Economist - Analytical Projects Unit

About the GroupThe Economics Group leads HM Treasurys (HMT) analysis of developments in the UK economy and advises ministers on the implications for the Governments economic strategy. It provides expert economic analysis and advice for Ministers. The Groups data hub is transforming how the Treasury uses data across its entire business. The Group collaborates with external experts on the UK economy, including the Bank of England, Office for Budget Responsibility and leading academics. Economics Group provides support for the UK Governments economic and social research professions, including running centralised recruitment and the annual conferences.About the TeamThe Analytical Projects Unit (APU) sits within the Economic Risks and Analytical Projects Unit team in the Economics Group. It provides analytical expertise and support to critical projects across HMT. Members of the team are deployed on projects covering a range of public policy issues both influencing HMTs macroeconomic policy within Economics Group and building the evidence base for policymaking across other areas.The Unit is led by a Range E2, with two Range Es, two Senior Executive Officers, two Higher Executive Officers, and two Economics Apprentices. Oversight is provided by the Deputy Director for Economic Risks and Analytical Projects Unit, and the Director of Economics. It is a friendly and supportive team, working in a matrix management style, where team members feel valued.Joining the team is an excellent way of gaining an overview of HMTs work, building a network, and being involved in high-profile Ministerial priorities. About the JobThis role will suit candidates with excellent analytical and communication skills who are looking for a varied and stretching portfolio of responsibilities, and enjoy working collaboratively with a range of partners. You will need to be able to support, develop, and manage one first year Apprentice Economist in a matrix management structure, be able to build a large network across the department and get up to speed on new issues quickly.You will complete projects lasting around three months that apply analytical tools and techniques, as well as economic knowledge, to support policymaking in line with Ministerial priorities, often at pace.Previous projects for the team have included:Building the evidence base on the labour market impacts of health interventions.Developing a model to analyse the impact of energy policy schemes.Assessing modelling capability for maintenance spending.Macroeconomic assessment of the UK economy (inflation, investment, labour markets etc).During projects, you will be matrix-managed in their day-to-day work by a Range E project manager from within their project team. We have well-developed systems for ensuring excellent matrix management, including in a hybrid environment, and ensuring high-quality performance feedback.Key Accountabilities for this role include: The Unit employs a matrix management structure for staff working on projects. You will be responsible for line management of one Apprentice Economist with a strong focus on staff development. You will build effective relationships with the project managers to whom project staff are allocated to ensure excellent day-to-day management and regular feedback is provided.Integrating in a new team and becoming abreast of the policy area quickly. This will include understanding who key stakeholders are, proactively developing an understanding of the area, and setting the projects scope within this.Scoping out and planning analytical projects, including by identifying the best analytical techniques, the key outputs, and prioritising work streams with the greatest impact to improve HMTs understanding of an issue and inform policy advice.Delivering high quality analytical projects at pace, working collaboratively with policy teams across HMT and other Government departments. There may also be opportunities to task-manage staff on projects.Communicate the conclusions of the project to Senior Officials, Ministers, and other partners, influencing the strategic direction of HMT policy.Representing the team across the organisation, helping to burnish the APUs reputation as a key part of the HMT architecture which influences HMT policy.Supporting wider corporate work of the branch, team and group. For instance, contributing to one of the groups corporate objectives (which include diversity, inclusion and wellbeing; management excellence; openness, etc.).Candidate Drop-In Session The hiring manager will be running a candidate drop-in session for this role to give you greater insight about the role as well as the chance to learn more about HM Treasury and ask any questions you may have. If you would like to join us, then use the appropriate link below to join the call at the right time. 26 September 2024 14:00 to 14:25If you would like to speak to the hiring manager informally prior to the closing date for applications to find out more about the job, please contact Rehana Choudhury: [email protected].