Economic Analyst

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

We connect. We inspire.

The Role:

Are you curious about economic research in international cultural relations? We are looking for an experienced professional to lead the development of economic evidence that informs organisational strategy, global programmes, and demonstrates impact.

In this role, you will advance research on cultural relations and soft power through an economic lens, examining how our work contributes to value-for-money and economic outcomes. You will build relationships with academics, think tanks, and government departments, engaging in key initiatives such as the DCMS Cultural Capital Value Programme to enhance our understanding of economic value.

The successful candidate will guide colleagues on measuring and articulating the economic impact of arts, education and English language programmes, shaping strategic decision-making. You will integrate economic thinking into programme planning, and collaborate closely across teams to develop practical ways of designing and assessing cultural relations interventions that support growth and prosperity.

Project management and capacity building are key aspects of this role. You will advise and mentor colleagues, contribute to Communities of Practice, and help develop  economic measures appropriate to the British Council’s programmes. By building a coherent economic framework and narrative, you will demonstrate how our interventions contribute to UK prosperity and international cultural relations.

If you have expertise in economic research and experience of applhing economic theory and methods to design and evaluate interventions for policy impact, this is your opportunity to drive meaningful change.

Accountabilities:

We are looking for a highly skilled professional to contribute to the Research and Insight team’s strategy, bringing expertise in economic analysis, and the ability to provide applicable insight to external and internal stakeholders. This role involves planning and prioritising work activities to ensure effective delivery of key responsibilities while collaborating with internal and external partners. The successful candidate will provide expert advice and challenge existing approaches to enhance the development of high-quality and impactful programmes across the global network.

With a strong understanding of the British Council’s projects and programmes, the role requires identifying opportunities where economic analysis can contribute to greater impact. Continuous professional development is a key component, ensuring expertise remains current and contributes to training and guidance for colleagues. The ideal candidate will support thought leadership by engaging in external events, publications, and discussions that elevate the organisation’s profile.

A deep understanding of organisational strategy and internal customer needs is essential. This role requires close consultation with stakeholders to shape economic analysis, research, and evaluation methods that drive informed business decisions. By working closely with colleagues, including in Research and Insight, Evidence, Evaluation and Learning, and Marketing teams, the candidate will enhance the visibility and influence of research across the British Council.

The role requires innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of economic analysis. The successful candidate will develop and maintain relationships with external partners, manage stakeholder engagement, and ensure that research outputs align with strategic objectives. In addition, the role involves managing projects, ensuring financial resources are utilised effectively.

This role is an opportunity for an experienced professional to bring economic insights into cultural relations, policy impact, and programme evaluation. If you have a passion for economic research and strategic consultancy, apply now to shape the future of economic research and insight at the British Council.

Requirements of the role:

·       Degree or equivalent in economics

·       A strong understanding of one or more of the key sectors with which British Council engages (education, English as a foreign language, and arts and culture), and of international relations or research.

·       Substantial experience – preferably in a professional context – of economic theory, analysis and modelling, capital value concepts, producing clear and succinct reports, making recommendations and presenting findings to stakeholders.

·       A proven ability to work on projects in a complex environment, with the ability to think strategically about how your work fits into your organisation’s agenda and adapting accordingly.

·       Ability to deliver quality policy analysis and applied knowledge to tight deadlines, identifying risks and issues and focusing on what matters most to inform decision making

·       Experience of working with senior managers and high level stakeholders including policymakers, academics and research partners

·       Strong organisational ability

Closing Date: Applications will close at 23:59 on Monday 9th June 2025 UK Time. 

You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Important Information:

Department: Research and Insight

Contract type:  Indefinite
Pay band: 8

Salary: £38,820-£46,203 per annum (Depending on Experience plus London weighting allowance of £3,300 per annum)

Benefits Include, but are not limited to:  

• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays 

• 3 days volunteering leave 

• Career average defined benefit pension scheme 

• An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience you’ve built up working in and/or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world.  

Location: United Kingdom (One of our four main UK offices as the base office (either London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast)

Process: Shortlisted candidates would need to complete 2 tests which would need to completed within 2 hours (dates would be the 19th or 20th June). The timing will be discussed and agreed before the tests are sent

If these tests are passed, candidates would be invited to complete a written exercise prior to the interview

Interviews: expected week commencing 30th June

Requirements:

Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing, legal right to work in the UK

Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. 
 
British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service.  This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org