Ministry of Defence (MOD)

Locations: London, Bristol. 

Number of positions available: 7

Salary: Either Locations - £36,530 + £1000 Economists RRA (£2500 if person holds a Masters in Economics). In addition, If in London £3300 London RRA

About the Ministry of Defence (MOD) 

The MOD is a central government department with a mission to protect our country and provide the ultimate guarantee of its security and independence, as well as helping to protect its values and interests abroad. 

At the MOD we offer engaging jobs in work that really matters; jobs which have a direct impact on the quality of services we provide. Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within MOD and across the wider Civil Service. Certain posts, notably those concerned with security and intelligence, might be reserved for British citizens, but this will not normally prevent access to a wide range of developmental opportunities across a very wide number of professions. 

We value diversity and are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We aim to develop all our staff to enable them to make a full contribution to meeting MOD objectives, and to fulfil their own potential on merit. We offer flexible working patterns to enable our employees to balance home and work responsibilities; and we treat people fairly irrespective of their working arrangements. 

Overview of work areas: There are a wide range of opportunities for Assistant Economists (AEs). Areas for work include, but are not limited to:  

• Appraisal - The main objective of the Appraisal team is to provide Value for Money scrutiny for major projects and programmes (typically over £100M). This is achieved through the delivery of timely scrutiny, and advice to project teams, on Investment Appraisals, Concept of Analysis, Combined Operational Effectiveness Investment Appraisals, and Tender Evaluation Strategies. You will be responsible for a portfolio of projects in a specific domain, for example, Maritime/Nuclear or Air, and will be expected to provide regular briefings on the quality of evidence underpinning investment decisions to the Chief Economist and Hd of Economic and Financial Analysis. 
• General Economic Advice - The team provides regular advice on foreign exchange and fuel price issues, and ad hoc work on the UK economy to guide Defence policy. The team also conducts original research on a wide range of defence economics topics to provide insight for decision makers about defence spending and capability, and the wider economic impact of MoD policy and operations. 
• Analysis and Insights - Analysis and Insights Team is a multidisciplinary analytical undertaking high impact, time-bounded analysis to support MOD Head Office strategic decisions. Current tasks include work on Climate Change and Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion Levels of Ambition and Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy. This role offers opportunities to develop customer-facing skills; work with other analytical disciplines (including specialist Economics-focused teams) on fast-paced, high-profile tasks; and plan tasks. 
• Financial Analysis - The team provides essential decision support and evidence-based analysis to senior leaders. Analysis includes high level strategic financial analysis, deep dives into cost/business areas and consideration of how wider economic factors impact the MOD. Examples of analysis conducted by the team include visualisation and automation of financial Management Information from across the defence commands (Army, Navy, Air etc), fuel hedge analysis (to report on oil price risk), inflation risk to pay, and development of R shiny apps and using automation to streamline key processes and supporting high priority and profile systems. 

MOD Economist community 

MOD has a thriving economist community, led by Chief Economist John Ogilvie. We regularly have an array of analyst guest speakers, presentations, and debates as a part of our regular meetings. The department has a reasonably sized community, with over 40 economists with a great mix of skills and experience.  

Opportunities for Development  

You will have the opportunity to take part in rotations within department every 12 months and there may also be the possibility of undertaking some line management responsibility​. MOD offers a varied L&D programme for AEs, focussed on expanding technical skills and experience. AEs in MOD can benefit from supported access to a Masters’ qualification which is funded and supported with study time built in as a level 7 apprenticeship.  

You will have the opportunity to rotate between roles including Defence Intelligence, Evaluation, Strategic Supplier Management, and Price Indices as well as roles in the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office. Senior Executive Officer (SEO) promotion opportunities and some line management opportunities are available to manage economists on placement. As part of the community, you will have access to a wide range of internal training courses and knowledge sharing to support your development. 

Security Clearance requirements 

Roles in the MOD require security clearance. This will vary depending on the policy area and location. Security Check (SC) and UK national is a minimum requirement, with some roles requiring Developed Vetting (DV).  

You will need to meet the Security Clearance (SC) requirements.  5 years of UK residency is required, in which time you cannot have been abroad for more than 3 months at any given time. 

For further information on working as an Assistant Economist in MOD, please contact the MOD Chief Economist: john.ogilvie254@mod.gov.uk