Senior Consultant - Economics (Environment Policy)

ICF; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm in Leeds is seeking an Economist/Environmental Economist to join their environmental policy team. This role involves applying economic principles to various environmental issues, managing projects, and collaborating with clients. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and substantial experience in economic research. A hybrid working model and competitive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering high quality economic research.
• Experience of managing research projects, budgets, and teams.
• Relevant professional experience of at least 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Apply economic principles to research policy questions.
• Develop frameworks for assessing costs and benefits.
• Build relationships with clients and external networks.

Skills

Economic principles and theory

Cost-benefit analysis

Ability to communicate technical concepts

Project management

Research skills

Education

Degree in economics or related discipline

Master's degree or PhD in relevant field

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an Economist / Environmental Economist to join our growing environmental policy team. The role will help shape the growth and direction of our practice across the UK and EU, engage in the delivery of a portfolio of projects, and undertake business development to win projects and drive forward expansion of ICF’s existing and new areas of work.

ICF provides independent policy research, evaluation and analytical support to the UK public sector clients, such as Defra, DESNZ and Natural England. We provide robust evidence and strategic support to policy-makers and regulators, using the latest research and evaluation methodologies, advanced data science and behavioural insights. We work on issues at the top of today’s policy agenda, including:

• Biodiversity and natural capital
• Rural economy, agriculture and food
• Climate change and net zero
• Fresh water governance and policy
• Blue economy, marine planning and biodiversity
• Sustainable fisheries
• Technology and innovation

There will be opportunities to work across this portfolio and beyond. Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Apply economic principles and theory to research policy questions across a broad range of environmental issues
• Develop frameworks and tools to assess economic, social and environmental costs, benefits and trade-offs as part of ex-ante appraisal and ex-post evaluation
• Build relationships with clients and the team’s external networks and partnerships
• Contribute to the development of proposals, including building teams, developing methodologies and budgets
• Manage and coordinate project teams and budgets
• Manage and develop junior members of the team

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for an economist with experience in delivering high quality economic research. You should be intellectually curious and a very well organised individual, with an ability to see the many dimensions of a policy problem and to engage and work with leading thematic experts. In addition to applied environmental economics experience, you will have:

• Degree, Master’s degree or PhD in economics, environmental economics or related discipline
• Good understanding of economic principles and their application
• Experience in the application of cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, business case development and/or value for money analysis
• Understanding of Green Book and/or Magenta Book methodologies
• Ability to think through the methodological challenges of investigating a topic
• Experience of managing research projects, budgets, teams and client interactions
• Experience or writing competitive bids and/or grant applications
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical experts and stakeholders
• Excellent written and oral English
• Relevant professional experience of at least 3 years

We are interested to hear from both entry-level researchers who are new to the profession as well as experienced candidates. Prior experience in a consulting environment would be an advantage, but we also welcome applicants with backgrounds in academia, government and non-governmental employment.

Interested candidates are invited to demonstrate their skills, experience and interests by submitting a one-page cover letter and a two-page CV.

About us

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. We are a purpose driven company with a strong culture and underlying values that prize collaboration, diversity, mutual respect, innovation, open communication, and opportunity for growth. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.

Learn more about what we do and our commitment to inclusion.

ICF is a privacy conscious organisation and your trust is paramount to us. Find out here how we use and protect your data.

London (GB80)

Benefits

Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well.

We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.

To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.

We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called “You Matter”, which awards points as a “thank you” for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.

ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:

• Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions
• Dental insurance and an online GP service
• 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service)
• Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution
• Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick
• Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

London (GB80)