Economist

Job Description

Your new roleEconomistYou will support the economics teams to assess the value for money of spending within National Highways. This can involve the preparation of value for money statements, supporting our research agenda to improve appraisal in the company and communicatingthe value for money of the portfolio to the Leadership Team. One-off projects include supporting the creation of the Business Case for investment for the Future Road Period as well as individual road schemes.You will join an existing team of 13 economists working at the strategic centre of the Company. You will be passionate about working with others and passing on your experience, so National Highways and its supply chain continue to deliver more value forevery £1 spent.What youll be leading onYou will take responsibility for your own learning while becoming a professional economist. You will also be responsible for gaining hands-on micro and macroeconomics experience.Support the Principal Economists in the creation of the Business Cases for Future Road Periods.Present a clear view of appraisals at required intervals to principal economists and the Head of Economics. This will be used to develop a consistent view of Value for Money across the portfolio of activities undertaken by National Highways.Work with senior economists to undertake economic research to provide a more complete vision of value for taxpayers, road-user and society. This is likely to involve exploring more effective communication tools as well as developing an understanding of technicalappraisal methods.Support the creation of an analytical platform that will be used for assessing medium and long-term scenarios. You will also be supporting the modelling of macro-economic impacts analysis, defining the modelling and the impact it has on growth.Support application of key VfM controls through quality analysis and VfM statements. You will also produce analysis to appraise investments through the IDC process in support of the Subject Matter Advisors (in this context, Senior and Principal Economists).To be successfulA graduate with a recent Degree with at least 50% Economics content or a Masters with a strong component of EconomicsStrong analytical skills; ability to draw and present key insights from written documents, and from quantitative and qualitative data; good attention to detail.Strong communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise way, both using rigorous economic language and in plain English.Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work well as part of a team and to build collaborative working relationshipsEnthusiastic, motivated and willing to support colleagues across the organisationGood time management and effective organisational skills.Evidence of excellent written and verbal communications skillsPlease provide a covering letter as well as a CV stating the reasons for your interest in the job.A bit about usStrategy and Planning plays a crucial role at the heart of National Highways, providing strategic direction to the organisation and working closely with all the other directorates to enable delivery of the companys ambitious agenda. We lead on key corporateinitiatives including the long-term ambition for our Strategic Road Network (SRN), the production and review of the 5-year Strategic Business and Delivery Plans and developing our national plans covering route strategies, investment and economic growth. Soif you want to get involved with our relationships with our statutory stakeholders, sponsoring the road investment strategy, providing high quality analytical services to the rest of the organisation and leading on our key corporate initiatives, then werethe right place for you.About UsWhy you should join usAt National Highways we believe in a connected country. We are passionate about creating a culture where colleagues feel connected, included and enjoy greater wellbeing to achieve this. Were proud that as an organisation we are continually striving to dobetter and actively encourage and support our colleagues to do the same with their careers.So, if you put safety first, take ownership of your work, show passion for what you do, work effectively in a team, and demonstrate integrity in how you do it - then youll be a great fit for our organisation.Our benefits packageOur total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonusContributory pension scheme with employer contribution of up to 10%Annual Leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays)Flexible hours and blended working between base location/homeLife assurance of 4 times annual salaryHealth and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and network of mental health first aiders. Plus access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self-care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccinesA cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travelSignificant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience