Policy Adviser – Fiscal Strategy

HM TREASURY; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic individual to lead on fiscal strategy and policy communication. This role involves collaborating with various teams to ensure fiscal policies align with government objectives. You will engage with stakeholders, draft high-quality reports, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive workplace. With flexible working patterns and generous leave, this position offers a unique opportunity to influence public finance decisions at the heart of government. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to learn, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Flexible working patterns

Generous parental leave

Defined Benefit pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Active staff networks

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Lead on advice regarding the medium-term fiscal strategy.
• Communicate fiscal policy to a range of different audiences.
• Engage with external stakeholders to support effective policymaking.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Analytical Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Degree in Economics or Public Policy

Job description

If you’re interested in making a difference to people’s lives, the Treasury can offer you an exciting opportunity to influence decision making that affects the whole of the UK. Working at the heart of government, we collaborate across government to promote responsible public spending and drive strong and sustainable economic growth.

About the Team

Fiscal Statistics and Policy (FSP) is a team of analysts and policy professionals, that plays a key role at the centre of the Treasury’s policymaking! We closely monitor the public finances, jointly producing the monthly Public Sector Finances (PSF) statistical release with the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The team produces risk, forecasting and scenario analysis on the fiscal position, identifying issues and providing analysis on the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) forecasts as necessary.

We provide advice to the Chancellor on the fiscal framework and, work very closely with other Treasury central fiscal teams, on the fiscal policy judgement at each fiscal event. The team has a key representational role on UK fiscal policy, promoting and defending it to external stakeholders including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Credit Rating Agencies. FSP is also the departmental sponsor of the relationship with the OBR acting both as its primary customer and relationship manager, and also fulfilling governance roles including managing appointments to the Budget Responsibility Committee. We are a friendly team who are proud of our diversity.

About the Job

In this role, you will:

1. Lead on advice on the medium-term fiscal strategy. The postholder will collaborate with teams across the Treasury to provide advice which balances economic, fiscal and policy considerations and will help to ensure the development of tax and spending policy is in line with the government’s overall fiscal strategy. This includes responsibility for running the Fiscal Strategy Group, a cross-Treasury forum for fiscal discussion and decision-making on key areas including overall approach to fiscal strategy and the balance between borrowing, tax and spend.
2. Lead on advice regarding the fiscal rules. Responsibilities include providing advice to Ministers on rule design and ensuring delivery of the fiscal framework approved by Parliament.
3. Deliver key elements of fiscal events. Specific responsibilities will vary to suit the interests and development needs of the postholder. Previous post-holders have written a published chapter of the Budget document, written internal briefing for Ministers, identified and presented mitigation for presentational risks, and reviewed the Chancellor’s speech for clarity and accuracy.
4. Communicate fiscal policy to a range of different audiences. The postholder will independently draft a range of high-quality products, such as press briefings, speeches, letters, and reports. There will also be opportunities to orally brief Ministers, deliver presentations and support parliamentary debates.
5. Lead on external stakeholder monitoring and engagement. To support effective policymaking, the postholder will build an understanding of the varying perspectives on fiscal policy and provide insights for senior officials and Ministers. This could include attending events, summarising academic developments, and planning meetings for senior officials. This will also include monitoring international developments, and working closely with International Group to understand live fiscal policies debates in other countries.
6. Contribute to ensuring FSP and the wider Fiscal Group is an inclusive place to work. This could include contributing to corporate objectives such as on staff wellbeing and diversity and inclusion This is an exciting role at the centre of delivering the Treasury’s objectives for sustainable public finances and economic growth! The Fiscal Strategy branch of FSP provide advice to the Chancellor on the level of government borrowing and debt over the medium term and the government’s fiscal framework, including its fiscal rules. We collaborate with tax and spending teams to ensure that new policies are developed in line with the fiscal strategy. This is a high-profile area with lots of ministerial interest and exposure to senior officials.

About You

The postholder will be responsible for supporting the development of the government’s fiscal strategy and effectively communicating it to a range of audiences. The role would suit an individual who thrives when working with others and can use their excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly explain often complex ideas. We work in an often fast-paced environment, so the postholder will need to be able to effectively prioritise.

Experience in economics, analysis or prior knowledge of the public finances is not required. We are seeking someone who is keen to learn! You will work with a friendly team of policy advisers and analysts to ensure our advice is informed by the best possible evidence.

Some of the Benefits our people love!

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant). Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month.
• Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)
• Generous parental and adoption leave packages.
• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances.
• A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity