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Economist
International Trade
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About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
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Location
About the job
Job summary
This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The work we do has a real impact on jobs and growth across the United Kingdom. Our mission is to help businesses export, drive inward and outward investment, negotiate market access and trade deals, and to advocate free trade. We are an international department based in 108 countries, and we work closely with our colleagues worldwide. Working in DBT, you will have the opportunity to shape the UK’s international trade agenda for years to come.
The Analysis Group within DBT exists to inform policy-making and to ensure that policy delivery has the biggest positive impact on the UK’s economy. We are here to ensure that Ministers and senior DBT personnel can make informed policy and operational decisions, based on the best possible analysis.
We are looking for a highly motivated G7 Economist to join the Multilateral Trade Analysis team, which sits within the Macroeconomic Analysis and Modelling Unit in the Analysis Group. The team provides economic advice, analysis, and research to inform UK thought leadership and membership in the WTO and other multilateral for a as well as wider unfair trade practices policy.
We deliver this by:
- informing UK priorities and positions in the WTO and other multilateral fora (including the G7 and G20)
- delivering a programme of analytical work to inform DBT trade defence policy (including market distorting practices, trade and competition and economic coercion)
- assessing the economic impact of multilateral and plurilateral trade agreements
- informing and supporting the UK obligations as a member of the WTO, including supporting UK scrutiny and the scrutiny of other existing and acceding members
This role is an exciting opportunity to help shape and lead the delivery of an ambitious and diverse analytical programme to support UK influence and membership of the rules-based multilateral trading system.
If you are looking to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and challenging environment, can think creatively about developing influential analysis, and are adept at supporting DBT policy colleagues and colleagues across Government to deliver high-quality analysis to support decision making, then this will be a great opportunity for you.
Job description
You will lead and deliver a diverse programme of analysis on issues relating to Multilateral Trade policy, including certain trade aspects of economic security policy, to inform policy positions in these areas. While you will be encouraged to be proactive in identifying and driving forward new projects to meet evolving DBT/HMG priorities, there is plenty of support, experience and input available from the wider team.
You will take a lead on producing analysis that informs policy development on the impact that market distorting practices (MDPs) imposed by other countries have on the UK. MDPs are support or action by, or on behalf of, governments, that distort markets and result in detrimental impacts on other states and businesses. Examples include harmful industrial subsidies, unfair practices by state owned enterprises, and forced technology transfer.
You will also work closely with the other analysts in the team with the previous post holder having worked closely together with other team members to deliver joint projects across the breadth of the team’s work. Recent projects in the team have included detailed case studies examining the prevalence of market distorting practices in the electric vehicle battery and large civil aircraft sectors, alongside working with external experts to better understand the value the WTO brings to its members including the UK. The role will involve working closely with policy colleagues to produce innovative analysis on effective green subsidy design and meeting net zero/green transition commitments in ways consistent with WTO rules. There is scope to shape the role to suit candidates’ skill sets and interests.
There is likely to be increased scope to engage with other international organisations such as OECD, IMF and World Bank working on similar Multilateral Trade issues and with leading academics in this field.
Additionally, the role will include:
- Working with analysts across Government and UK/international experts to stay at the cutting edge and feed in latest insights on Multilateral Trade issues.
- Clearly communicating complex analysis and demonstrating what the policy/operational implications are in a practical manner.
- Developing relationships with relevant analysts and stakeholders across the department.
- Project/ line managing an HEO/Assistant Economist in the team, setting clear direction for them and ensuring their development progresses, and supporting them to deliver high quality analysis to their respective customers.
- Assuring analysis is fit for purpose and of high quality.
Person specification
Essential criteria
To be eligible, candidates should be a member of the Government Economic Service (GES) Profession OR willing to undergo a badging/assessment process as part of the application, and need to demonstrate skills, knowledge and experience to succeed as a Government Economist at Grade 7 level:
- Application of knowledge: Strong analytical experience, with breadth and depth of experience of undertaking economic analysis.
- Analysis of data: Ability to analyse large data sets and draw conclusions from incomplete or contrasting evidence.
- Effective communication: An ability to present your work to senior colleagues in an impactful manner and such that it influences and informs policy. Strong engagement and stakeholder management skills.
- Analytical leadership: A proven ability to independently lead large analytical projects in a complex environment, that are of high quality, innovative, fit for purpose and deliver to time. Ability to see how the results of the analysis fit with organisational objectives and the wider Government agenda.
To be eligible to apply you will need to hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1. The degree must contain substantial economic content (comprising at least 50% of modules taken on the course) and include both macroeconomic and microeconomic modules.
Technical skills will be assessed against the grade requirement of the Government Economic Service (GES). Details can be found in the GES Framework. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022.
These will be assessed during the selection process, including at both sift of your written application and interview. Applicants who are civil servants but not members of the GES and anyone applying from outside government must be able to demonstrate you meet the requirements of the GES, as successful appointment will include membership of the GES.
For applicants applying after more than a couple of years after university, who are not an existing member of the Government Economic Service relevant experience consists of experience working on economic analysis or research including for example in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GES through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your economic experience and skills covering the components of the GES technical framework.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in supporting, motivating, developing, and managing staff.
- Knowledge and experience of international trade and/or Multilateral Trade policy and/or analysis.
- Chinese language skills.
Personal attributes & skills
Strong leadership, communication and collaboration skills, and working within and across teams and departments.
Ability to communicate the results of analytical work to non-analysts and confidence to engage with senior stakeholders to ensure that the decision-making process is underpinned by robust analysis and evidence.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with the ability to drive forward own work proactively and independently.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Benefits
- 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%
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities
Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.
Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
After the closing date It is likely that the sift will take place 1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews 3-5 weeks after the closing date though this is subject to change.
To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the Essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
- A Personal Statement of up to 500 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the Essential criteria.
In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the CV.Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift where the Personal Statement will be assessed or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a short oral presentation, details will be provided prior to your interview.
Location and working arrangements
This role is available in seven UK locations and can only be worked from within the UK, not overseas. Most DBT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in the office on average. Changes to these working arrangements are available in certain circumstances but must be agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role and can only be discussed with successful candidates. Travel to your primary office location will not be paid for by DBT, but costs for travel to an office which is not your main location will be covered.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Candidate Support
You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session. These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.
Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.
Further Information:
- A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
- Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
- The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
- New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
- Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
- A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
- Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
- Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland/Access NI on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
For further information on the Access NI confidential checking service telephone: the Access NI Helpline on 0300 200 7888 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email accessni@ani.x.gsi.gov.uk
Vetting
The role requires Security Check (SC) clearance. The requirement for SC clearance is to have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected.
It would be an advantage if you would be willing to undergo a higher level of security clearance, Developed Vetting, to support the growing economic security analytical work by the wider team. DV is not essential before starting and application for DV can be undertaken once in the role, if needed as per the security considerations of the work portfolio.
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DBT by email: Resourcing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints
