Skip to main contentHEO Assistant Economist
Trade Remedies Authority
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 1st October 2023
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Economist
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About the job
Job summary
The TRA is one of the first public bodies to be set up to meet the new needs of the UK following its departure from the European Union. We play a central part in ensuring that the international trading environment is fair as well as free, by protecting British businesses from unfair trading practices such as dumping, trade-distorting subsidies and unforeseen surges in imports.
We are growing to be an organisation of over 150 people, with our headquarters in central Reading. It is vital to us that we have a friendly, supportive culture, where you will quickly get to know who works here and where you will be helped to realise your full potential. We strive to be an outward-looking organisation, learning from international best practice and looking to add our own distinctive twist, such as developing our digital-first approach to trade remedy investigations. As an arm’s length body that is independent of government, we are passionate about living our values of integrity, expertise, transparency, and inclusion.
We are looking for professionals who bring relevant skills and expertise but who are also eager to learn and develop. Nobody joins the TRA as the finished article. If you believe that you have the experience and qualities to put your stamp on something new and exciting, we very much look forward to hearing from you.
Job description
About the role:
The analysis team consists of three units, two of which focus on economics, with the head of each unit reporting to the Chief Economist. You will be based in one of the economics units and report to an Economic Adviser.
You will be embedded in at least one multi-disciplinary case team. Case teams deal with one specific trade remedy investigation, and are composed of staff from investigations, verification, policy, legal and analysis teams, reporting to a Lead Investigator.
Your primary role as part of the investigation will involve supporting the production of an evidence-based recommendation on the Economic Interest Test, which assesses whether a proposed trade remedy measure is in the economic interest of the UK.
For examples of Economic Interest Tests, see the relevant sections of the Aluminium Extrusions Final Recommendation, the Continuous Glass Fibre Final Recommendation and the Ironing Boards Statement of Essential Facts.
Other analytical work as part of the investigation includes: a) tailoring questionnaires to meet case-specific needs; b) reviewing and verifying responses with other sources of data; c) identifying and engaging with industry stakeholders to capture evidence; and d) providing support on other aspects of the investigation that involve drawing conclusions using quantitative and qualitative data.
Alongside your work in your case team, you will also undertake a variety of projects run by the analysis team that are not specific to a single investigation, including research into cross-cutting issues such as market distortions.
You will be expected to work with colleagues to deliver high-quality analysis at pace, effectively communicate your findings, influence colleagues and stakeholders, and collaborate with colleagues across different disciplines. There will be opportunities to shape your role as the organisation grows.
Key Accountabilities:
In order to perform in this role, you will need to:
- Support the production of evidence-based recommendations for the Economic Interest Test (EIT) on various investigations and reviews;
- Select, analyse and handle data, including official trade statistics and data collected during an investigation, to produce evidence-based advice;
- Apply appropriate economic concepts and techniques to reach robust conclusions;
- Use a range of tools and techniques to produce high-quality analysis;
- Ensure analysis is practical and targeted, clearly draws out your conclusions and follows best practice in quality assurance;
- Work collaboratively with other analysts to develop our team’s standards and capability and contribute to our joined-up evidence base;
- Build trusted relationships with TRA colleagues within case teams and with stakeholders inside and outside of TRA;
- Deliver results effectively, often to tight deadlines, and share your findings to stakeholders inside and outside of TRA;
- Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, to colleagues and stakeholders from different backgrounds.
Person specification
About you:
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds an undergraduate degree in Economics or related disciplines, or has at least 3 years of professional experience in Economics-related role;
- Has well-developed analytical skills and a willingness to learn;
- Can take part in multiple projects that involve analysis of data and assessment of information from different sources;
- Can work independently and collaboratively as part of multi-disciplinary teams;
- Can clearly communicate technical issues in writing and verbally to non-specialists.
We encourage applications from candidates who may be concerned they have less experience in some of the areas.
We also encourage applications from candidates who do not have formal degree qualifications in Economics or related disciplines but who are able to demonstrate at least 3 years of professional experience in economics-related role.
We recognise that experience can be developed on-the-job and with the support of our mix of in-house and externally-provided training.
Essential skills and experience:
- Knowledge of and ability to apply economic tools and quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques;
- Ability to analyse and critically evaluate data and evidence to support development of evidence-based policy advice, following best practice in quality assurance;
- Ability to provide effective and appropriate written and oral communication of economic analysis to stakeholders from different backgrounds;
- Ability to use MS Excel and ability to learn software packages such as R and PowerBI;
- Ability to deliver high impact analysis to tight deadlines.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Interest in, or knowledge of, international trade, trade remedies and trade data.
GES Competency Framework
The Government Economic Service (GES) Technical Framework defines the technical/professional skills for members of the Economics profession within Government, and how these apply at each grade. There are three key professional skills for HEO Economists (link):
- Application of knowledge;
- Analysis of data; and
- Effective communication.
The successful candidate, if not currently a member of the Government Economic Service (GES), will be encouraged to apply and become badged once in post.
We want to advise that the successful candidate who does not hold degree qualifications in economics or related disciplines will not be eligible to become a member of the Government Economic Service and consequently will not be entitled to receive analytical allowance as part of their pay package.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Changing and Improving
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Questions designed to test knowledge of economics.
- Questions designed to test knowledge of analytical concepts and the ability to explain them clearly.
Benefits
Things you need to know
Selection process details
The application process:
Drop In You can find out about us and get more information about the role by attending our drop-in session. You will have the opportunity to talk to people doing the job and ask any questions, including about the recruitment process from application to interview through to offer. You can join the session at any point throughout the hour by clicking on the link below.
Apply To apply, you will need to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Personal Statement. Your CV (up to two-pages) should set out your education and your employment history. Your Personal Statement (maximum 500 words) should provide detailed evidence demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the role. Our guide for candidates provides more useful information (link).
Shortlist The panel will consider your application against the essential and desirable criteria for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview. In the event of a large volume of applications, the panel will conduct an initial sift of CV.
Interview The interview assessment will consist of a presentation exercise and a behavioural-based interview. We use Civil Service Success Profiles (link) to interview for our roles. The behaviours that you will be assessed against at interview are Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Delivering at Pace, and Changing and Improving. We will also assess your knowledge of Economics. Interviews will be held on Microsoft Teams.
Offers We will notify candidates of their outcome as soon as possible after the interview.
Expected timeline
- Drop In session Tuesday, 12 September 2023, 12:00-13:00, Click here to join the meeting.
- Application closes Sunday, 01 October 2023
- Shortlist from 02 October 2023
- Interviews w/c 09 October 2023
- Offers w/c 16 October 2023
* Please note that we try and offer as much flexibility as we can but it may not always be possible to offer alternative interview dates.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to Trade Remedies Authority from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via trarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Ilona Serwicka
- Email : Ilona.Serwicka@traderemedies.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : TRArecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
