Senior Economist G6 - 29587

Job Description

This is an opportunity for a current economist to experience working on environmental issues, supporting the Environment Agency’s work to regulate pollution and the use of natural resources.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead market and sector analysis to improve knowledge on the economic circumstances of sectors that are subject to environmental regulations
• Work with EA and Defra colleagues on to improve policies (including economic instruments) to issues ranging from waste crime to net zero carbon technologies
• Produce and communicate analysis on how regulatory approaches can be tailored to maximise their effectiveness
• Help colleagues understand and apply key economic concepts to ensure that outcomes consider people, economy and wellbeing impacts
  
  
  

The post holder will have opportunities to work on other Environment Agency topics as part of cross team working and to aid your development.

:

• Producing economic models, analysis and tools Advising on application of microeconomic concepts
• Cost benefit analysis Developing methods for valuing economic and environmental costs and benefits
• Analyse economic, social and/or environmental data sets for trends and correlations to help in the decision making
  
  
  

In doing so you will

• Be an excellent communicator with experts and non-specialists, using a range of traditional and new approaches
• Understand the needs of internal clients and work with them to clearly define the problems they need to solve
• Helping to lead the work of the team in delivering high quality analysis with impact
• Mentor and coach others on relevant policies, procedures, practices and techniques
• Be an active part of the economics profession
  
  
  

The team

Economics helps protect the environment in a way that provides the best value for money for people and economy. The team work across all areas of the Environment Agency. Topics include tackling water pollution, increasing resilience to flooding and improving air quality. Top priorities include making the economic case for investment in Environment Agency outcomes, improving evidence for decision making and help the Environment Agency to design regulatory approaches that have maximum impact

Experience/skills Required

We invite applications from economists with a range of skills and backgrounds. You are likely to be an established or high performing early career economist, working in the public or private sector. Essential requirements include:

• proven expertise in applied microeconomic economics in any public policy area.
• Demonstrable expertise in data analysis and modelling
• Proven ability to lead and develop an area of work whilst working independently and as part of a team.
• Building and sustaining partnership with analysts and experts from other disciplines, such as policy, finance and science.
• Be an excellent communicator, confident in clearly conveying complex ideas in a creative way to maximise impact and understanding.
  
  
  

You should have a degree in economics. A master’s degree is desirable but not essential. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to gain a masters degree via the Government Economic Service whilst working in the role.

Contact and additional information

A permanent full-time post in a dispersed team, with flexible base location and working pattern. Occasional travel required. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need arises. Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.

We are a diverse and inclusive team and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Interviews will take place via MS Teams or face to face if preferred. I f you would like to find out more, we’d be pleased to have an informal discussion.

Contact: Ino Kremezi, Economics Manager, [email protected]

Competence 1

Scientific Knowledge

Description

Applies economic knowledge in appropriate areas, to enhance the effectiveness of the Environment Agency's activities. Keeps up to date with economic techniques. Commissions and delivers appropriate economic research to underpin the work of the Environment Agency in protecting and enhancing the environment and promoting sustainability. Represents the Environment Agency at appropriate economic and other fora, conferences and events. Develops and maintains economic networks.

Can you provide an example of an economic work you have recently carried out? What economic principles and methods did you use?

Competence 2

Takes Decisions and Solves Problems

Description

Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Can you provide an example of how you have worked with a customer to identify, clarify and solve their problems?

Competence 3

Influences and Persuades Others

Description

Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments. Listens to others’ opinions, understanding their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance Presents a credible case and explains the benefits to the audience/listener; anticipates the main objections/arguments Responds to the needs and style of the listener when influencing. Seeks to achieve a “win-win” outcome and develop the relationship with the person(s) being influenced. Prepares convincing written arguments on complex issues, presenting information logically, concisely, and persuasively. Able to modify and reformulate case, read the listener's mood and adjust accordingly. Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders.

In your application, provide an example of how you have successfully influenced an outcome. What were the steps you took to ensure success?

Competence 4

Communicates Effectively

Description

Is an active listener, has time for people; seeks their contribution. Uses full range of communication methods to ensure effective understanding. Considers needs of and impact on audience, anticipates reactions and uses appropriate communication method and style. Prepares written reports and data in clear, readable and accurate manner, using appropriate grammar, syntax and style. Ensures communication is two-way; responds and acts on feedback When presenting is easily understood and inspires attention from an audience. Is clear and to the point when speaking. Anticipates the main issues and prepares responses.

Can you provide an example of how you have successfully communicated a complicated subject to a group who have limited understanding of the issue?

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.