Assistant Economist

The Assistant Economist role is a direct-hire position within the Intelligence Team at the UK. Defence Solutions Centre (UKDSC). Reporting to the Defence Economist, the postholder will support the development and delivery of high-quality economic analysis, sector insight and evidence-based reporting to inform UKDSC activity and stakeholder decision-making.

UKDSC operates in a complex and fast-moving environment spanning government, industry and the wider defence ecosystem. As demand for robust economic evidence, market intelligence and strategic insight continues to increase, the graduate economist will play an important role in strengthening the analytical capability of the Intelligence Team and supporting the delivery of outputs that are timely, credible and relevant to stakeholders.

Role Responsibilities

• Support the ongoing development and delivery of JEDHub, with particular focus on strengthening the evidence base, improving data quality and contributing to future development activity linked to the Annual Economic Report.
• Produce and deliver economic analysis, market insight and evidence-based reporting aligned to the UKDSC Work Programme, which is agreed annually with key stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and delivery of in-house defence-economic models, assisting in the adoption of innovative approaches to data analysis, aggregation and collection.
• Identify, assess and exploit a range of data sets and information sources, applying appropriate analytical techniques to gather, interrogate and interpret data in support of robust conclusions.
• Co-author bespoke reports on areas of relevance to defence-economics, including through sectoral, regional and national case studies, for senior stakeholders across government, industry and the wider defence ecosystem.
• Support the Senior Economist in preparing and delivering high-quality briefings and presentations for stakeholders across government, industry and the wider defence ecosystem.
• Respond effectively to incoming agile stakeholder requests across a broad range of subject areas, ensuring that analysis is proportionate, timely and clearly communicated.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of defence activity, industrial developments, export market trends and wider economic or geopolitical factors that may influence UKDSC analysis and reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the Intelligence Team by identifying opportunities to enhance analytical methods, reporting formats, data management and stakeholder engagement.

What we are looking for

• UK national with the ability to obtain and maintain a SC level clearance.
• Degree in economics, political-economy, PPE, or any other discipline encompassing the field of economics.
• Professional experience demonstrating strong economic, analytical and research capability.
• Familiarity working with Microsoft software packages, including Excel, Power BI, and PowerPoint.
• An interest in understanding the interaction between market analysis, business development, strategic planning and evidence-based decision-making.
• A proactive, self-starting approach, with the confidence to take ownership of tasks, seek clarity where required and progress work with appropriate levels of independence.

Contract & Benefits

• Contract; Permanent, full-time role, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
• Location; Hybrid working- 3 days in the Farnborough office and 2 days from home