AMS PSR

On behalf of DEFRA, we are looking for an Economist (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract based REMOTELY

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
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• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

As Economist you will play a critical role in the assurance and implementation phases of the Land Recovery programme, providing financial oversight, economic modelling, and strategic input to support value-for-money assessments and long-term benefit mapping. You will work within the virtual Landscape Recovery Office, collaborating with delivery, grants, and assurance teams to ensure financial integrity and informed decision-making across the programme

As an Economist, your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead financial modelling and analysis to support project assurance, grant funding decisions, and implementation planning.
• Manage and maintain Excel-based models, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with benchmark costings.
• Present financial insights and recommendations to the Project Review Board, supporting value-for-money and affordability assessments.
• Develop financial profiles and benefit maps to support long-term outcome tracking and strategic decision-making.
• Conduct peer reviews and quality assurance of financial models across the programme.
• Act as a liaison between Defra, project teams, and scientific experts, translating complex financial data into accessible insights.

Essential:

• Proven expertise in financial modelling, economics, and strategic finance, with strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in managing complex datasets and presenting financial insights to non-specialist audiences.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and SharePoint, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments.

Desirable:

• Experience working on environmental or sustainability-focused projects.
• Familiarity with DEFRA schemes such as Countryside Stewardship or Sustainable Farming Incentives.
• Understanding of Optimism Bias and its application in public sector investment appraisal

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".