Economist

Do you want your economic expertise to help shape decisions that have a real impact across the West Midlands? Are you creative and curious, with strong experience of demonstrating economic impacts and excellent understanding of policy making?

Do you have strong communication skills and a solution focused mindset to ensure things get delivered?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for an Economist to join our Strategy Unit. In this role, you will deliver high-quality economic modelling, research and analysis that supports evidence-based policy and decision making across the region. Your work will help assess the economic, social and environmental impact of policies, programmes and investment, supporting delivery of our regional priorities, as set out in the West Midlands Growth Plan in line with our commitment to inclusive growth.

By strengthening the evidence behind key decisions, you will help ensure our work delivers meaningful outcomes and value for money for communities across the West Midlands.

• Deliver high-quality economic modelling and analysis to inform policy, strategy and investment decisions.
• Apply Green Book, Aqua Book and Magenta Book guidance to assess the impact and value for money of proposals.
• Analyse and synthesise data from a range of sources and/ or of varying complexity, to develop clear and robust insights.
• Maintain and develop economic datasets, models and analytical tools.
• Produce clear reports, dashboards and briefings for internal and external audiences.
• Support colleagues to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental benefits of proposed projects and investments.
• Design and manage both primary and secondary research and analytical projects, working with colleagues and external partners where required.

• Provide professional input to the design, delivery and quality assurance of a range of evaluations.

• A strong understanding of the West Midlands regional economy and the institutions that support economic development.
• Proven ability to design and deliver economic analysis to assess the impact of policies, using robust methodology and reporting reliable evidence which supports practical improvements or informs strategic decisions.
• Knowledge and application of the latest HM Treasury Green Book, Magenta Book and Five Case Model business case guidance for appraisal and evaluation, with an appreciation of the key levers or challenges for local government place making.
• Experience working with national and local datasets, including ONS economic, demographic, housing, transport or skills data.
• An influential communicator with the ability to explain the impact of investments in clear, creative and convincing ways, and communicate evidence so that it genuinely shapes decisions, priorities and projects.
• Highly motivated, with experience of working autonomously to achieve personal objectives and working collaboratively with others to include a broad range of perspectives to achieve shared objectives.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise and ensure the delivery of results.
• Experience using analytical MS office applications such as One Note, MS Teams and analytical tools such as Microsoft Excel, Lists, Power BI or other software.

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

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Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

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