Assistant Economist

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£33,324.20 per annum (effective 1st Jan 2026), plus £6,000 London weighting if based at our London Office

Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)

We expect this role to start in Spring 2026

JRF works to speed up and support the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, in which people and planet can flourish. We are a UK-wide foundation, with a focus on all four nations. Our work is anchored around poverty. We recognise poverty as multi-dimensional, with material, social and emotional aspects, while viewing economic, social and environmental justice as inextricably linked.

We are seeking an Assistant Economist to play a key part in supporting research projects that generate compelling arguments, policies and ideas to tackle the social and economic challenges underpinning poverty and economic insecurity in the UK today, helping to chart a course towards a different and better future. You will provide a professional economics perspective across the organisation and act as a trusted, expert voice in external settings.

A core aspect of the role involves seeking out and connecting with people and organisations developing new ideas and strategies that align with our mission. You will help shape proposals for how JRF can use its platform and resources to support the development and diffusion of these ideas.

You will also collaborate closely with colleagues across policy, analysis and external affairs to project JRFs externally. This includes helping to shape the national conversation, influence decision-making at the highest levels, build alliances and partnerships, catalyse social change across society, and nurture the early seeds of longer-term shifts in thinking and action.

We are seeking an individual with a solid grounding in economic theory, principles, datasets and analytical techniques, and the ability to apply these effectively to understand and address the drivers of household economic insecurity. You will bring an understanding of quantitative research methods and how they can be used to explore and grapple with issues.

The role requires an awareness of politics, relevant policy debates and approaches to social change, as well as the ability to analyse and unpick policy dilemmas by drawing on relevant literature, research evidence, leading-edge practice and everyday experience. You should be able to think critically and creatively, use evidence to reach clear conclusions, and communicate persuasively in writing and in speech across a range of formats.

The ability to quickly get up to speed with new topics, seek out fresh ideas, and engage with people and perspectives beyond JRF will be essential.

We welcome candidates who have an interest in, and familiarity with, the causes and consequences of poverty and the social and economic conditions on which it rests (this could be through direct experience of poverty and/or disadvantage). Applicants should have training in economics or a closely related discipline, with transferable knowledge and skills.

This is an entry level role to the organisation so previous policy or thinktank experience is not necessary.

If you share our passion and this role sounds like you, then we are looking forward to hearing from you.

Please submit your CV and supporting information via our online application platform.

The closing date for applications is 5th January 2026.

Interviews will take place TBC.

We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.

Additional Information

• Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background.
• We positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds, including but not limited to those with experience of living in poverty.
• We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process.
• In support of our approach to flexible working, we are happy to receive applications from those seeking full-time employment, as well as those who may want to share the role on a part-time basis. When making your application, please state whether you want to be considered for either full or part-time work and, if part-time, the number of hours per week you would be looking for.
• We are at our best when building on trust, showing we care and making a difference, and we hope others will do the same. This means a blended approach to how and where you work, with an expectation of two days a week in your home office.

We encourage you to read our EVP, which is located here:

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