The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Main purpose of job:
This is an important technical role focused on development economics and championing, supporting and using economic analysis and evidence across all our work.
BHC Nairobi hosts over 400 staff from 10 HMG Departments covering roles on Kenya, Somalia and the region. In line with the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, the BHC Country Plan goals cover mutual prosperity, security and stability, sustainable development, climate change, people to people and democracy and human rights. Bilateral ODA budget for 2024/25 was £81m. BHC Nairobi works closely with the Government of Kenya at central, regional and county levels, with civil society and businesses. Our international partners include regional organisations and major multilaterals (UN, World Bank, IMF).
This role will sit in the STrategy, Assurance and Results Team (START), which supports BHC to do the right things in the right way and maximise the quality and credibility of our actions, by:
- Providing assurance to BHC leadership, central FCDO and the UK taxpayer;
- Generating and promoting the use of information, evidence and learning; and
- Giving expert support and advice to teams, pillars and leaders.
We do this through facilitation and support to strategy and policy, and to programmes and ODA spend. The team provides a one-stop-shop for support on finance, risk, safeguarding, programme management, commercial advice and evidence, results and monitoring and evaluation. It also leads on policy and programme assurance functions and relationships with scrutiny bodies.
Your objective will be to strengthen and maximise the impact of economics, evidence, data and analysis for policy and projects ensuring the best use of finite resources. You will be innovative and consultative drawing on the latest evidence and existing knowledge of a large FCDO economic network, and adding and sharing to this knowledge. You will work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser as well as the Knowledgment Management and Information Officer to provide a joined up, accessible and useful offer on evidence.
Technical competencies:
- A masters degree in economics
- 5+ years working on economics and development
- Excellent economic skills and a track record of delivering high-quality, impactful and timely economic analysis that shapes and influences policy,
- Strong skills and experience using micro economics (Being able to understand and explain the behaviour of firms or households including: the importance of choices and incentives; demand and supply analysis; competition; market or sector analysis; behavioural economics; the rationale for government intervention and core project appraisal skills (see )
- Strong analytical skills, feeling confident in using data, drawing policy-relevant conclusions, and in supporting others to do so
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain economic concepts to non-specialist audiences and identify the implications for policy
