This is a recruitment scheme for economics graduates which sits beside the fast stream as a main route into a role as an Assistant Economist in the Government Economic Service. To help us deliver analysis we are looking for economists to join us and influence the day-to-day lives of every person in the UK.
As an assistant economist, you will be joining a community of over 3,500 economists across more than 30 organisations, putting your economic learning to direct use by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. This is an exciting time to be joining the civil service, and with continuous support you’ll prepare vital briefings for ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics.
We take your development seriously and while earning a competitive salary, there will be plenty of support to further your development as an economist. You will broaden your subject knowledge through 50 hours of continuous professional development a year and a further 50 hours on personal skills.
The GES offers plenty of courses and high-quality training to help you do so where some of the competencies you could develop include:
“I am incredibly proud of the work of economists in the civil service. Our relevant, rigorous and respected analysis has put us at the heart of major policy decisions over the years and the GES has come to be recognised as a highly effective body of professional economists.”
Sam Beckett
Head of GES
You are eligible to apply if you’re a:
Nationality requirements are explained in more detail in the Civil Service nationality rules.
Please click here for more information.
Please see the candidate pack for more information on Eligibility.
Applicants will need:
Please see the candidate pack for more information on Eligibility.
The Economic Assessment Centre (EAC) is a half-day Assessment Centre to assess a candidate’s economics skills against set criteria.
You can read more about this in our Economic Assessment Centre Guide.
The deadline for applications is 23:55pm on Monday 18 March 2024.
Contracts are open to accommodate working pattern needs and can be on a full or part-time basis.
All civil servants are appointed on merit through fair and open competition.
The selection process will consider your attitude, capability, talent and willingness to learn.
If appointed you will be expected to carry out your role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
Chris Webber from the Open Innovation Team provides some advice and tips on how you can maximise your chances of success when applying for vacancies in the Civil Service.
Hear from Rupert McNeil, Government Chief People Officer, on our approach to recruitment and promotion in the Civil Service.