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Do you have excellent analytical and/or statistical skills with the confidence to advise and influence colleagues and stakeholders at all levels?

The Scottish Fiscal Commission produces Scotland’s official, independent economic and fiscal forecasts. We are a small, friendly office of around 25 staff, lead by our 4 Commissioners, who report directly to the Scottish Parliament. For more information, please see our website (Scottish Fiscal Commission).

We are looking for an analyst to join us at the Commission, and be responsible for one or more specific forecasts. Ideally we'd like you to be able to apply economic and statistical techniques to detailed historic data on the Scottish economy, taxes or social security payments, working in Excel, or specialised programs including R, SAS, EViews or Python.

We have existing models for creating forecasts and you'll be trained on how to use these. You will also be able to refine these models and develop new forecasting models as the need arises. As an employee of the Commission you'll be a civil servant on Scottish Government terms and conditions.

You'll be responsible for researching and for the delivery of analytical work in your own specific area, reporting to the head of the branch. You'll also be responsible for the development and maintenance of the Commission’s forecasting models and assisting in producing forecasts for fiscal events. You'll also have to opportunity to communicate key messages at fiscal events through data visualisation and continually develop our infographics campaigns. To support your work you'll be expected to monitor key data releases and external comments and publications in relevant areas.

Finally, you will manage the engagement with the relevant policy officials and specialists in the Scottish Government and other organisations to ensure the forecasts produced reflect the Government’s policy.

Responsibilities

• The post holder will be responsible for researching and the delivery of analytical work in their own specific area, reporting to the head of the branch.
• The post holder will be responsible for the development and maintenance of the Commission’s forecasting models and assisting in producing forecasts for fiscal events.
• The post holder will be responsible for communicating key messages at fiscal events through data visualisation and continually developing our infographics.
• The post holder will manage the engagement with the relevant policy officials and specialists in the Scottish Government and other organisations to ensure the forecasts produced reflect the Government’s policy.
• The post holder will monitor key data releases and external comments and publications in relevant areas.

Competencies

Analysis and use of evidence

Self-Awareness

Communications and Engagement

Improving Performance

Qualifications

You will be expected to have at least a first or upper second class degree in a highly numerate subject, for example a statistical, economic, actuarial or other numerate discipline.

Should you have a 2:2 first degree, your application may be considered if you have equivalent experience or hold a postgraduate qualification that is in a numerate subject. If you have a postgraduate qualification which is in a numerate subject, your application will be considered even if your first degree is not in a highly numerate discipline. Other qualifications equivalent to these may also be acceptable.

Essential Criteria
1. Knowledge of data analysis, including economic or statistical modelling or forecasting.
2. Ability to communicate with different audiences and to clearly explain technical issues.
3. Ability to plan and prioritise projects, solving problems to deliver high-quality work to deadlines.
4. Ability to help build effective working relationships with a range of internal and external colleagues.

Provisional Interview Dates
Interviews dates will be 11-13 April 2023.

Additional Information

This analytical post is open to all numerate analytical professions / backgrounds.

Opportunities

The Scottish Fiscal Commission is part of the SG Main pay bargain group. Permanent members of the Commission’s staff are able to apply for posts in the Scottish Government on level transfer or promotion after a suitable time period.

How To Apply

For further information on this vacancy please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

Person Specification Band B

To apply, you must fully complete and submit an online application via this website before the closing date using evidence based examples to demonstrate your knowledge/skills (300 words). Remember, your answers should be clear, concise and reflect what actions you undertook. You may want to use the STAR(R) approach to respond to each criterion.

Information session

We’re holding a virtual drop-in session at 2.30-3.30pm on Tuesday 28 February 2023 to let interested candidates find out more about working at the SFC and the recruitment process.

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Location

The SFC is based in Edinburgh. We currently have flexible hybrid-working with staff splitting their time between home and our office Governor’s House. Staff must be available to travel to Governor’s House from time to time.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Will Jones by email at [email protected]

Please note: The SFC would like to keep a reserve list of those short-listed for the role, on file for nine months following the appointment of the successful candidate. These candidates may be considered for any roles that become available during this period.

The Scottish Fiscal Commission is a diverse and inclusive workplace and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any adjustments to our recruitment process, please let us know via [email protected]

As part of any recruitment process, Scottish Government and associated public bodies collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and applicants for public appointments.

Personal information you provide in the recruitment process will be made available to Scottish Government and our additional data processors.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

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