Lead Economist

Office for National Statistics; London; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading UK institution as a Lead Economist, where you'll influence economic, social, and environmental statistics. The role entails developing economic cases, conducting evaluations, and collaborating with senior leaders to optimize strategic ambitions. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical and project management skills alongside experience in economics.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Must have studied microeconomics and macroeconomics.
• Experience handling senior stakeholders is essential.
• Ability to lead a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of economic cases for ONS programmes.
• Engage with stakeholders to reflect the full economic picture.
• Provide expert advice on ESEG business cases.

Skills

Quantitative analytical skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Communication of complex concepts

Education

First or upper second honours degree in economics

Postgraduate degree in economics

Job description

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The ONS operates a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations working between office and remote throughout the week. The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham), Manchester, London, Darlington.

All colleagues are required to work from their contractually allocated site for at least 40% of their working time. Due to current capacity constraints there is currently an exception for colleagues based at the Darlington Economic Campus, and the Manchester office with office attendance being 20%, this is expected to move to 40% attendance in 2025-26 and 2027-28 for Darlington.

The induction process for the role will be conducted in person.

Job Summary

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK’s largest producer of official statistics, covering a range of key economic, social and demographic topics. These include measuring changes in the value of the UK economy, estimating the size, geographic distribution and characteristics of the population, and providing indicators of price inflation, employment, earnings, crime and migration.

This role reports to the Macroeconomic Insights Team within the Economic, Microdata and Insights (EMI) division, in Macroeconomic Statistics and Analysis (MESA), in the Economic Social and Environmental Group (ESEG) within ONS.

This is a Grade 7 lead economist role, which would have responsibility for line management of an SEO economist, as well as Evaluation responsibilities.

Job Description

This role willhelp to shape ONS’s future position in the field of economic, social, and environmental statistics and its impacts on society,ensuringthat our statistics reflect an ever-changing society and the needs of our users. The work will play an integral role in supporting key ONS programmes and projects, such as the Future of Population and Migration Statistics (FPMS) and Systems of National Accounts (SNA) 2025.

This role would be responsible for leading the development of economic cases, and supporting strategic cases, for ONS business cases in line with the five-case approach from Green Book, Better Business Cases methodology and best practices. In addition, the role would be responsible for valuing the economic benefits delivered by current programmes.

The role also provides support to the evaluations of key ONS projects and programmes, either in the form of delivery of evaluations, liaising with external contractors, or advising colleagues across ONS as an evaluation expert.

There will be a requirement to work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, providing support and advice to inform decision making and ensure ONS is delivering the optimal Portfolio to realise its strategic ambition and successfully deliver transformational change.

The post holder, as part of their evaluation responsibilities, will be required to develop strong working relationships with analysts and project delivery professionals, through assisting them with development of Theories of Change, Monitoring and Evaluation plans, working with ONS’ Evaluation Champions, and connecting with other best practice groups, to help the ONS maintain a focus on impact evaluations and continuous improvement.

The post holder will have the opportunity to work on ad-hoc projects and programmes (in line with HM Treasury best practice), and to drive the direction for the future of evaluation and appraisal at ONS.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate strong project management and analytical skills, alongside the ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cost benefit analysis modelling to inform business cases

• Author the Economic cases for ONS programmes in line with the Green Book, Better Business Cases methodology and best practices.
• Appraisal of benefits realisation for currently running projects with the respective benefits leads in the projects and programmes
• Engage with ONS colleagues and strategic partners, so that economic cases and benefits appraisal reflect the full range of work being undertaken, and possible benefits which may result
• Support the development of other cases within the five-case business case model – primarily the Strategic Case and liaising with the Finance Case team to gather costs information.
• Provide expert advice in the development of the ESEG business case(s) as a whole
• Ensure that the economic data, research, and modelling presented in economic cases and benefits appraisal is robust and based on assumptions that have been signed off by stakeholders.
• Lead engagement with the Chief Economist, Deputy Chief Economist, Economic Case Keyholder to present modelling approaches and communicate work to gather feedback and ultimately approval on economic case work.
• Being a mentor to support the production of business cases overall across the Office and act as deputy keyholder in signing off business cases.
  
  

This role willhelp to shape ONS’s future position in the field of economic, social, and environmental statistics and its impacts on society,ensuringthat our statistics reflect an ever-changing society and the needs of our users. The work will play an integral role in supporting key ONS programmes and projects, such as the Future of Population and Migration Statistics (FPMS) and Systems of National Accounts (SNA) 2025.

This role would be responsible for leading the development of economic cases, and supporting strategic cases, for ONS business cases in line with the five-case approach from Green Book, Better Business Cases methodology and best practices. In addition, the role would be responsible for valuing the economic benefits delivered by current programmes.

The role also provides support to the evaluations of key ONS projects and programmes, either in the form of delivery of evaluations, liaising with external contractors, or advising colleagues across ONS as an evaluation expert.

There will be a requirement to work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, providing support and advice to inform decision making and ensure ONS is delivering the optimal Portfolio to realise its strategic ambition and successfully deliver transformational change.

The post holder, as part of their evaluation responsibilities, will be required to develop strong working relationships with analysts and project delivery professionals, through assisting them with development of Theories of Change, Monitoring and Evaluation plans, working with ONS’ Evaluation Champions, and connecting with other best practice groups, to help the ONS maintain a focus on impact evaluations and continuous improvement.

The post holder will have the opportunity to work on ad-hoc projects and programmes (in line with HM Treasury best practice), and to drive the direction for the future of evaluation and appraisal at ONS.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate strong project management and analytical skills, alongside the ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cost benefit analysis modelling to inform business cases

• Author the Economic cases for ONS programmes in line with the Green Book, Better Business Cases methodology and best practices.
• Appraisal of benefits realisation for currently running projects with the respective benefits leads in the projects and programmes
• Engage with ONS colleagues and strategic partners, so that economic cases and benefits appraisal reflect the full range of work being undertaken, and possible benefits which may result
• Support the development of other cases within the five-case business case model – primarily the Strategic Case and liaising with the Finance Case team to gather costs information.
• Provide expert advice in the development of the ESEG business case(s) as a whole
• Ensure that the economic data, research, and modelling presented in economic cases and benefits appraisal is robust and based on assumptions that have been signed off by stakeholders.
• Lead engagement with the Chief Economist, Deputy Chief Economist, Economic Case Keyholder to present modelling approaches and communicate work to gather feedback and ultimately approval on economic case work.
• Being a mentor to support the production of business cases overall across the Office and act as deputy keyholder in signing off business cases.
  
  

Person specification

The successful candidate will be expected to be able to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process:

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent quantitative analytical skills and the ability to apply these to produce robust economic analysis.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of economics and economic statistics.
• Ability to communicate complex economic and analytical concepts in a clear and impactful way, including to non-specialist audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a proven track record of working closely and collaboratively with others, and experience handling senior stakeholders.
• Ability to lead a team effectively, ensuring plans and activities reflect wider strategic priorities, with strong people management skills.
  
  

Qualifications

To join the Government Economic Service, you must have a first or upper second honours degree (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course models must be in economics. You must have studied both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
  
  

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Application of Knowledge - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022
• Analysis of Data - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022
• Effective communication - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022
  
  

Alongside your salary of £56,020, Office for National Statistics contributes £16,228 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

The Office for National Statistics is part of the Civil Service, and as such we share a number of key benefits with other departments, whilst also having our own unique offerings to support our 5400 valued colleagues across the business.

Whether you are hearing about us for the first time or already know a bit about our organisation, we hope that the benefits pack attached (bottom of page) will give you a great insight into the benefits and facilities available to our colleagues, and our fantastic working culture.

Inclusion & Accessibility

At ONS we are always looking to attract the very best people from the widest possible talent pool, and we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader we’re committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

As part of our application process, you will be prompted to provide details of any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process that you need. If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments before applying, please contact the recruitment team in the first instance.

If you would like an accessible version of any of the attachments or recruitment documents below or linked to in this advert, please contact the recruitment team who will be happy to assist.

ONS are committed to flexible ways of working that support a healthy work-life balance. ONS has already considered how this job could be right sized for applicants working flexibly and we are happy to explore options with you about working part time, in a job share or flexibly, in line with our hybrid working policies.

Selection process details

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

Security Clearance

The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for 3 consecutive years immediately prior to applying.

A lack of UK residency in itself is not always a bar to security clearance but the Department will need to consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.

If you are unsure that you meet the eligibility above, please read the information available on Gov.uk on this link, or contact the recruitment email on the advert before applying to discuss, as failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected and any offer of employment being withdrawn.

At the point of SC application you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence:

• Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
• UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
• Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
• Security Services records
  
  

Applicants may utilise AI resources in their submissions; ensuring all information provided is factually accurate, truthful, and original, avoiding any form of plagiarism to maintain the authenticity and credibility of the application process.

Please note that all campaigns may be subject to withdrawal at any stage if the internal resource position changes.

Sift

A pre-sift will be conducted to ensure candidates meet the qualification requirements with ineligible candidates withdrawn from the selection process.

Assessment at application stage will be based on personal statement. Your application should be tailored to demonstrate any skills, knowledge and experience that are relevant to the content of the role.

Your personal statement should be no longer than 1250 words. You should use this space fully to provide evidence for each essential criterion within the person specification. As the criteria are scored, we would recommend that you give clear examples for each including the impact of your actions and set them out using the STAR acronym (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Success Profiles Behaviour examples are not required at this stage.

In cases where there is a high number of applications the sift pass mark may be adjusted and candidates will be invited to interview in merit order, i.e., those scoring the highest.

Interview

Should you be invited to interview you will be assessed against all the behaviours and technical skills as outlined in the advert.

A presentation may be required at interview. Further information will be provided to shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

Interviews will be held via video conferencing.

A reserve list may be held for a period up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made.

Sift will take place – From 30th June 2025

Interviews will be held WC 14th July 2025

Dates maybe subject to change

For the full terms and conditions of the post, please see attachment below

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : Yangi Vundamina
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact [e-mail]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission

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