UKIFS Economist

Description

UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year.

Accountability 5: Lead a Strong Network

Accountability 1: Lead on the Economic Evidence-Base for Policy and Decision Making

• Lead on the development of Economic figures and their related narrative, ensuring references and methodologies related to any statistics are documented over time.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, representing our organization's values and professionalism in interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice for research reports and briefings which communicate Economic evidence, ensure they are robust and can be used for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop trusted close working relationships with external and internal key-stakeholders including DESNZ Economists and Lead Economists in UKAEA.
• Oversee the production and quality control of Economic evidence to ensure our data and methodology are considered robust by all relevant Gov. departments including DESNZ, NISTA and the ETF.
• Be lead author on the Economic Case sections, as part of the HMT five cases Business Cases. This plays an essential part in making the case for funding for each Tranche of the STEP Fusion Programme.
• Provide Expert training, coaching, and mentoring across UKIFS staff and wider Whole Plant Partners including UKAEA to ensure the continued growth of awareness, skills and capabilities within STEP.
• Own the gathering of insight for Spending Reviews, ensuring high quality robust analysis and leading the appraisal of impacts – using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research; including the communication of uncertainties in analysis.
• Respond to ad-hoc requests for Economic evidence relating to policy or key thematic areas, for example the UK Government Spending Review in close collaboration with DESNZ colleagues.
• Provide necessary Lead advisory support on all aspects of Economic evidence and any methodology development working closely with the Benefits, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead.
• Design, deliver, and manage both in-house and commissioned Economic analysis. This will include value for money analysis in compliance with HMT Green Book. Ensure delivery of high-quality products to navigate internal and governmental assurance processes.
• Lead the development of approved methodologies to quantify the impact of the programme, including enhancing the collection of key data and the evidence base to support STEP in meeting our strategic priorities.
• Build a strong network of close contacts with staff across UKIFS and its Whole Plant Partners including UKAEA, to enable detailed insight of economic benefits, and enabling effective co-ordination and collaboration across STEP.
• As part of this lead on the development of the analysis for the Economic case as part of the HMT five cases business cases, and train and build awareness across UKIFS colleagues of what is required for this (such as data requirements)
• Work closely with Benefits, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead to enable the strategic development of UKIFS people, processes and systems to ensure benefit realisation as well as monitoring and evaluation of Economic benefits.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment that aligns with our cultural values.
• Ensure robust methodology is used that is approved by DESNZ and HMT, ensuring the analysis done within this is well received and gets through Gov. Business Case approval processes.
• Contribute to maintaining a respectful and collaborative workplace, valuing diversity, and promoting teamwork.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience of Government driven Economic best practice and HMT requirements.
• Ability to quickly respond to changing demands and priorities, with the confidence to take quick decisions without comprising the quality of work.
• Technical skills with experience of using a range of robust techniques to deliver analysis.
• Experience of using best-practice spreadsheet models and knowledge of R and Python.
• An ability to grasp issues quickly and understand the big picture for UKIFS, DESNZ, the wider fusion sector, and Government. Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence forging relationships across teams and Government.
• Experience of leading quantitative and qualitative data management and analysis. May include developing programme benefits, monitoring and evaluation and economic aspects of strategic business cases.
• Experience of working with Government stakeholders on large scale complex transformative programmes together with an interest in fusion industry.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment collaboratively with colleagues in finance, policy, engineering, scientific, commercial, project delivery, legal and senior leadership teams.
• Experience of leadership and delivery in fast-paced, complex, and ambiguous environments.
• Experience of leading and delivering significant Economic analysis or evaluations together with an interest in fusion or science & engineering.
• Understanding of Government driven Economic best practice and HMT requirements. Ability to use expertise to train and coach colleagues and explain risk and uncertainty.
• Degree in Economics or equivalent qualification and/or experience.
• Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organizational goals.

Benefits

The salary for this role is £62,858 plus specialist allowance and excellent benefits including outstanding pension.

Onsite working is expected for 3 days each week, however, we actively support requests for Flexible Working.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders,

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance