Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme

WhatAbout doesthe anscheme

Our AssistantRole Economistin do? 

The Government Economic Service (GES) is at the heart of decision-making in the the UK Government. Government. Our 3,500+ economists work across more than 7050 departments and agencies, from HM Treasury to the the UK Space Space Agency! We are the largest employer of economists in the country.

AsThe 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 policymaking on long-term challenges such as climate change, education, biodiversity, and inequality.

What will I do as an Assistant EconomistEconomist? 

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.day. You could be producing analysis, collating and analysing data, providing advice on policy options, and preparing vital briefings for ministers. 

YouAs 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 the GES programme programme of regular events. As your career develops, you will have the opportunity to seek roles across the Civil Service. 

LearnJoin morethe GES and aboutput theyour benefitseconomics ofto workingdirect foruse, thekeep Governmentlearning Economicand Service.make a difference. This is work that matters.

Who isare eligible?

ToWe beare eligiblelooking youfor needpeople who want to have,make a difference to society.  

You should have or be on track to receive,receive a first2:1 or upperabove second-classin honoursa degree (orthat internationalcomprises equivalent)at inleast economics,50% economics or a postgraduate degree in economics.  

economics. You must hold,have orstudied expectboth tomicro receiveand bymacroeconomics. Please Augustsee the candidate pack for full eligibility details. You will have a strong understanding of youreconomic applicationprinciples year, and onebe able to apply them to a wide variety of policy issues. You will be able to interpret academic work and communicate economics insights clearly. Please see the following:candidate pack for full eligibility criteria.

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  How economicsmuch degree

• awill jointI economicsearn? 

  Salaries degreevary inaccording whichto leastgovernment 50%department ofand location, but these are the courseminimums modulesyou studiedwould arebe inpaid: economics

• aLondon postgraduate£30,000 degree/ inNationwide: economics

Where will I work? 

AllThis candidatesyear, mustwe have studiedgraduate bothroles microavailable andin: macroeconomicsBirmingham, toBristol, qualify.

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Join economicour knowledgeonline inQ&A thesession 

Our relevantQ&A sectionsessions ofhave now taken place. Download the application Q&A form.slides (MS PowerPoint Presentation, 14.5 MB)

What development opportunities will I get?

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

We offerWe offer plenty  ofof learningcourses opportunitiesand high-quality training to help you develop:

• strong quantitative skills: you will 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.

Where

Eligibility

Please willsee Ithe work?candidate pack for more information on Eligibility.

OpportunitiesApplicants arewill availableneed:

• 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 rangemasters 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 governmenthow departmentsyou acrosshave maintained your economic knowledge on the UKcompetency section of the application form.

Economic Assessment Centre (EAC.)

The LocationsEconomic varyAssessment accordingCentre (EAC) is a half-day Assessment Centre to governmentassess departmenta andcandidate’s differeconomics fromskills year-to-year.against Pleaseset criteria.

For more information see the jobEconomic descriptionsAssessment whichCentre areGuide

Example includedresources onfor applicants

• For more information about the applicationrecruitment pageprocess, see the - GES Assistant Economist Candidate Pack 2024 (PDF, during858 KB, 12 pages)
• For more information about the applicationkinds window.
  role you could be working in as an economics, see the - Job Descriptions 2024 - subject to change (MS Word Document, 411 KB)
• To see a list of topics candidates may choose to address at the Economics Assessment Centre, see the - EAC Strongest Topics – Candidate Version 2024 (MS Word Document, 62 KB)

What

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 Iconsider getyour paid?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

SalaryPlease variesnote accordingthat it is possible to governmentmeet departmentthe nationality requirements and differsstill fromnot year-to-yearbe legally entitled to work in the UK.

Individuals Pleasewill seeneed to demonstrate their eligibility under the jobCivil descriptionsService whichNationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are includedexplained in more detail on the applicationCivil pageService nationality rules webpage.

Candidates duringmust have the applicationright windowto 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 salaryapplicants

GESR details.Recruitment Team: gesrrecruitment@hmtreasury.gov.uk

Please Applynote nowthat the GESR Recruitment Team work Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Therefore, technical support will not be available outside of these hours.

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