The Economist & Policy Advisor provides economic policy analysis and advice across the Falkland Islands Government, as well as leadership on the application of economic principles and tools for the evaluation of public policy options and decisions. The post-holder is also responsible for the preparation and publication of various national economic indicators and forecasts in the national interest.
The Role
The Economist & Policy Advisor is responsible for producing national economic data and publications including, but not limited to: National Accounts, State of the Economy, Household Expenditure survey, Retail Price Index, poverty indices, inflation forecasts and minimum/living wage recommendations. The role also involves the production of socio-economic forecasts and scenarios with respect the Islands’ key resource and other productive sectors.
The post-holder will also work closely with the Directorates responsible for infrastructure development, natural and mineral resources, government-owned enterprises, and economic development to provide robust economic policy advice and support. This includes conducting primary and secondary research as required, identifying best practices in other jurisdictions and analysing policy alternatives to recommend fit-for-Falklands solutions.
The post-holder will provide economic research, analysis and policy options to assist FIG in developing and implementing its Economic Development Strategies, including rural development and tourism development.
The Economist & Policy advisor also leads on the assessment of costs, benefits, effectiveness and economic impact of policies, programmes or individual developments on the Islands; selecting and proposing benefit-cost analysis, value-for-money and other evaluation methods as appropriate.
The Person
The Economist & Policy Advisor should hold a Masters’ degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy or in another subject where evidence of equivalent advanced-level courses in economics and/or policy analysis can be found. They should also have demonstrable relevant post qualification experience in a public sector, not-for-profit, research organisation or private sector entity with public policy and/or economic analysis responsibility. The person best suited for this position will also have a demonstrated commitment to high quality service delivery and the ability to effectively manage and prioritise a challenging and varied portfolio of work.
The Package
- Fixed Term Contract, up to 4 years;
- Starting Salary - This is a dual graded role depending on qualifications and experience commencing from £42,141 - £48,590 per annum within Grade C (Economist & Policy Adviser) or from £47,428 - £54,424 per annum within Grade B (Senior Economist & Policy Adviser);
- Eligibility for a 25% Gratuity (taxable);
- 41 days paid leave, 30 days paid annual leave plus 11 government and public holidays;
- Relocation Allowance, to help with moving costs;
- Flights Package for you and any recognised dependents residing with you at post both at the beginning and end of contract, along with additional annual return flights contingent on the duration of the contract;
- Government Housing for rent and a starter pack to help you settle in;
- A stimulating and supportive setting to work in and a unique and beautiful setting to live in.
Policy, Economy and Corporate Services Department
The Directorate of Policy, Economy and Corporate Services has a broad remit to provide economic and policy advice to Elected Members, the Corporate Management Team and FIG Departments. The Policy Department is responsible for co-ordinating the Government’s economic policies; improving the Government’s capacity to address strategic, cross-cutting issues; enhancing the evidence base for economic policy making by undertaking economic and policy research; working closely with the FCDO and UK Falkland Islands Government Office to manage relationships with the UK and other external government stakeholders; providing the Government’s Statistical Service; and the monitoring and review of Performance Management across all FIG departments.
Falkland Islands Government (FIG)
The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory, with full internal self-government. As the largest employer in the Falkland Islands, we offer many unique and fulfilling job opportunities, across the full spectrum of public services. Our responsibilities include those typically managed by central government – taxation, legislation and policy, as well as those usually managed on a local level such as town planning, health and social services, and education. FIG also provides services specific to the needs of the Falkland Islands, such as fisheries research, power generation and the Government Air Service, FIGAS.
The Falkland Islands
Set in the South Atlantic Ocean, around 400 miles east of South America and 8,000 miles south-west of the UK, the Falkland Islands are a small, thriving community with a British way of life, benefiting from good local services, a varied social calendar and an absence of traffic jams!
The Falkland Islands’ stunning natural environment provides an unspoiled landscape and amazing wildlife to observe and explore, including penguins, whales and dolphins, all seen from the shore.
For those with a sense of adventure, it provides opportunities which are hard to match anywhere else in the world.