Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme

Details

Job Summary

The Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme is a nationwide recruitment scheme for economics graduates. We are looking for economists to help us deliver relevant, high quality and high impact analysis which influences 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 GES members across more than 70 organisations, putting your economic learning to direct use by developing the best possible economic analysis. We are the largest employer of economists in the country.

This is an exciting time to be joining the Civil Service and an opportunity to put your economics knowledge to direct use in a dynamic workplace. With continuous support you will produce analysis, prepare vital briefings for senior officials, ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics.

The Government Economic Service (GES) provides high quality, high impact economic analysis to inform government decisions.

Join us, and you'll be a valued member of the wider GES community, where people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds can form lasting professional relationships with supportive networks. While these are full-time roles, our flexible working arrangements will give you space to achieve a work-life balance that works for you.

Job Description

Are you interested in helping shape government policy by producing high quality economic analysis?

Do you want to develop a career developing technical expertise essential to decision making?

As an Assistant Economist, your analysis will play a vital role in a wide range of policy areas.

You will have a unique opportunity to work in a central government department or agency on some of the most important social, environmental, and economic issues our country faces. You will have the opportunity to improve the world you live in – working on issues like:

• How can government support UK businesses to compete in a changing world?
• How can government support people to kick-start their lives after prison?
• How can government act to protect the environment?
• How can the government support regional growth?

For further details on the kinds of roles available at different government departments, please see the job descriptions.

Person Specification

Applicants need to have, or be on track to receive, a first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics.

By August 2026 you must hold one of the following:

• An undergraduate degree in economics at a minimum of 2:1; or
• A joint economics degree at a minimum of 2:1, where at least 50% of the credit value of all modules studied is in economics; or
• A postgraduate degree in economics

All candidates must have studied both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.

If you graduated more than five years ago then you must give examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge on the application form.

You are also required to satisfy both the Civil Service Nationality Rules and the Right to work in the UK requirements. Please note, we do not offer visa sponsorship.

If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. More information about the vetting process can be found at the following link Security Vetting and Clearance Guidance.

In addition, some departments require candidates to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years having spent no period longer than 3 months outside of the UK to get security clearance.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Benefits

We want you to take your skills and ambitions further so while you earn a competitive salary, you will get plenty of support to develop as an economist. You will broaden your subject knowledge and personal skills through time given to your continuous professional development. The Government Economic Service (GES) offers an excellent range of learning opportunities to help you develop key skills which include:

• Strong quantitative skills: you'll become an expert in working with and presenting data
• Writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers
• Applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform policy on anything from the environment to transport.
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A focus on wellbeing with access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning