Econometrics Adviser

At the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), economics is at the heart of everything we do. We tackle high-profile cases, analyse potential harm to competition, champion the consumer and offer intellectual leadership. Econometric analysis plays an important part in our decisions, and is likely to become even more important as the UK has left the EU and we have become responsible for assessing larger and more complex cases.

As an Econometrics Adviser, you will join a strong team of specialist econometricians to deliver complex analysis in collaboration with CMA case teams. You will be expected to provide input into a range of cases, including investigations into mergers and markets, competition and consumer enforcement, and regulatory appeals. You will typically lead the econometric workstream in these cases. You will be responsible for designing an identification strategy, gathering the necessary data, carrying out the analysis, and presenting your results to the rest of the team and the decision makers. In more complex projects you will work as part of a small team of econometricians, and you will be responsible for managing more junior staff and sharing work effectively with others.

You will have opportunities to manage and develop others, and to contribute to the development of the CMA’s econometric capability. It’s an environment with autonomy, responsibility and direct access to key decision makers.

We are looking for high calibre economists specialising in Empirical Industrial Organisation or econometricians with a good understanding of industrial organisation and competition economics. Having a PhD in economics is an advantage. It is essential you have the ability to write clearly and present to non-technical audiences in a way that engages, informs and drives decision-making.

Job description

Delivery of econometric analysis:

Econometric Advisers are responsible for delivering complex quantitative and econometric analysis in their projects. Their work typically involves: identifying testable hypotheses, developing a methodology to test these hypotheses, gathering appropriate evidence, conducting econometric/other advanced empirical analysis, and discussing the results and whether they are consistent with the other evidence on the file.

Econometric advisers typically work within CMA case teams. They attend team meetings for their cases, and are expected to participate in broader discussions about the evidence and direction of the case. They also attend meetings with case parties and contribute to discussions on evidence gathering and interpretation.

Provide quality assurance of econometric evidence:

Econometric advisers are expected to work with the Assistant Director/ Director of Econometrics in ensuring the quality of the econometric evidence used within the CMA. They provide robust and constructive quality assurance by reviewing econometric analysis carried out by other members of the econometrics team, elsewhere in the CMA, and by external contractors. They are also expected to assess the validity and robustness of econometric evidence and other advanced empirical analysis submitted by parties to inquiries.

Communication:

Econometric Advisers are expected to establish effective working relationships with case teams, decision makers, and external stakeholders (such as parties to the investigation). A key aspect of the role is the ability to present econometric analysis clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing, and explain technical or specialist subjects to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Staff management and development:

The Econometric Adviser will line manage an Assistant Econometrician and is responsible for providing constructive feedback and coaching on a regular basis, and identifying learning and development opportunities. In addition, they may work-manage economists outside the Econometrics team when they undertake quantitative work.

Wider responsibilities:

Econometric Advisers are expected to contribute to the development of the capability of the econometric team by sharing knowledge and experience with others and, when appropriate, delivering training and participating in recruitment activity. They may occasionally represent the CMA at public events and conferences.

Person specification

It is essential that you can provide evidence and examples for each of the following selection criteria in your application. For tips on how to make the most your application, please have a look at our guidance document.

1) Ideally, have (or be in the process of obtaining) a PhD in economics with a focus on empirical industrial organisation or econometrics. At a minimum, have a post-graduate degree with a demonstrable focus on empirical industrial organisation or econometric analysis with industrial organisation/competition economics (Lead Criteria).

2) Practical experience in the use of a range of econometric techniques (including cross-sectional, panel data and structural analysis), and experience of the design, development, management and timely delivery of econometric analysis (Lead Criteria).

3) Experience in using R and/or Stata or other econometric software.

4) Experience in presenting and communicating technical and complex econometric analysis to non-technical audiences.

5) Experience of forming and developing influencing relationships with key stakeholders and working in multi-disciplinary teams.

6) Ability to manage others’ work and support their development, and to contribute to the development of the CMA’s economics capability.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Econometric techniques and econometric analysis.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £61,575, Competition & Markets Authority contributes £17,838 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

As well as the interesting and varied work you’ll do to contribute to effective competition in the UK, and to ensure consumers get a good deal when buying goods and services, you’ll also benefit from:

• An exceptionally generous pension scheme with a significant employer contribution and range of options, including a tax-free lump sum at the point of retirement and injury, ill-health and life assurance benefits.
• 25 days leave (increasing to 30 days over five years), plus 8 public holidays and an additional day off for the King’s birthday. In addition, you’ll be able to access a wide range of other types of leave as and when you need it, including generous maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption options, as well as paid special leave for volunteering.
• Season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, flu vaccinations and eye tests.
• Access to the Civil Service Sports & Leisure, giving discounted gym membership, high street discounts, free access to UK wide attractions and a free Tastecard.
• A range of wellbeing benefits, including an employee assistance programme, flexible working options and family friendly policies, regular networking events and professional learning opportunities at work.

Any move to the CMA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

If you’re already a civil servant being appointed on level transfer, you’ll retain your existing terms, including annual leave. Where you’re being promoted, however, you’ll receive the greater of a 10% pay increase or the new grade minimum. Applicants new to the civil service may be considered for appointment at a salary higher than the starting point indicated above (depending on skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications).

The CMA, like many other organisations, have moved to a hybrid working model with a mix of office and home working. We believe this supports us to deliver our best work while allowing the flexibility to maintain balanced and healthy lives.

We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We want a diverse workforce that reflects the consumers we serve. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, including ethnically diverse people, people with a disability, people with diverse gender identities and from people of different ages.

We are an accredited Disability Confident Employer and disabled applicants meeting the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.

Our Values

The CMA delivers impactful outcomes for people, business and the UK economy. We are Ambitious and Evidence-based, and always strive for Excellence. We treat everyone with Respect and are Collaborative and Inclusive.

Everything we do is underpinned by the Civil Service values: Honesty, Integrity, Impartiality and Objectivity.

Our Candidate Information Pack offers more detail.

Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 10th March 2025.