Chief Economist

Working at HM Treasury puts you at the heart of government, making a difference to the UK economy and ultimately to people's lives right across the UK.

Jobs at the Treasury are fast-paced, fun and can offer unparalleled perspective – not least the opportunity to advise Ministers on the decisions which directly determine the UK's prosperity. Deep in our DNA is a commitment to empowering our people: maximising individual and collective impact, with interesting work no matter your role or seniority.

Day-to-day you could be supporting Ministers to decide the right level of a specific tax or line of government spending; helping maintain the stability of financial markets; analysing the long-term trends impacting the future of the economy; or enabling this work as part of our vital corporate functions.

The Strategy and System Change Directorate is the voice of authority on long-term infrastructure needs and strategy across government. The Chief Economist role is an essential function within NISTA and their holds a formal position on NISTA's Senior Leadership Team.

The Chief Economist sits alongside the Deputy Directors of Systems Change; Strategy and Governance; and Social Infrastructure. Economics and Analysis is a friendly and influential team comprised of around 11 analysts with expertise in economics and operational research.

The Role: This is a high-profile role at the heart of NISTA and HMT in relation to infrastructure. The Chief Economist will provide intellectual and analytical leadership for NISTA's work on infrastructure strategy, system reform and long-term infrastructure needs, as well as provide advice on a selected GMPP.

Key accountabilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for NISTA and HMT's analytical capability, working closely with DD head of Data, setting the vision and direction for economics, analysis and evidence generation to support delivery of NISTA's objectives and the Government's 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy.
• Lead major cross-government analytical studies and strategic projects, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to address complex infrastructure, economic and public service challenges and translate evidence into actionable recommendations.
• Develop and maintain NISTA's analytical, data and digital strategy, ensuring data, evidence and analytical methods are effectively embedded across organisational decision-making and delivery activities.
• Provide authoritative analytical advice to Ministers, senior officials and NISTA/HMT leadership, influencing major investment, infrastructure and reform decisions through clear, rigorous and accessible evidence.
• Lead the development of innovative analytical approaches, including economic analysis, behavioural insights, data science, forecasting, systems analysis and spatial planning tools, strengthening the evidence base for infrastructure strategy and reform.
• Champion analytical excellence across NISTA, establishing standards, quality assurance processes and professional development pathways that foster a culture of challenge, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships across Whitehall, academia, regulators, industry and the analytical professions, representing NISTA externally and strengthening its reputation as a centre of analytical and strategic excellence.
• Lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team, creating an inclusive environment that enables colleagues to thrive, innovate and deliver impact in a complex and rapidly evolving policy environment.

Person specification: The essential criteria for the purpose of selection are:

• Strategic leadership: A strong track record of leading analytical, economic, research or evidence functions and using insight to shape strategy, policy or major investment decisions.
• People leadership: Proven experience of leading large, multidisciplinary teams and creating an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Influence and communication: Evidence of influencing Ministers, Boards or other senior decision-makers through clear, compelling communication and sound judgement.
• Delivery and partnerships: A track record of delivering major programmes or strategic work with significant organisational or policy impact, while building effective partnerships across organisational boundaries.