Senior Economic Data Analyst

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.

The GDS IDEA (Insight, Data Science, Economics, and Analysis) Unit is looking for talented data scientists to join our dynamic, high-impact, multidisciplinary team. We combine cutting-edge AI, advanced data science, and analytical expertise to deliver powerful insights, automation efficiency, and build the evidence base that drives smarter, more impactful decisions across DSIT.

As a Senior Economic Data Analyst you’ll:

• Lead analytical projects to build on GDS’ existing economic evidence base, delivering analysis across digital and data themes, including AI, service transformation and data sharing.
• Identify opportunities for your analysis to support improved implementation where challenges exist, building relationships with analysts and key officials across GDS and wider DSIT
• Lead horizon-scanning work on emerging digital and AI technologies, developing and applying advanced modelling frameworks (e.g. Monte Carlo, uptake curves, ROI estimates) to quantify the benefits of such technologies
• Create reproducible analytical pipelines in Python, managing the full data lifecycle from preparation and linkage through to delivery, documentation, and visualisation
• Support effective data management by advocating consistent use of trusted sources and transparent documentation of data processes
• Provide clear, engaging briefings and visualisations of complex analysis for senior officials and cross-Government audiences
• Support the wider organisation with Green Book standard cost benefit analysis on complex and novel projects, including for HMT fiscal events

This role requires:

• an experienced (economic) data analyst with experience working in Government and applying a wide range of analytical techniques, such as economic analysis, Monte Carlo analysis, predictive modelling and cost-benefit analysis
• strong analytical skills, with experience of working in high-performing teams producing top-quality analysis for multiple stakeholders and managing various deadlines. An understanding and experience in the application of Green Book techniques in Business Cases would be an advantage, as would experience of data analysis and visualisation in Python
• excellent ability to translate complex and broad material , both qualitative and quantitative , into clear written or oral analysis and communications, including briefings and presentations; and an ability to operate effectively and flexibly in a fast-paced, political and complex environment.
• the ability to work proactively and set the agenda, working with a high degree of autonomy and being comfortable identifying priorities in your policy areas, and what needs to take place to achieve them. This will require considering a wide range of evidence and advice from expert stakeholders
• membership of the Government Economic Service, the Government Operational Research Service, the Government Social Research or the Government Statistician Group
• a degree in a numerate discipline or equivalent professional work experience , this could be as an operational researcher, statistician, social researcher, economist, or data analyst

There are many benefits of working at GDS, including:

• flexible hybrid working with flexi-time and the option to work part-time or condensed hours
• a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days
• an extra day off for the King’s birthday
• an in-year bonus scheme to recognise high performance
• career progression and coaching, including a training budget for personal development
• a focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
• job satisfaction from making government services easier to use and more inclusive for people across the UK
• advances on pay, including for travel season tickets
• death in service benefits
• cycle to work scheme and facilities
• access to an employee discounts scheme
• 10 learning days per year
• volunteering opportunities (5 special leave days per year)
• access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning