Description
The heart of international economic issues, development and foreign policy.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advances the UK’s national interests and promotes the UK as a force for good globally. It supports British citizens, safeguards national security, upholds UK values, reduces poverty, and addresses global challenges in partnership with the international community. Economics is central to the FCDO’s mission. Economists are embedded in the heart of policymaking, diplomacy, partnerships, and aid strategy.
As an international economic department with a global development focus, the FCDO increasingly relies on economic expertise to generate innovative ideas and deliver robust policy advice to ministers. Economists enhance policy and programming by:
- Analysing how economic trends affect UK and global interests
- Identifying and prioritizing key development and policy challenges
- Designing evidence-based, cost-effective solutions
- Implementing policies with clear, measurable outcomes
- Persuading stakeholders through data-driven insights
Diplomatic and Development Economists work on diverse, high-impact projects that span countries and themes,from macroeconomic stability to sustainable development. These roles place you at the intersection of economics, international relations, and global policy. UK-based positions offer collaboration with government departments, international organizations, consultancies, and academic institutions. These roles provide valuable experience and training, serving as a springboard to overseas postings.
The FCDO is committed to recruiting a talented and diverse workforce that truly reflects the society we serve. We welcome diversity in ideas and background. The Fast Stream offers a demanding and rewarding entry point into FCDO. The programme will stretch your skills, expose you to fast-paced and high-impact roles, and give you the opportunity to make a real contribution from the outset.
From 2026, the FCDO will introduce a China Pathway which reflects the need to develop future leaders with a strong understanding of China’s political system, economy, language, culture, and global influence. The China Pathway complements the broad, generalist leadership development that sits at the heart of the DDE Fast Stream. DDE Fast Streamers will be able to apply for the China Pathway in their first two years. If successful Fast Streamers will continue to develop core diplomatic and policy skills, while gaining more sustained experience in China-facing roles and, where appropriate, language capability.
Person specification
- You must be a British citizen (those with dual nationality may apply)
- Resided in the UK for at least 5 of the previous 10 years, including a consecutive 12-month period
- You need to have or be on track to receive, a 2:1 degree, degree apprenticeship or higher or a postgraduate degree in an economic subject
- For mixed degrees, at least 50% should be in economics
Benefits Alongside your salary of £31,554, Fast Stream and Emerging Talent contributes £9,141 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. You will have the opportunity to work on international issues that really matter, from alleviating poverty to ensuring security and prosperity for the UK. The Fast Stream programme provides an excellent platform for promotion and long-term career progression across the Civil Service. Joining as a permanent employee, you will benefit from Civil Service Pension Scheme, recognised language qualifications, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance, diversity support networks and forums.
Selection process details The Fast Stream application process consists of several phases, including online tests, a Fast Stream Assessment Centre, and a Final Selection Board.
Security Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting.
Nationality requirements Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.