About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The work we do has a real impact on jobs and growth across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to help businesses export, drive inward and outward investment, negotiate market access and trade deals, and to advocate free trade. We are an international department based in 108 countries, and we work closely with our colleagues worldwide. Working in DBT, you will have the opportunity to shape the UK’s international trade agenda for years to come. 

The Analysis Group within DBT exists to inform policy making and to ensure that policy delivery has the biggest positive impact on the UK’s economy. We are here to ensure that Ministers and senior DBT personnel can make informed policy and operational decisions, based on the best possible analysis. 

We are looking for a highly motivated G7 Economists to join the Trade Modelling Unit (TMU) team, which sits within the Macroeconomic Analysis and Modelling Unit in the Analysis Group. The TMU is responsible for developing modelling tools and producing modelling and analyses to inform and support the work of the department and HMG. It consists of three G6 teams, responsible for the development of models, both existing and new, including econometric/gravity modelling, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) and Partial Equilibrium (PE) modelling; we recently started to develop Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models. These modelling tools are used to assess the impacts of trade agreements as well as modelling the impacts of major sustainability and strategic issues and other trade shocks.

We are seeking two Grade 7 Economic Advisors to lead the modelling team responsible for the analysis of strategic issues. Current and recent projects have included modelling the impact of fragmentation of the global trading system, regional conflicts, and sanctions. The team’s primary deliverable is the development of modelling tools and approaches to support policy development through quantitative analyses. The team works with CGE, DSGE and PE models and a variety of datasets and software.

Job description

The role involves balancing long run and short run objectives covering both model development as well as the use of the suite of models. The team are continually looking to develop their methodologies, data and reconciling quantitative analyses on strategic issues. The candidate will be required to balance these against delivering specific projects at pace. This involves presenting the findings and shaping the decision-making among senior colleagues within DBT and across Whitehall.

The postholder will engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders, persuading others of the most rigorous approaches and explaining highly technical concepts to key audiences clearly. They will have the opportunity to lead and set the strategic direction for the modelling community across Whitehall (FCDO, CO, HMT) and within DBT, developing governmental capability in this space and ensuring modelling is robust and interpreted correctly. 

This role offers a rare balance between technical detail and strategic oversight through the development and use of modelling tools. The postholder will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the literature and build strong relationships with academics, international organisations (WTO, OECD), and partner country economists. 

Key Accountabilities

1) Leading on key model developments and their applications within DBT.

2) Coordinating and delivering the quantitative analysis of a wide-ranging policy questions. This will involve liaising with other analysts, policy experts and other Government departments.

3) Engaging closely with academia and instigating state-of-the-art research projects to develop the evidence base aligned with UK Government objectives.

4) Ensuring high quality analytical output that supports and informs colleagues.

5) Determining the methodology to be used and effectively interpreting modelling outputs. Communicating the analysis with impact, this may involve writing reports as well as presenting findings to a non-technical audience.

6) Working collaboratively with the wider modelling community in DBT and across Whitehall.

7) The role will involve management responsibility for at least one HEO/Assistant Economist.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

To be eligible, candidates should be a member of the Government Economic Service (GES) Profession OR willing to undergo a badging/assessment process as part of the application, and need to demonstrate skills, knowledge and experience to succeed as a Government Economist at Grade 7 level:

Application of knowledge: Strong analytical experience, with breadth and depth of experience of undertaking economic analysis.

Analysis of data: Ability to analyse large data sets and draw conclusions from incomplete or contrasting evidence.

Effective communication: An ability to present your work to senior colleagues in an impactful manner and such that it influences and informs policy. Strong engagement and stakeholder management skills.

Analytical leadership: A proven ability to independently lead large analytical projects in a complex environment, that are of high quality, innovative, fit for purpose and deliver to time. Ability to see how the results of the analysis fit with organisational objectives and the wider Government agenda.

To be eligible to apply you will need to hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1. The degree must contain substantial economic content (comprising at least 50% of modules taken on the course) and include both macroeconomic and micro economic modules.

A foundation in micro-economics, macroeconomics, and trade theories.

A desire and willingness to learn and become competent in general equilibrium modelling or in working with the modelling results.

Technical skills will be assessed against the grade requirement of the Government Economic Service (GES). Details can be found in the GES Framework.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022.

These will be assessed during the selection process, including at both sift of your written application and interview. Applicants who are civil servants but not members of the GES and anyone applying from outside government must be able to demonstrate you meet the requirements of the GES, as successful appointment will include membership of the GES.

For applicants applying after more than a couple of years after university, who are not an existing member of the Government Economic Service relevant experience consists of experience working on economic analysis or research including for example in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GES through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your economic experience and skills covering the components of the GES technical framework.

Desirable Criteria

Experience using software packages, such as GAMS, Gempack, R

• Experience in modelling applied to trade analysis, including CGE and PE modelling.
• A Master’s or PhD degree in economics

• Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to explain concepts of high complexity to a non-technical audience.

• An interest in international economics and trade or a willingness to become engrossed in the academic literature.
  

• An innovative problem solver with the desire to develop a highly technical skill set

• An interest in computable modelling and a desire to learn and develop new methods.

•  Ability to work within a dynamic, fast paced environment.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,026, Department for Business and Trade contributes £14,461 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception. 

Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way. 

To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:    

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages. 
• A Personal Statement of up to 750 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.   

After the closing date It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change. 

In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the CV Only. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Reasonable Adjustments 

We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:  

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.  

Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.   

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. 

Candidate Support 

You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.   

Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.  

Further Information:

• A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.   
• Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
• The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.  
• New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.  
• Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.   
• A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.  
• Terms and Conditions are attached.  Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
• Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role. 

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service  on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. 

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.  

Vetting 

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.     

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.