Economist London, England
Job description
Key information
About GLA Economics
GLA Economics’ analysis and advice informs key decisions at the Greater London Authority (GLA). Joining at a critical time, these roles are an opportunity to produce high-quality economic analysis to ensure that GLA strategies and projects are based on sound evidence, including London’s reaction to the cost of living crisis.
Jobs description
We are recruiting to fill a permanent post in the Macro team.
- The post holder will work with official statistics to monitor and communicate trends in the London economy (inputting to publications like London’s Economy Today and London’s Economic Outlook) as well as contributing to analysis of fiscal events and taxation and the impacts of Brexit. The post holder will be expected to develop skills in producing forecasts for London’s economy and analysing London’s tourism market.
The post holder can expect to work flexibly across a variety of other topics reflecting emerging issues facing the London economy. This includes analytical support for London’s response to the cost of living crisis and topics such as the impact of AI, sectoral studies and industrial strategy. The role will involve both long-term analytical projects and meeting short-term demands for information, engaging closely with economists and colleagues from across the GLA group.
About you
You will have a professional qualification in Economics, or a related degree with an analytical focus, and a proven capacity to deliver high-quality analytical projects to inform and influence policy development through evidence. You will have strong numeracy skills, ideally with experience of undertaking technical modelling. It would also be highly advantageous to have familiarity with statistical software packages such as EViews, R or Python.
We encourage applications from candidates who may have less experience in some of the required criteria – but are curious and willing to develop their skills and understanding. Gaps can be developed on-the-job and training can be made available.
Principal Accountabilities
- Assist the Assistant Director Intelligence, Supervisory and Senior Economists and other stakeholders in the GLA Group to identify their requirements for economic data and analysis in a way that effectively challenges and informs policy development and delivery.
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of London’s economy and the forces and trends at regional, national and international levels that affect it, and advise the Unit and its clients accordingly.
- Support specific areas of economic research: recognise the strengths and limitations of key data sources and identify methodological shortcomings; work with others to find creative and workable solutions to analytical problems where necessary.
- Regularly update and run the GLA Economics medium term forecast model and macroeconomic scenarios and assist in a programme of development work to improve GLA Economics forecasting robustness and functionality.
- Provide effective, clear and evidence-based communication and advice (written and oral) to stakeholders from diverse backgrounds (particularly non-economists), to direct and inform decision making in the GLA Group and provide a valuable and credible resource to external stakeholders.
- Analyse data and provide commentary as required, across a range of economic specialisms to support special projects commissioned by the GLA or its functional bodies; and represent GLA Economics at external events and meetings.
- As direct by the Supervisory and Senior Economists, to develop an expertise and take overall responsibility for the Unit's work in particular fields (for example in relation to local taxation, trade and investment, London’s global competitiveness).
- Help realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
- Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties of this job and participating in multi-disciplinary groups and project teams within GLA Economics, across the GLA Group, and with relevant external organisations.
Person Specification
Technical Requirements/ Experience/ Qualifications
- A degree or professional qualification in economics or a related subject, preferably to post-graduate level.
- A demonstrated capacity to develop and deliver high-quality analytical projects to inform and influence policy development through evidence.
- A broad knowledge and understanding of international, national, regional and London economic issues and trends and how these might affect policy and service delivery options for the GLA Group.
- Strong numeracy skills, including experience of technical/economic modelling; and an ability to tackle analytical problems creatively.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and a proven ability to use specialised statistical software packages for carrying out economic analysis (such as R, Stat, EViews, Python etc.).
- Broad knowledge and ability to quickly acquire understanding and expertise in policy areas relevant to the work of the GLA Group, such as land use planning, economic development, regeneration, transportation, housing and environmental policy.
Behavioural competencies
1. STAKEHOLDER FOCUS
… is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
- Seeks to understand requirements, gathering extra information when needs are not clear
- Presents the GLA positively by interacting effectively with stakeholders
- Delivers a timely and accurate service
- Understands the differing needs of stakeholders and adapts own service accordingly
- Seeks and uses feedback from a variety of sources to improve the GLA’s service to Londoners
2. COMMUNICATING AND INFLUENCING
...is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
- Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders
- Clearly articulates the key points of an argument, both in verbal and written communication
- Persuades others, using evidence based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively
- Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way
- Presents a credible and positive image both internally and externally
3. PLANNING AND ORGANISING
… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
- Prioritises work in line with key team and project deliverables
- Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
- Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
- Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
- Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met
4. PROBLEM SOLVING
… is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
- Processes and distils a variety of information to understand a problem fully
- Proposes options for solutions to presented problems
- Builds on the ideas of others to encourage creative problem solving
- Thinks laterally about own work, considering different ways to approach problems
- Seeks the opinions and experiences of others to understand different approaches to problem solving
5. RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
… is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
- Proactively seeks new information sources to progress research agendas and address gaps in knowledge
- Grasps limitations of or assumptions behind data sources, disregarding those that lack quality
- Analyses and integrates qualitative and quantitative data to find new insights
- Translates research outcomes into concise, meaningful reports
- Identifies relevant and practical research questions for the future
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework
This role is based at London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL)
GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.
London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.
In addition to a good salary package, we offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
If you have a question about the role or would like to discuss it informally, please feel free to contact Gordon Douglass at [email protected]
Application Process
Please apply using your CV and a Covering Letter (maximum two pages) addressing the following Technical Requirements and Behavioural Competencies listed above in the advert that demonstrates your suitability to the role.
Please upload your Cover Letter to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the application form and upload your CV to the ‘Resume’ section. All documents uploaded must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and do not include any photographs or images.
Applications submitted without a Covering Letter will not be considered.
All applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system.
Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.
On this recruitment campaign, as part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and covering letters that could cause discrimination.
Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.
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