to be joining the civil service, and with continuous support you’ll prepare vital briefings for ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics.

Developing your skills

We take your development seriously and while earning a competitive salary, there will be plenty of support to further your development as an economist. You will broaden your subject knowledge through 50 hours of continuous professional development a year and a further 50 hours on personal skills.

The GES offers plenty of courses and high-quality training to help you develop:

• strong quantitative skills: you’ll become an expert in manipulating and presenting data

• writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers

• applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform policy on anything from the environment to transport.

Eligibility

Please see the candidate pack for more information on Eligibility.

Applicants will need:

• to possess or expected to have a first or upper second-class honours degree with at least 50% of the modules in economics, or have a masters in economics.
• modules must have covered both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.
• if you graduated more than five years ago then you must have examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge on the competency section of the application form.

Economic Assessment Centre (EAC)

The Economic Assessment Centre (EAC) is a half-day Assessment Centre to assess a candidate’s economics skills against set criteria.

For more information see the Economic Assessment Centre Guide

Resources for applicants

• For more information about the recruitment process, see the - GES Assistant Economist Candidate Pack 2023 (ODP, 1.53 MB)
• For more information about the kinds role you could be working in as an economics, see the - Job Descriptions 2023 - subject to change (ODT, 387 KB)
• To see a list of topics candidates may choose to address at the Economics Assessment Centre, see the - EAC Strongest Topics – Candidate Version 2023 (ODT, 8.5 KB)

Contract Terms and Applications

Contracts are open to accommodate working pattern needs and can be on a full or part-time basis as set by the relevant departments. All civil servants are appointed on merit through fair and open competition. The selection process will consider your attitude, capability, talent and willingness to learn. If appointed you will be expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.

Immigration

Please note that it is possible to meet the nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK.

Individuals will need to demonstrate their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as we do not offer sponsorship.

For full details please see Nationality requirements.

Equal Opportunities

At the GES we welcome applications from anyone with the necessary qualifications, regardless of sex, marital status, race, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or, in Northern Ireland, community background. There are no age limits, but employing departments will expect several years’ service before retirement.

Contact point for applicants

GESR Recruitment Team: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk

Please note that the GESR Recruitment Team work Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. Therefore, technical support will not be available outside of these hours.

Complaints procedure

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment based on fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact HMT by email at: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment. For further information on the Recruitment Principles, and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk