Job Description

Details

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Reference number

434861
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Salary

56,185 - 70,566
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade

Grade 7#

Contract type

Fixed term

Loan

Secondment#

Length of employment

FTA until 31/03/2027#

Type of role

Analytical


Economist

Other#

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time#

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London- Canary Wharf (Core HQs)

About the job

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Job summary

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.


UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.


Following approval of the Genomics Strategy, the Genomics programme has been underway since June 2024. The programme aims to deliver integrated end to end pathogen genomics in three priority areas (emerging infections, vaccines and antimicrobial resistance) as well as systematic organisational transformation in genomics delivery, infrastructure and workforce. UKHSA is providing UK and global leadership for pathogen genomics for diagnostic and surveillance purposes with the work underpinned by health economics, cost effectiveness and value for money.


This post will be located within UKHSA's Central Economics Team and will work under a matrix management arrangement with UKHSA's TARZET (TB, Acute Respiratory, Rare & Imported Pathogens, Emerging Infection & Zoonosis, Travel Health & IHR, and Genomics Public Health Analysis) Division and the Pathogen Genomics Programme, delivering jointly agreed objectives. We are looking for an economist to lead development of the economic evidence underpinning the Pathogen Genomics programme and help the team to deliver analysis in support of public health decision making.


You will work with other experts (bioinformaticians, epidemiologists, data scientists and public health experts) to assess the economic costs and benefits of genomics programmes being developed in response to pressing health security problems, and to help build our understanding of how new and innovative technologies can be best deployed to support the public's health.

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Job description

To support the adoption of these technologies, you will lead a work programme to build the evidence base around them such as improving estimates of the value of pathogen genomic surveillance or the benefits that come from diagnostic services.


For instance, a core part of the role will be leading development of economic cases for UKHSA's key Pathogen Genomics programme including the metagenomics Surveillance Collaboration and Analysis Programme (mSCAPE), a collaborative programme piloting the use of metagenomic data for public health surveillance and pathogen analysis.


The use of the five-part business case model is still relatively new in the Agency and so you will also have a role in championing Green Book approaches and appraisal best practice for cases as well as developing the tools, guidance and other capability the Agency needs to make the most out of adopting the model.


This is a great opportunity to be part of a growing service which is building the organisation's economics capability and a chance to shape its culture. As a new role, there will be some flexibility in the work undertaken though this also comes with the ability for the post-holder to shape the role towards their interests.


One of the key programmes of work requiring robust economic evaluation is the mSCAPE programme. mSCAPE is an internationally leading programme to pilot the use of clinical metagenomic data for public health surveillance and biosecurity. It was publicly launched on 30 January 2025 and is now live, receiving data from the NHS sites to a new central data platform. It works in partnership with three universities and the NHS Genomics Network of Excellence rollout of diagnostic metagenomics.


The aims of the programme are to evaluate the use of metagenomics for public health surveillance, to rapidly detect new viruses or bacteria that may be a threat to public health. Whilst traditional molecular diagnostics may identify parts of a viral or bacterial genome by e.g. polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and whole genome sequencing (WGS) sequences the genome of a particular known viral or bacterial pathogen, metagenomics sequences all the genetic material present in a particular sample. This technique is therefore pathogen agnostic and provides an important and exciting opportunity to identify novel pathogens.


As part of the evaluation of the use of this technique for public health surveillance, an understanding of the economic costs and benefits is crucial. You will lead a value for money evaluation for the next phase and expansion of the project over 25/26 and 26/27. This may include literature reviews of existing studies, and undertaking primary research to establish the cost benefit of this approach. This evaluation will then be used to develop a business case for future development and use of this technology.


The role will also provide support to the wider Pathogen Genomics programme and projects as required, including projects developing metagenomics diagnostic services, and environmental surveillance.


The type of work you can expect to lead and support on includes:

Developing robust economic cases using the latest evidence for UKHSA projects and programmes Managing stakeholders including within the Department for Health and Social Care Producing cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis to guide UKHSA decision-making in reducing the spread of infectious diseases Producing materials to build the agency's capability to produce economic cases, including training materials, templates and bespoke guidance. Communicating your work with senior stakeholders and Ministers in a clear, convincing manner Establishing quality assurance processes and providing advice on analysis and research produced by others

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Lead a work programme building UKHSA's economic evidence base

You will apply existing methods, and identify new approaches, to provide insight to important health questions. There will be some scope for the postholder to shape this work according to their interest, while also meeting the likely future demands of the programme team. It could include looking at new ways to value the benefits of surveillance programmes or the importance of building resilience. You will demonstrate an ability to manage projects and stakeholders across an organisation, and bring a strong intellectual curiosity with an interdisciplinary approach.

Develop Economic Cases for projects and programmes

You will work across the organisation on developing economic cases for key genomics projects and programmes as part of the standard HMG five-part business case process. Mostly focused on applying your knowledge of economics and Green Book guidance to assess benefits and costs of different options and help the organisation come to a preferred approach. You will need to provide advice and quality assurance to some cases primarily written by other teams while for other cases you will take the lead on drafting.

Provide analysis, insight and challenge

You are open to learning more about the health domain from other experts while demonstrating the value that economics can bring to public health questions. You will need to develop clear high-quality analysis and be willing to challenge that of others.

Build the Economic profession at UKHSA

All the while, you will be at the forefront of building the role and reputation of the economic profession within UKHSA. Working with experts across multiple fields, you will showcase the value of economics to all colleagues as well as contributing to building an inclusive and welcoming community of economists.

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Person specification

Essential Criteria

Experience in cost-benefit and/or cost-effectiveness analysis, particularly relating to health interventions Knowledge of health economics and experience in applying it to provide insight into complex health problems. Ability to work at pace to deadlines across multiple projects Ability to effectively communicate the results of analysis to senior stakeholders and decision-makers Good interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships A first or second class honours degree in economics or related field (or equivalent qualification) or a postgraduate degree in a relevant numerate discipline.

Desirable Criteria

Experience with developing Green Book-compliant business cases including knowledge of best practice. Experience in line management, including managing specialists such as economists Experience in running and leading research programmes and/or managing projects across an organisation Experience or knowledge of public health surveillance or interventions for infectious diseases especially those using genomics e.g. through work on global emerging pathogens, acute respiratory & imported diseases or other biosecurity issues.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 56,185, UK Health Security Agency contributes 16,276 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success Profiles - GOV.UK


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 6 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement.

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.


The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.


Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria

If longlisting is used, the pile meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.


Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may complete an initial sift on the lead criteria:

Knowledge of health economics and experience in applying it to provide insight into complex health problems. Ability to effectively communicate the results of analysis to senior stakeholders and decision-makers

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.


If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.


Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be

no more than 1000 words.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.


Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV

Stage 2: Interview

Success Profiles


You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.


Behaviours and technical skills will be tested at interview.


Technical ability will be assessed via a presentation. You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview


The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

Seeing the big picture Making effective decisions Communicating and influencing Delivering at pace

Interview dates to be confirmed.


Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Selection Process

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

For Temporary Appointments

If you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ's. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged

over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQ's (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London).


Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.

Salary Information/Bands

Grade 7

National 56,185 - 66,581 Outer 58,340 - 68,574 Inner 60,494 - 70,566

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK


The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details - name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.#

Security

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.#

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements
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Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.#

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.#

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

Name : Lisa Tweedie Email : lisa.tweedie@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk #

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7573434