Scheme duration
5 Years
Location
London and East Kilbride (potential opportunity for opportunities overseas from year 3).
Scheme overview
The heart of international economic issues, development and foreign policy.
What you’ll experience
Diplomatic and Development Economics Fast Streamers take on a variety of impactful roles, ensuring that UK development and foreign policy is grounded in robust economic analysis. No two career paths are the same – this scheme offers the flexibility to shape your journey, including the opportunity to spend a significant portion of your career overseas.
A key advantage of the scheme is its comprehensive training, which equips you to pursue both analytical and policy roles – within the FCDO or across other government departments. This opens up a wide range of career pathways and long-term opportunities.
All Diplomatic and Development Economist fast streamers must be granted ‘Developed Vetting’ (DV) security clearance before starting. For DV clearance, you need to have lived in the UK for 5 of the last 10 years, including a consecutive 12-month period. Security clearance relies on assurance checks that can only be carried out in the UK – which is why a sufficient UK footprint is a mandatory requirement for this scheme.
Entry requirements
- you must be a British citizen (those with dual nationality may apply)
- resided in the UK for at least 5 of the previous 10 years, including a consecutive 12-month period
- you need, or expect to receive, a 2:1 degree, degree apprenticeship or higher or a postgraduate degree in an economic subject
- for mixed degrees, at least 50% should be in economics
The benefits you’ll enjoy
You will have the opportunity to work on international issues that really matter, from alleviating poverty to ensuring security and prosperity for the UK. The Fast Stream programme provides an excellent platform for promotion and long term career progression across the Civil Service.
Joining as a permanent employee, you will benefit from Civil Service Pension Scheme, recognised language qualifications, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance, diversity support networks and forums.
Demystifying the Diplomatic and Development Economics scheme
Supporting your learning
Diplomatic and Development Economists benefit from exceptional learning and development (L&D) opportunities, structured around the 70:20:10 model:
- 70% through on-the-job experience
- 20% through peer-to-peer learning
- 10% through formal courses and tuition
Key components of the L&D offer include:
Professional Economics Training
Structured courses from leading providers help you build a postgraduate level understanding of key economic areas by your second year. Long-term support ensures continued development of your technical expertise.
Tailored Training Programme
Focused on leadership, diplomatic tradecraft, and international development. Includes mentoring, work shadowing, and core knowledge sessions to support your broader professional growth.
Short-Term Projects (‘10% Time’ Scheme)
Take on short-term analytical or economics projects outside your main role to broaden your skills and apply your expertise in new contexts.
Bartholomew talks about his experience on the Diplomatic and Development Economics scheme, and why he chose to apply.
Non-Economic Learning Opportunities
Access a wide range of courses through the International Academy and Civil Service Learning, covering FCDO policy areas and skills such as effective ministerial communication.
Economics Community Engagement
Join a vibrant network of economists across the FCDO. Participate in:
- lunchtime knowledge-sharing sessions
- virtual and in-person conferences
- town halls and peer learning opportunities
- regular seminars from leading academics
Career Progression Support
All economists will sit a Readiness Panel to assess their technical skills and readiness for promotion to expert economist roles. Full support is provided by the Economics Head of Profession to help you prepare for this important milestone.
“An incredible and rewarding scheme which has allowed me to work on contemporary global issues on a daily basis and support those in need across the world.”
Zainab Jagot
Diplomatic Development Economics fast streamer
Diplomatic and Development Economics fast streamer, Tolly
About this scheme
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advances the UK’s national interests and promotes the UK as a force for good globally. It supports British citizens, safeguards national security, upholds UK values, reduces poverty, and addresses global challenges in partnership with the international community. With 280 posts worldwide, the FCDO operates on a truly global scale.
Economics is central to the FCDO’s mission. Economists are embedded in the heart of policymaking, diplomacy, partnerships, and aid strategy. As an international economic department with a global development focus, the FCDO increasingly relies on economic expertise to generate innovative ideas and deliver robust policy advice to ministers.
Economics enhances policy and programming by:
- analysing how economic trends affect UK and global interests
- identifying and prioritizing key development and policy challenges
- designing evidence-based, cost-effective solutions
- implementing policies with clear, measurable outcomes
- persuading stakeholders through data-driven insights
Diplomatic and Development Economists work on diverse, high-impact projects that span countries and themes—from macroeconomic stability to sustainable development. These roles place you at the intersection of economics, international relations, and global policy.
UK-based positions offer collaboration with government departments, international organisations, consultancies, and academic institutions. These roles provide valuable experience and training, often serving as a springboard to overseas postings.
Scheme placement details
Upon joining the programme, you will be assigned to one of two roles:
- an Assistant Economist position within the central Economics & Evaluation Directorate
- an embedded economist role within one of the FCDO’s other Directorates
In either role, you will take responsibility for a specific geographical or thematic area. Your work will be varied and impactful, focusing on economic analysis that supports the UK’s development and foreign policy priorities
Key responsibilities include:
- conducting in-depth economic analysis to inform strategic decisions
- collaborating with policy teams across the FCDO on cross-cutting or project-specific issues
- drawing on your own expertise, support from your team, and insights from the global FCDO economics network
Your role will offer a unique opportunity to apply your analytical skills in a real-world policy environment, contributing to the UK’s international objectives.
During your second year, you will undertake a second Assistant Economist posting, giving you the opportunity to expand your expertise, work on new economic challenges, and further contribute to shaping UK policy.
In the final years of the programme, you will take on an economics-related role either in the FCDO’s overseas network (subject to availability) or in the UK.
Overseas roles span all regions of the world and include both dedicated economic positions and broader portfolios covering areas such as energy, trade, climate, and politics. Where required, language training will be provided to support your overseas posting.
You must be ready to accept any suitable overseas placement to which you are appointed. While the FCDO considers personal circumstances when assigning overseas roles, we cannot guarantee placement at your preferred post. You may also need to undertake full time language training before starting an overseas placement. In some cases, your overseas placement may extend beyond the 5-year Fast Stream programme, potentially delaying your short-term progression. However, gaining experience within the FCDO’s overseas network will significantly enhance your long-term deployability.