The work of the directorate’s teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, leading cross-organisational programmes, to making sure we plan for and can respond to emerging events or emergencies in our city.
About the team
GLA Economics has been established by the Mayor of London to make sure that the Greater London Authority and its associated functional bodies can rely on a robust economic evidence base (including economic statistics, forecasts and projections) and that sound economic analysis informs the investment decisions, large-scale service delivery and key policy strategies that the GLA Group is responsible for. The unit is also an authoritative and highly regarded source of intelligence and information for anyone with an interest in the London’s economy (be they academics, commentators or decision-makers).
The GLA’s need for reliable economic data and authoritative interpretation is very important. The role of the Economist is to assist the economics work of the GLA group in areas such as understanding the structure and prospects of London’s economy, developing and managing in-house economic models, undertaking sectoral analyses, advising on development and implementation of GLA strategies (including the Mayor’s Economic Development Strategy), providing strategic advice on infrastructure investment and funding and building partnerships with external experts and stakeholders.
About the role
The role will focus on analysing official statistics to understand and communicate key trends in London’s economy as well as line management responsibilities for a G7 economist. As such, the work is likely to cover areas including monitoring London’s economy (inputting to publications like London’s Economy Today and London’s Economic Outlook) as well as including other areas like tourism, analysis of fiscal events and taxation, the ongoing impact of Brexit and contributing to the GLA’s response to the cost of living crisis. The post holder will also be expected to develop skills in producing forecasts for London’s economy, analysing London’s tourism market and tourism forecasting, as well as diverse stakeholder engagement. The work will involve planning and leading projects and initiatives – ensuring they’re completed to a high quality and the deadline.
What your day will look like
Line management of grade 7 economist
Monitoring and reporting on London’s macroeconomy
Leading on individual projects such as London’s childcare supply
Liaising with key stakeholders
Answering urgent queries from key stakeholders such as the Mayor’s Office
Continual personal development via keeping up to date on economic topics and advancements in modelling
Skills, knowledge and experience
To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:
· A degree or professional qualification in economics or a related subject (preferably to post-graduate level) and work based experience after graduation, or an ability to demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge through considerable experience in economics or a related field.
· Evidence of a good knowledge and understanding of international, national, regional and London economic issues and trends and how these might affect policy and service delivery options for the GLA Group.
· Broad knowledge of, or demonstrated capacity to acquire expertise in, policy area(s) relevant to the work of the GLA Group, such as labour markets, business support, land use planning, and transportation, for example.
· Evidence of computer literacy in Microsoft Office, with advanced skills in Excel and ability, or demonstrated capacity to acquire ability, to use specialised statistical software packages.
· Evidence of ability to work on and, where appropriate, lead on multi-disciplinary, multi-agency projects.
· Awareness of and evidence of ability to operate in, a complex political or policy environment.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:
Up to date CV
Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.
Assessment process
Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.
If shortlisted you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.
The interview/assessment date is: Week Commencing 30th September (exact dates tbc)
Equality, diversity and inclusion
London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.
Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.
Benefits
GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.
In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
Additional Information
Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.
Full job description can be found below:
Job purpose
To help provide high quality economic information and advice to inform policy development and service delivery by the GLA and its functional bodies, and to establish GLA Economics as an authoritative and well-regarded source of reliable information and data about London’s economy.
To help the clients of GLA Economics identify their needs for data and other information, and to support the work of GLA Economics to ensure these needs are met.
To assist in providing high-level, specialist economic advice to senior managers and members of the GLA, its functional bodies and external partner organisations.
To assist the Senior Economist and Supervisory Economist in managing and motivating the Unit’s staff. The post holder may manage staff.
To contribute to and, where appropriate, plan and lead work on special projects and initiatives commissioned by the GLA and its functional bodies, and to take personal responsibility for their completion to ensure deadlines are met so far as is practicable.
Principal accountabilities
To assist the Supervisory Economist and stakeholders within and outside the GLA Group in identifying their requirements for economic data, intelligence, information and analysis and ways of meeting these.
To maintain an up-to-date understanding of London’s economy and the forces and trends at regional, national and international levels that affect it, such as trends in productivity, disruptive innovation and the impacts of Brexit, advising the Unit and its clients accordingly.
Assist the Supervisory Economist to identify and commission sources of data, intelligence and information to meet the needs of the Unit and its client groups, recent examples including work on the impacts of Brexit on London’s economy.
Assist the Supervisory Economist and other GLA Economics staff members in reviewing and analysing economic data and information in order to identify key issues and trends of relevance to policy development and service delivery. To help maintain and develop in house models and tools.
To present authoritative data and commentary on the London’s economy to colleagues within GLA Economics and to its clients through written material, verbal presentations and the organisation of seminars, conferences and similar events.
To provide data and commentary as required to support special projects commissioned by the GLA or its functional bodies.
As directed by the Supervisory Economist, to develop an expertise and take overall responsibility for the Unit’s work in particular areas (such as sectoral studies for specific industries, land use planning or transport).
To represent GLA Economics at external events and meetings and wider GLA Group activities.
To realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
To realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.
To manage staff and resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards
Behavioural competencies
1. STAKEHOLDER FOCUS
… is consulting with, listening to and understanding the needs of those our work impacts and using this knowledge to shape what we do and manage others’ expectations.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Seeks to understand requirements, gathering extra information when needs are not clear
Presents the GLA positively by interacting effectively with stakeholders
Delivers a timely and accurate service
Understands the differing needs of stakeholders and adapts own service accordingly
Seeks and uses feedback from a variety of sources to improve the GLA’s service to Londoners
2. COMMUNICATING AND INFLUENCING
...is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Communicates openly and inclusively with internal and external stakeholders
Clearly articulates the key points of an argument, both in verbal and written communication
Persuades others, using evidence based knowledge, modifying approach to deliver message effectively
Challenges the views of others in an open and constructive way
Presents a credible and positive image both internally and externally
3. BUILDING AND MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS
...is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Develops new professional relationships
Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement
Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action
Fosters an environment where others feel respected
Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals
4. MANAGING AND DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE
… is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Seeks opportunities to develop professional skills and knowledge and encourages team to do so.
Ensures own and others’ workloads are realistic and achievable
Provides staff with clear direction and objectives, ensuring they understand expectations
Recognises achievements and provides constructive feedback and guidance
Gives staff autonomy and confidence to perform well and to their potential
5. PLANNING AND ORGANISING
…is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Prioritises work in line with key team and project deliverables
Makes contingency plans to account for changing work priorities, deadlines and milestones
Identifies and consults with sponsors or stakeholders in planning work
Pays close attention to detail, ensuring team’s work is delivered to a high standard
Negotiates realistic timescales for work delivery, ensuring team deliverables can be met
6. PROBLEM SOLVING
… is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.
Level 3 indicators of effective performance
Clarifies ambiguous problems, questioning assumptions to reach a fuller understanding
Actively challenges the status quo to find new ways of doing things, looking for good practice
Seeks and incorporates diverse perspectives to help produce workable strategies to address complex issues
Initiates consultation on opportunities to improve work processes
Supports the organisation to implement innovative suggestions
7. RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
… is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits.
Level 3 indicators of effective performance
Expands networks to gain new information sources for research and policy development
Identifies and implements methods to ensure intelligence is of a high quality
Encourages others to analyse data from different angles, using multiple perspectives to identify connections and new insights
Tailors research investment in line with likely impact for Londoners and policy priorities
Retains a bigger picture view, ensuring research recommendations are appropriate and practical for the GLA and its stakeholders
