Analytical Advisor

Job summary

About the National Infrastructure Commission

By joining the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), you�ll be playing a key role in delivering independent advice to government on the UK�s long-term infrastructure needs. We do this to help support sustainable economic growth across the whole of the UK, improve competitiveness and ultimately improve the quality of life of UK citizens.
We are a collaborative team of civil servants and industry secondees working to support the Commissioners in offering forward-thinking recommendations based on a rigorous approach to evidence and consultation � and to monitor government�s progress in implementing those plans.

The Commission�s core responsibilities include:

� producing a National Infrastructure Assessment once every five years, setting out the Commission�s assessment of long-term infrastructure needs with recommendations to government on how to meet them;
� carrying out in-depth studies into the UK�s most pressing infrastructure challenges, making recommendations to government; and
� monitoring the government�s progress in delivering infrastructure projects and programmes recommended by the NIC.

Analysts at the Commission typically lead development of the quantitative evidence base underpinning our projects, drawing from theories and methods used commonly in economics, operational research and social research. Analysts work closely with policy and communications experts, and experts across government departments, academia and industry. As a small analytical team there is a focus on working together, sharing ideas and supporting each others� development.

Job description

The Commission�s work is highly varied, and analysts can expect to develop deep knowledge across some sectors as well as apply their skills flexibly across a range of other areas. The Commission�s work plan for 2024 includes analysis of electricity distribution networks, water quality, and infrastructure costs and needs Analytical Advisors to support and deliver it, ensuring its work is founded on the best available evidence.

For one of the roles, we are looking for someone with experience in analysis of environmental issues. The Commission has previously undertaken analysis and published reports on Preparing for a drier future and Reducing the risks of surface water flooding. For NIA2, the Commission developed a model to quantify the impacts of recommendations on natural capital. Looking ahead, work with an environmental focus will likely include a project on water quality and wastewater; understanding investment in water quality and linking to environmental outcomes.

Other roles with a more flexible brief are also available. Analytical advisors can expect to be working with senior analysts to deliver analysis on projects including:

wider NIC analysis projects: public spending frameworks and fiscal analysis, and applying natural capital frameworks to economic infrastructure; electricity distribution networks; modelling the role of technologies in providing flexibility to manage peak electricity demand and taking a strategic view of the capacity and investment needs of the system.

Analysts are also likely to be involved in:

Developing and leveraging relationships with analysts in government, industry and academia to advise and steer the Commission�s work; Supporting the wider analytical team with quality assurance.

For an informal discussion, please contact Amy Cox who is leading on the recruitment of these roles:

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Person specification

We are looking for experienced analysts with a keen interest in infrastructure analysis, the ability to break down complex real-world problems into practical analytical steps, and experience of delivering quality-assured quantitative insights at pace. The successful candidates will provide high-quality analysis and advice to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).

Essential behaviours, experience and technical skills:

Please note that you will need to refer to the below in your Personal Statement.

Good analytical skills with experience of applying quantitative analytical skills in a policy/strategy-facing role, including the ability to deliver high quality, clearly communicated and influential quantitative analysis. Strong quantitative analytical skills, experience of producing analysis of social or economic policy using large datasets and dealing with complex spreadsheets. Knowledge of R, or other programming languages, would be useful. Communicate with others in a clear, honest and enthusiastic way. Explain complex issues in a way that is easy to understand and communicate effectively in writing. 4. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support. 5. An awareness and understanding of emerging issues and trends that could impact the organisation�s objectives and wider public infrastructure needs.

Knowledge and experience of analysis across any of the six infrastructure sectors covered by the NIC (digital, energy, flooding, transport, waste and water) would be an advantage in these roles but is not essential.

The exact remit of the posts to be agreed based on expertise, interests and profession.

The analytical advisor role is open to all who can demonstrate relevant analytical experience, including existing members of one of the government analytical professions ( GORS, GES, GSS, GSR).

Qualifications

Degree in a relevant analytical subject (statistics, economics, mathematics, social research, operational research, data science etc).

Behaviours

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

Seeing the Big Picture Making Effective Decisions Communicating and Influencing Working Together

Technical skills

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

Analytical and problem-solving skills: Ability to apply analytical techniques to present a solution and identify efficient & effective ways to use data analysis to overcome challenges, applying innovative techniques to make data driven decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �38,513, National Infrastructure Commission contributes �10,399 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days� annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King�s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant) Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours) Access to a generous Defined Benefit with an average employer contribution of 27% Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving Access to a retail discounts and cashback site A Rental Deposit Advance Scheme to help meet the total costs of deposits for privately rented homes