We usually run three centralised direct entrant Economic Adviser schemes a year on behalf of a number of government departments, subject to there being a sufficient number of departmental vacancies.
Last updated - 23rd February 2010
Imagine improving the lives of millions. GES economic advisers are crucial for effective government policy – across almost all walks of life. Your activities will be influential and far-reaching.
We usually run three centralised direct entrant Economic Adviser schemes a year on behalf of a number of government departments.
If you apply for the next round of the scheme, and are invited to attend the Assessment Centres, more detailed information on competencies assessed can be found in this section of our website. Please read the information on the recruitment process carefully, so that you know what to expect from the process and what we expect from you.
The Spring 2010 round will not take place because of a lack of departmental vacancies. We will publish details of the next scheme in due course, so please do continue to check our website for updates.
You will need to demonstrate substantial current experience in your career as a professional economist. To apply you must also have at least a 2:1 economics degree or a Masters degree in economics.
In addition to the above qualifications you must also demonstrate that you have the following competences, which are a core skills requirement for everyone at this grade and are part of the Professional Skills for Government agenda:
Detailed breakdown of the behaviours for each of these competencies
Applicants for GES posts must be UK Nationals, Commonwealth citizens or European Economic Area nationals with an unrestricted right to reside in the UK.
On the application form you will be asked about your nationality at birth, whether you have ever possessed any other nationality or citizenship, whether you are subject to immigration control and whether there are any restrictions on your continued residence or employment in the UK.
Please note that it is possible to meet the above nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK. The UK Border Agency operate a points-based immigration policy (see their website) which applies to the migrants from outside the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Turkey.
It is your responsibility to check whether this policy applies to you. Departments are under no obligation to sponsor work permits under the UK Border Agency's points-based immigration policy. Therefore, if you require a permit to work in the UK, there is no guarantee that you will be offered a place even if you pass the Economic Adviser Scheme selection process. In these circumstances the decision to apply, which might involve travel to the UK two or more times to complete the selection process, is yours alone. We can take no responsibility if no place is available for you in the Economic Adviser Scheme on immigration grounds.
Further information about this and the nationality requirements.
Towards the back of the application form for the Economic Adviser scheme we invite you to tell us about any disability you may have and about any assistance we can give you at interview. If you are invited to interview and wish to discuss the assistance you require we would be happy to talk about particular arrangements with you nearer the time.
By disability we mean a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse affect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
On the application form you are asked to give details of any other applications (and the outcome) you have made to the Civil Service during the last 3 years.
If you have been unsuccessful within the last 12 months at either the GES Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC) or the GES Economic Adviser Assessment Centre (EAAC) you will not be sifted in for these positions. This is to enable you to work on any developmental needs that were identified at the FSAC or EAAC. You can re-apply once the 12-month period has expired. However, if the Board indicated in your feedback that you were a “near-miss” at EAAC, you may apply for the next scheme.
Individual departments also advertise for economic advisers outside of the GES scheme. Their adverts can be seen in the Economist, and Economist Jobs.
