Strategic Policy Adviser — OBR & Fiscal Forecasts

North East Combined Authority; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Flexible working patterns

Parental and adoption leave

Defined benefit pension (28% employer)

Cycle-to-work scheme

Staff networks

Job summary

Office for Budget Responsibility in Darlington is seeking a Policy Adviser to lead the department's sponsorship of the OBR and support high‑level fiscal forecasting and policy work. You will work across HM Treasury and with OBR colleagues to inform Ministers and senior officials on budget and fiscal decisions.

You will oversee stakeholder engagement, contribute to the Budget and forecasting process, and help ensure rigorous quality assurance and timely delivery of key fiscal messages.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to analyse complex issues and provide clear, balanced advice.
• Skilled at building productive relationships across teams and organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead HM Treasury's sponsorship of the OBR, acting as the departmental expert on its remit and governance, and reporting key risks and issues to the Executive Management Board (EMB).
• Provide advice to Ministers and senior officials on OBR-related issues, delivering clear, balanced recommendations on high-profile and sensitive matters.
• Oversee the OBR's budget, working with HMT Finance to monitor spending, manage financial risks and support Spending Review negotiations.
• Build strong relationships with OBR counterparts, fostering effective collaboration and supporting senior engagement between HMT and the OBR.
• Lead the government's engagement on OBR-related issues, briefing Ministers, coordinating responses to inquiries and handling urgent parliamentary and media business.
• Coordinate fiscal event and forecast processes, working across HMT and the OBR to deliver forecasts, briefings and effective quality assurance.
• Contribute to FSP and Fiscal Group priorities, helping make the Group an excellent place to work and supporting wider corporate initiatives.

Job description

Office for Budget Responsibility in Darlington is seeking a Policy Adviser to lead the department's sponsorship of the OBR and support high‑level fiscal forecasting and policy work. You will work across HM Treasury and with OBR colleagues to inform Ministers and senior officials on budget and fiscal decisions.

You will oversee stakeholder engagement, contribute to the Budget and forecasting process, and help ensure rigorous quality assurance and timely delivery of key fiscal messages.