Economist

VanRath Search & Selection; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work

Volunteer day

Virtual GP access

Pension/death-in-service

Job summary

VanRath Search & Selection seeks an Economist to shape how public money is invested across Northern Ireland’s government estates. You will provide evidence-led advice on estates strategy, investment appraisal and programme delivery, influencing major decisions.

The role requires a minimum 2:2 Economics degree and 2+ years’ relevant experience, with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Hybrid working and a range of employee benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree in Economics or equivalent accepted by the panel.
• At least two years' post-qualification experience in economic research and analysis (last ten years).
• Experience delivering economic advice, reports or analyses in a construction-related environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide economic advice to support estates strategy, investment decisions and programme delivery.
• Develop and review business cases, economic appraisals and evaluations.
• Analyse evidence to identify costs, benefits, risks and value for money.
• Translate findings into clear reports, briefings and recommendations for senior decision makers.
• Collaborate with construction, property, estates, finance and policy teams to improve future decisions.

Skills

Economic analysis

Communication

Organisational skills

Relationship-building

Education

Economics degree (2:2)

Tools

The Green Book

Blue Books

Job description

Economist (BBBH16405) Belfast, Northern Ireland

Help shape how public money is invested across Northern Ireland's government estates. Join a leading organisation in a role where economic analysis, strategic business cases and practical advice will influence investment decisions with a lasting impact.

Salary / Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
• Hybrid working and a Monday-to-Friday schedule
• 24/7 Virtual GP access, wellbeing resources and Employee Assistance Programme
• Competitive retirement plan and death-in-service benefit
• Retail discounts, career development opportunities, Cycle to Work scheme and paid volunteering day

About your next employer

Your next employer is a leading organisation supporting government estates and major programmes through expertise in economics, construction, property, finance and policy. As an Economist, you'll work with experienced professionals across these disciplines, providing evidence-led advice that helps shape estates strategy, investment appraisal and programme delivery across Northern Ireland.

About you

• A minimum 2:2 degree with Economics as a major component, or a relevant or equivalent qualification accepted by the selection panel
• At least two years' post-qualification experience in economic research and analysis, gained within the last ten years
• Experience working in a construction-related environment and producing economic advice, reports or analytical outputs
• Strong knowledge of economic principles, appraisal methodologies, evaluation and applied economic analysis
• Experience preparing business cases using the Five Case Model, with excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills

Nice to have

• A consultancy or government background
• Experience writing strategic business cases for government-funded capital building projects
• Familiarity with The Green Book and Blue Books
• Experience in economic modelling, data analysis, impact assessment or presenting recommendations to senior stakeholders

What you'll do

• Provide economic advice to support estates strategy, investment decisions and programme delivery
• Develop and review business cases, economic appraisals and evaluations, assessing options, risks and value for money
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative evidence to identify costs, benefits, risks and potential outcomes
• Translate complex findings into clear reports, briefings and recommendations for senior decision makers
• Work with colleagues across construction, property, estates, finance and policy to challenge assumptions and improve future decisions

Applicants must be based in Northern Ireland and hold a full UK driving licence. Due to security clearance requirements, you must have lived continuously in the UK for at least five years.