Economist

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for an Economist (Inside IR35) for a contract up to Feb 2027, on a hybrid basis, based in Bristol, London, Newcastle or York 60% of the week.

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives . These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

- To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
- To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
- To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk .

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk .

The role :

Defra is seeking an experienced economist to lead economic analysis for the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF), Protected Sites Strategies (PSS) and the wider nature and planning agenda. The role supports reforms designed to accelerate development while delivering strategic environmental improvements for protected sites and species. You will provide economic evidence to inform policy design, implementation, value for money and ministerial decisions , working closely with policy, delivery and analytical teams across Defra, Natural England, MHCLG and wider government. You will also lead and develop a small analytical team in a high-profile, fast-moving policy environment.

As an Economist, your main responsibilities will be:

- Lead the economic analysis programme for the NRF, PSS and the wider nature and planning agenda.
- Provide robust, timely and proportionate economic advice to support policy development, implementation, business cases and ministerial decisions .
- Apply Green Book principles to economic appraisal, costs, benefits, value for money, uncertainty, risk and evaluation.
- Lead or quality assure analysis on levy design, Environmental Delivery Plans, prioritisation and market impacts.
- Assess the benefits of intervention and identify evidence gaps.
- Commission research or undertake analysis to address evidence gaps.
- Explain complex economic evidence, risks and trade-offs to senior officials, ministers and non-specialist audiences.
- Build effective relationships with policy leads , Natural England, MHCLG, HM Treasury and other government analytical teams.
- Provide constructive analytical challenge to support informed decision -making.
- Line manage and develop an SEO economist, supporting performance, wellbeing and professional development.
- Collaborate with economists, scientists, social researchers, operational researchers and policy professionals.
- Contribute to wider analytical leadership and promote the effective use of evidence across Defra.

Essential:

- Strong applied economics skills, with experience using economic analysis to support policy development, appraisal, business cases or delivery decisions .
- Experience leading an analytical work programme or team, setting direction, managing competing priorities and ensuring high-quality outputs.
- Ability to work at pace in an uncertain or fast-moving policy environment.
- Ability to judge what level of analysis is proportionate and relevant to decisions .
- Confidence providing constructive analytical challenge and explaining evidence, uncertainty and trade-offs.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex economic concepts to non-specialists.
- Ability to build trusted relationships across policy, delivery and analytical teams.
- Inclusive and supportive leadership , with the ability to develop others and contribute positively to team culture.

Desirable:

- Experience in environmental economics, natural capital, land use, planning, infrastructure, regulation or market-based policy instruments.
- Experience working with arm’s-length bodies, other government departments or multidisciplinary analytical teams.
- Experience commissioning, managing or quality-assuring external research or analytical work.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, Defra encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".