Assistant Economist Scheme 2023

About

We will be holding a 2nd Q&A session at 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Tuesday 21 February 2023 on Microsoft Teams: Click here to join the meeting

We will 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 (GES) is at the heart of decision-making in the UK Government, with over 3,500 economists working across more than 50 departments and agencies. The work of GES economists has been integral to understanding and responding to fast-moving events such as Covid-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and changes in financial markets. Economic analysis is central to policy-making on long-term challenges such as climate change, education, biodiversity and inequality.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to make a difference. As an economist in government, you will have the opportunity to influence how the government responds to the most important public policy challenges of the day. You could be collating and analysing data, providing advice on policy options and preparing vital briefings for ministers.

You will have a strong understanding of economic principles and be able to apply them to a wide variety of policy issues. You will be able to interpret academic work and communicate economics insights clearly.

As an assistant economist, you will join a vibrant and supportive economics community. You will be supported to develop your economics and wider skills and to build a network of colleagues across government. You will be able to access learning and development within your department and participate in the GES programme of regular events. As your career develops, you will have the opportunity to seek roles across the Civil Service.

Join the GES and put your economics to direct use, keep learning and make a difference.

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

ExampleResources resources for applicants

• For more information about the recruitment process, see the - GES Assistant Economist Candidate Pack 2023 (ODP, 1.54 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 GESR 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