Training And Development jobs in United Kingdom

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is one of the world's top competition and consumer agencies, responsible for producing research and analysis through its Microeconomics Unit (MU). At a time when the UK economy faces unprecedented challenges, high‑quality, policy‑relevant research is vital. We are looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Economist to join the MU in Darlington and contribute to a portfolio of influential research on competition, market power, and industrial strategy.

• The next phase of the MU Growth Programme – investigating drivers and blockers of productivity growth with a focus on competition.
• The next iteration of our State of UK Competition report.
• The annual Positive Impact report, measuring the CMA's contribution to the economy.
• Ex post studies into past competition‑policy interventions.

• Work with Microeconomics Unit colleagues to conduct economic and quantitative analysis as part of research projects, helping to scope key questions, gather appropriate data and plane how the analysis contributes to the state of knowledge.
• Deliver high‑quality, timely quantitative analysis under the guidance of senior economists across several long‑term and short‑term research projects.
• Communicate clearly and accurately, drafting substantial sections of technical papers and published reports, and presenting analysis to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Manage own time effectively to ensure analysis is delivered on agreed timescales, keeping managers informed of progress, findings and potential risks.
• Establish effective working relationships within the research team and with external stakeholders, including academics and government bodies.
• Proactively develop own skills, knowledge and career at the CMA in conjunction with a line manager, including participation in a structured training programme covering technical, economic and econometric training.
• When required, line manage Economic Interns.
• Contribute to the development of the CMA's economic and analytical capability by presenting at staff seminars/workshops and providing feedback from conferences or courses attended.

As part of a diverse community of economists, you will work in agile, dedicated and friendly teams, applying cutting‑edge economic techniques to important UK policy problems. You will enjoy a strong emphasis on learning and development, with support from structured training, a wide Civil Service training programme, lunchtime seminars and discussion groups.

• Post‑graduate degree in economics, or a 2:1 undergraduate degree in economics, or a joint economics degree with a strong micro‑economics or quantitative component; or be in the final year of such a study and on track to graduate by September 2026.
• Knowledge and understanding of micro‑economics and analytical techniques.
• Ability to communicate technical economic research or analysis to non‑technical audiences.
• Experience in designing, developing and delivering economic research or analysis to tight deadlines, including gathering, summarising and presenting data to a high standard.
• Sound verbal and written communication skills, including producing documents that describe quantitative economic analysis.
• Ability to establish and manage working relationships and to work in teams to deliver successful outcomes.

You must submit a CV, a personal statement and an online application form. A role‑specific question will be part of the application: Please summarise in 500 words the factors that may lead competition to have positive or negative effects on innovation, and the types of evidence you might gather to better understand this relationship.

• Sift – CV & application review. A lead‑criteria sift may occur if many applications are received.
• Full sift – all essential criteria considered.
• Interview – virtual (Microsoft Teams) or in‑person at CMA office, commencing the week commencing 26 January 2026.
• Interview stages: presentation/case study followed by a 45‑minute to 1‑hour panel interview covering behaviours, experience and technical skills.
• Interview invites will be sent via email. Successful candidates will be notified via the Civil Service Account and can book their interview slot.
• Selection decisions will take place the week commencing 5 January 2026.

We aim to remove or reduce barriers within the recruitment process for disabled candidates. If you need changes or support, complete the “Assistance required” section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form.

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
• Basis personnel security standard checks will be required.

• 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 with settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain 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

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. Please see the Civil Service People Plan and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for more details.

• Salary: £38,085 per annum.
• Pension: £11,033 (Contributed to a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme).
• Leave: 25 days (increasing to 30 days over five years), 8 public holidays, an additional day for the King’s birthday, plus maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave.
• Season ticket loan, cycle‑to‑work scheme, flu vaccinations and eye tests.
• Access to Civil Service Sports & Leisure, discounted gym memberships, high‑street discounts, free access to UK‑wide attractions and a TasteCard.
• Well‑being benefits: employee assistance program, flexible working options, family‑friendly policies, networking events and professional learning opportunities.

We are ambitious, evidence‑based, and strive for excellence. We treat everyone with respect and are collaborative and inclusive. Our core values are honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity.