We are recruiting for two Economists (Grade 7): one working in the Skills & Employment Unit to support the delivery of the devolved Adult Education Budget (AEB); and one in the City Intelligence Unit to support the Labour Market research and analysis function of GLA Economics.
In your application you should indicate whether you want to be considered for one of the roles, or both. You will find the technical requirements are similar while the behavioural competencies we’re looking for are the same.
Job purpose (Skills & Employment)
The devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) to the Mayor has generated extra demands on the GLA’s need for reliable skills and labour market data. The role of the Economist is to assist in the analysis and provision of this information to support skills policy and funding decisions by the GLA.
This role exists to support the delivery of the devolved AEB. It will require considerable cross team collaborating with the senior economist, senior data analyst and supervisory economist to deliver the Mayor’s vision for adult education in London. In particular the role will:
Give high quality economic information and advice to inform the GLA’s skills strategy and policy development, with a focus on supporting the GLA’s initial and on-going responsibility of skills provision and funding under the Adult Education Budget
Help the GLA identify its needs for data and other information to re-shape post-16 skills provision in London, and to support the work of the Funding Policy & Systems team to ensure these needs are met. Help develop a more ‘open data’ approach to skills, qualifications, progression, and earnings that would bring benefits to and improve choices for learners and employers
Help maintain the GLA as an authoritative and well-regarded source of reliable information and data on London’s education and skills system and labour market including drivers and trends. Support colleagues with data analysis, appraisal and evaluation and help with the dissemination of this information to policymakers and others
To contribute to special projects and initiatives commissioned by the GLA. These are likely to involve joint working with other organisations and sectors
Principal accountabilities (Skills & Employment)
Develop expertise in relation to education and skill provision in London and give high quality analysis, evaluation, and appraisal to support decision making on the direction of skills policies and funding, with a focus on the AEB
Support the external publication of the Adult Education Budget’s programme data, and other large and complex educational data sets, ensuring that this is presented in informative, transparent, and statistically robust releases
Conduct objective analysis and meta-analysis (e.g. lessons learnt on what works, performance, impact etc.) of evidence from evaluations and other performance-related data /information. Undertaking cost benefit analysis, return on investment and unit cost calculations as well as providing information on comparators where applicable
Help the grade 9 Economist, Supervisory Economist, and other staff members in reviewing and analysing economic data and information to identify key issues and trends of relevance to education and skills policy development and service delivery
Maintain an up-to-date understanding of London’s education and skills system and labour market including the forces and trends at regional, national, and international levels
Help present data and commentary to colleagues and other stakeholders through written material, verbal presentations and the organisation of seminars, conferences, and similar events
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 groups and project teams within the Skills and Employment Unit, across the GLA Group, and with relevant external organisations
If you have a question about the role within the Skills & Employment team or would like to discuss it informally, please feel free to contact Kathryn Petrie at Kathryn.petrie@london.gov.uk to arrange a call.
Job Purpose (GLA Economics)
At GLA Economics our analysis and advice inform key decisions at the Greater London Authority (GLA). This role is an opportunity to produce high-quality economic and statistical analysis to ensure that GLA strategies and projects are based on sound evidence.
To provide high quality research and analysis across a range of economics topics to inform policy development and service delivery by the GLA group.
To assist in analysing official statistics to understand and communicate trends in London’s labour market in a way that is accessible and impactful.
To help clients identify their needs for data and other information, and to support the work of GLA Economics to ensure these needs are met.
To support on GLA Economics’ long-run labour market projections and wider labour market monitoring and analysis. This is likely to include a mix of (i) analysis of secondary data sources, (ii) undertaking analytical modelling, and (iii) understanding and application of empirical literature.
To contribute to special projects and initiatives commissioned by the GLA and its functional bodies. These are likely to involve joint working with people with different professional backgrounds, and with other organisations and sectors.
To develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders in the GLA, its functional bodies (including TfL), and externally (such as London boroughs, academics, and other researchers).
Principal Accountabilities (GLA Economics)
Assist the Supervisory and Senior Economists and other stakeholders in the GLA Group to identify their requirements for economic data and analysis in a way that effectively challenges and informs policy development and delivery.
Maintain an up-to-date understanding of trends in London’s labour market, as well as an awareness of wider issues related to the work of the GLA group as required (e.g. land use, sector studies), and advise stakeholders accordingly.
Assist the Supervisory and Senior Economists to identify and commission sources of labour market data and intelligence to meet the needs of the Unit and its clients, recognising the strengths and limitations of diverse sources.
As directed by the Supervisory/Senior Economist, develop expertise, and take overall responsibility for the Unit's work in particular fields. Work with others to find creative and workable solutions to analytical problems where necessary.
Provide effective, clear, and evidence-based communication and advice to stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to inform decision making in the GLA Group and provide a valuable and credible resource to external stakeholders.
Help to analyse data and provide commentary as required to support special projects commissioned by the GLA or its functional bodies, and to represent GLA Economics at external events and meetings.
Help realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting equality of opportunities and by recognising the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties of this job and participating in multidisciplinary groups and project teams within GLA Economics, across the GLA Group, and with external organisations.
If you have a question about the role within the GLA Economics team or would like to discuss it informally, please feel free to contact Nick Jacob at nick.jacob@london.gov.uk to arrange a call.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Technical experience / skills / qualifications for both roles:
A degree or professional qualification in economics or a related subject, preferably to post-graduate level.
A demonstrated capacity to develop and deliver high quality analytical projects to inform and influence policy development through evidence.
Strong numeracy skills, including experience of technical/economic modelling, and an ability to find creative and workable solution to analytical problems.
Evidence of knowledge and understanding of London labour market and / or skills trends and issues, including how these might affect policy and service delivery options for the GLA Group.
Skills and Employment specific technical experience / skills / qualifications:
Broad knowledge of the key Education datasets, including the Individualised Learner Record, and other related statistics (such as the National Pupil Database, Higher Education Statistics Agency data and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs data)
Knowledge of the technical requirements of project appraisal, impact analysis, cost-benefit analysis and evaluation in the public sector (e.g. HM Treasury Green Book, DBIS, RDA Impact Evaluation Framework)
Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills and an ability to use (or demonstrated capacity to learn) specialised statistical software packages for conducting economic analysis (such as R, Stata, or Python)
GLA Economics specific technical experience / skills / qualifications:
Knowledge and understanding of the main sources of official statistics on the UK labour market.
Proficiency using specialised statistical software packages (R preferred, but also others such as Stata and Python) for conducting economic analysis, as well as fluency in Microsoft Excel.
Behavioural competencies (both roles)
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
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
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
Problem solving
… is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable, and timely solutions.
Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Processes and distils a variety of information to understand a problem fully
Proposes options for solutions to presented problems
Builds on the ideas of others to encourage creative problem solving
Thinks laterally about own work, considering diverse ways to approach problems
Seeks the opinions and experiences of others to understand different approaches to problem solving
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 2 indicators of effective performance
Proactively seeks latest information sources to progress research agendas and address gaps in knowledge
Grasps limitations of or assumptions behind data sources, disregarding those that lack quality
Analyses and integrates qualitative and quantitative data to find new insights
Translates research outcomes into concise, meaningful reports
Identifies relevant and practical research questions for the future
Applying for these roles:
Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role.
Please upload a supporting statement with a maximum of 1500 words to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form, ensuring you explicitly address the technical requirements in your supporting statement for your preferred role. If your application covers both roles, please be sure to address the requirements for each. You do not need to address all the behavioural competencies as these will be discussed at the interview stage.
Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and supporting statement documents are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. “CV – applicant name - 012345)
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework
This role is based London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL)
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.
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.
In addition to a good salary package, we 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.
Application closing date: Sunday 3rd December 2023, at 23:59
