Applying for Assistant Economist jobs & scheme timetable

All applications must be made online via the Fast Stream website, via the Analytical Fast Stream.

The Fast Stream is exempt from the public sector recruitment freeze, and therefore the GES will continue to recruit Assistant Economists.

What qualifications do I need?

To join as an Assistant Economist you need to have, or expect to obtain in 2013, a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics. At least 50% of the course modules must be in economics. If your first degree was not economics or was a 2:2, your masters will need to be in straight economics. You must have studied both macro and microeconomics to qualify. If you graduated more than 5 years ago, you must give examples in the competency section of the application form, of economic articles and books you have read in depth to demonstrate that you have maintained competency in economics.

Nationality requirements

Government Economic Service

Posts are open to UK nationals but most departments also have posts open to Commonwealth citizens, EEA nationals and Swiss nationals who have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Diplomatic Service Economist

You must be a British citizen. There is also a residency requirement. For more information click here. If you are interested in this option you must apply to Round 1 as this option is not available via Round 2.

Candidates with disabilities – Guaranteed Interview Scheme

The Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and we have designed the Fast Stream online application form to be accessible. Candidates with disabilities can by-pass the online tests. but will be required to complete the application form, and will need to meet a minimum standard at the application form sift.

For more information on the Guaranteed Intervew scheme click here.

2013 Economist Fast Stream

If you choose an Analytical Fast Stream (Economist, Statistician, Social Researcher or Operational Researcher), you will not be able to apply for GFS, TIB, NI, EFS, and the HR Fast Streams in the same year, and vice versa. You can apply for more than one scheme in the Analytical Fast Stream, but these must be in the same recruitment round.

You cannot apply for the GES Economist, Statistician, Social Researcher or Operational Researcher schemes on more than one occasion between September 2012 and April 2013. If you apply for Round 2 of any of the Analytical schemes, having already applied to Round 1 of any of the Analytical schemes, it will constitute a second application and will receive an automatic fail.

Dates for the Economic Assessment Centres (EAC) are detailed below. If you want an early EAC date, you must complete each stage of the application process promptly. If you want to attend an EAC Open Day, remember to schedule this BEFORE your actual EAC date to help you prepare.

2013 Round 1 Scheme Timetable

Round 2 Dates 

There will be a second round of the economist fast stream scheme which opens on 4 March 2013.  The closing date is 8 April 2013.  Economic Assessment Centres  will  be held  in London in June 2013  and  Fast Stream Assessment  Centres in London in July 2013.     

*Please note that there is not a Diplomatic Service option for Round 2.

** Only candidates invited to EACcan registerfor EAC Open Days