The role of the Principal Economist is to provide expert economic analysis to support a wide range of skills and employment programmes and policies delivered by the Greater London Authority (GLA), with a focus on the Adult Education Budget (AEB), which will be replaced by the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) from August 2024. The Principal Economist will:

1. Provide high quality economic information, analysis and advice to inform the GLAs skills and employment strategy and policy development, with a focus on supporting the GLAs on-going responsibility of skills provision and funding under the AEB/ASF.

2. Lead on research projects and initiatives commissioned by the GLA. These are likely to involve joint working with other organisations and sectors.

3. Analyse large administrative datasets, including the Individualised Learning Record (ILR) and Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) datasets.

4. 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 wider Skills and Employment Unit to ensure these needs are met. Also, 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, while acknowledging and protecting data privacy where relevant.

5. Help maintain the GLA as an authoritative and well-regarded source of reliable data, information and analysis about Londons skills supply and labour market, its drivers and trends, assisting in the dissemination of data and insights to policy makers and broader stakeholders.

Principal accountabilities

1. Provide high quality analysis, evaluation, and appraisal to assist the teams role in advising on the direction of education and skills policies and funding, with a focus on informing the on-going development of priorities for the AEB/ASF in London.

2. Manage the provision of data and commentary as required to support the approach to post-16 skills reforms and future commissioning of adult skills funding by the GLA. This will include the access and analysis of the ILR and LEO datasets.

3. Support the external publication of the AEB/ASF programme data, ensuring that this is presented in informative, transparent, and statistically robust releases.

4. Present data and commentary to senior managers and other stakeholders through written material, verbal presentations and help with the organisation of seminars, conferences, and similar events.

5. Manage, direct and conduct objective analysis and meta-analysis (e.g. lessons learnt on what works, performance, value for money, impact) of evidence from evaluations and other performance-related data /information. Also, to undertake cost benefit analysis, return on investment and unit cost calculations as well as providing information on comparators where applicable.

6. Assist the Supervisory Economist and other staff members in reviewing and analysing economic data and information in order to identify key issues and trends of relevance to education and skills policy development and service delivery.

7. Maintain an up-to-date understanding of Londons skills and labour market and the forces and trends at regional, national and international levels that affect it, ensuring that the GLA is seen as an authoritative source of data, analysis and commentary in these areas.

8. Manage staff and resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Authoritys policies and Code of Ethics and Standards.

9. Realise the benefits of Londons diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of Londons communities.

10. Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.

Person specification

Technical requirements/experience/qualifications
1. A degree or professional qualification in economics or a related subject, preferably to post-graduate level, or an ability to demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge through professional experience in economics or a related field.

2. Successful track record of conducting research and / or complex analysis to inform policy and strategy development. Experience of working with the Individualised Learner Record or similar datasets (e.g. National Pupil Database, Higher Statistics Agency Data, Her Majestys Revenue and Customs data or the London Learner Survey) is desirable.

3. Strong evidence of computer literacy including proficiency in using project management, spreadsheet, database and presentation software. Demonstrated capacity to use specialised statistical software packages (e.g. Python, R, SQL, Stata) for statistical and econometric analysis.

4. Evidence of clear personal, verbal and written communication skills, and of ability to communicate complex issues to a range of audiences effectively, including using data visualisation techniques.

5. Broad knowledge about labour markets and education policy in London, or demonstrated capacity to acquire expertise and provide economic advice in policy areas relevant to the work of the GLA Group.

6. Evidence of ability to work on and, where appropriate, lead on multi-disciplinary, multi-agency projects.

Behavioural competencies

1. 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 3 indicators of effective performance
Expands networks to gain new information sources for research and policy development
Identifies and implements methods to ensure intelligence is of a high quality
Encourages others to analyse data from different angles, using multiple perspectives to identify connections and new insights
Tailors research investment in line with likely impact for Londoners and policy priorities
Retains a bigger picture view, ensuring research recommendations are appropriate and practical for the GLA and its stakeholders

2. 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 3 indicators of effective performance
Understands diverse stakeholder needs and tailors team deliverables accordingly
Is a role model to others, encouraging them to think of Londoners first
Manages stakeholder expectations, so they are high but realistic
Removes barriers to understanding the needs of diverse stakeholders, including hard to reach groups
Focuses own and teams efforts on delivering a quality and committed service

3. Problem Solving
is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance
Clarifies ambiguous problems, questioning assumptions to reach a fuller understanding
Actively challenges the status quo to find new ways of doing things, looking for good practice
Seeks and incorporates diverse perspectives to help produce workable strategies to address complex issues
Initiates consultation on opportunities to improve work processes
Supports the organisation to implement innovative suggestions

2. 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 3 indicators of effective performance
Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organisation

3. Building and Managing Relationships
is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing

Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Develops new professional relationships
Understands the needs of others, the constraints they face and the levers to their engagement
Understands differences, anticipates areas of conflict and takes action
Fosters an environment where others feel respected
Identifies opportunities for joint working to minimise duplication and deliver shared goals

4. Managing and Developing Performance
is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLAs objectives and statutory obligations.

Level 2 indicators of effective performance
Seeks opportunities to develop professional skills and knowledge and encourages team to do so.
Ensures own and others workloads are realistic and achievable
Provides staff with clear direction and objectives, ensuring they understand expectations
Recognises achievements and provides constructive feedback and guidance
Gives staff autonomy and confidence to perform well and to their potential

5. 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 3 indicators of effective performance
Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
Gains buy-in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
Implements quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables

This role is based at London Fire Brigades 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.
Application Process & Additional Information

Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role.
If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:
Up to date CV
Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the Additional Documents section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Applications submitted without a Personal Statement will not be considered.

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, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also 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.

On this recruitment campaign, as part of GLAs continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.

Application closing date:26 July 2024at 23:59

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