Assistant Economist Scheme 2023
A Brilliant Career in the Government Economic Service. Join us as an Assistant Economist.
The Government Economic Service Assistant Economist scheme will open in early 2023. Please follow this page for further updates.
Salary: £26k to £40k
Location: various
About the scheme
Our Role in Government
The Government Economic Service is at the heart of everything government does with high quality economic analysis essential to decision making in everything from negotiating new trade deals to building HS2, from supporting regional growth to managing the UK’s debt.
Who we are looking for
This is a recruitment scheme for economics graduates which sits beside the fast stream as a main route into a role as an Assistant Economist in the Government Economic Service. To help us deliver analysis we are looking for economists to join us and influence the day-to-day lives of every person in the UK.
As an assistant economist, you will be joining a community of over 3,500 economists across more than 30 organisations, putting your economic learning to direct use by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. This is an exciting time to be joining the civil service, and with continuous support you’ll prepare vital briefings for ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics.
Developing your skills
We take your development seriously and while earning a competitive salary, there will be plenty of support to further your development as an economist. You will broaden your subject knowledge through 50 hours of continuous professional development a year and a further 50 hours on personal skills.
The GES offers plenty of courses and high-quality training to help you do so where some of the competences you could develop include:
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strong quantitative skills: you’ll become an expert in manipulating and presenting data
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writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers
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applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform policy on anything from the environment to transport.
Eligibility
Please see the candidate pack for more information on Eligibility.
Applicants will need:
- to possess or expected to have a first or upper second class honours degree with at least 50% of the modules in economics, or have a masters in economics.
- modules must have covered both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.
- if you graduated more than five years ago then you must have examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge on the competency section of the application form.
Contract Terms and Applications
Contracts are open to accommodate working pattern needs and can be on a full or part-time basis. All civil servants are appointed on merit through fair and open competition. The selection process will consider your attitude, capability, talent and willingness to learn. If appointed you will be expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
Immigration
Please note that it is possible to meet the nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK.
Individuals will need to demonstrate their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK, as we do not offer sponsorship.
For full details please see Nationality requirements.
Deferrals
Candidates who pass the Economic Assessment may only defer appointment to complete a postgraduate degree in economics or to complete the Overseas Development Institute Fellowship.
Deferrals are granted for a maximum of 2 years. Candidates who do not take up appointment within this period will need to re-apply.
Equal Opportunities
At the GES we welcome applications from anyone with the necessary qualifications, regardless of sex, marital status, race, colour, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or, in Northern Ireland, community background. There are no age limits, but employing departments will expect several years’ service before retirement.
Complaints procedure
For details on our complaints procedure, please click here
Last updated 9 November 2022 + show all updates
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Remove reference to 2022 scheme which has now closed
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Scheme deadline has been extended to 24 March
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Updated - Scheme is now open for applications New Job description and candidate pack
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Date updated for 2022 scheme
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2021 scheme closed at 11.55am on 19 March 2021
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Link to application form for the 2021 scheme included
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Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Scheme for 2021 is due to open for applications on 8 March.
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link to Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) webpage added.
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2020 Job Description Pack included
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First line after Body now has been changed to Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Scheme will open on Thursday 6th February 2020..
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Applications due to open in February 2020
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note - next scheme will be advertised in January 2020
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Social Media links added
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First published.