Job Description

Minimum salary

Maximum salary

Location

London

Close date

29/06/2025

Job description

Value for Money Analyst


Location: London or Newcastle


Competitive Salary: 44,211 per annum if based in London, or 37,466 per annum if based in Newcastle.


Contract type: Permanent




Start Your Career Where It Counts - Join Us as a Value for Money Analyst




Are you curious, analytical, and ready to make a difference? The National Audit Office (NAO) is looking for entry-level analysts to join our Value for Money (VFM) teams. You'll help examine how effectively and efficiently public money is spent, influencing key government decisions and improving public services.




About the Role




Each year we produce around 60 major reports-https://bit.ly/4dZdbvH examining government programmes and projects. These reports are multi-method audits focusing on the cost, effectiveness and efficiency of government programmes and projects. Our work must be timely, and we work to clear timetables, typically taking between 3 and 8 months to report.




This is a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that hold government to account and drive improvements in public services. Whether it's in health, education, justice, or international development, your work will help ensure that public funds are used effectively.




It's important to note that this is not a business analyst role. Instead, you'll be part of a dynamic team focused on delivering high-impact audits that promote accountability and enhance the delivery of public services.




You can find out more about us and our work from our website-https://bit.ly/4n0n5Bq.




As a VFM analyst, you will:


- Audit how government programmes are run and whether they deliver value for money.


- Work alongside experienced and supportive colleagues in a collaborative team environment.


- Gain exposure to senior stakeholders and real-world policy challenges.


- Build skills in research, analysis and communication that will shape your career.




What We offer:


- A competitive salary and excellent Civil Service pension scheme.


- 35 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), rising to 40 days after five years.


- Flexible working arrangements and modern offices in London and Newcastle.


- A strong focus on learning, development, and wellbeing.






Our People Deal




Discover more about our commitment to creating an engaging and supportive work environment-https://bit.ly/44cXn5g




Selection Process




1. Application




Candidates are required to submit their CV, written case study, complete two online tests and answer four selection questions (4SQs) as part of their application. Please ensure that all sections of the application are completed accurately and thoroughly.




2. Screening




An initial screening will be conducted to check the eligibility of candidates based on the Non-Resident Tax (NRT) and degree / experience criteria. Only candidates who meet these criteria will proceed to the next stage.




3. Assessment




All candidates should complete the case study exercise in the application stage to be eligible for shortlisting consideration. Shortlisting for interview is based on a combined score for your overall application (your CV, the 4SQs and online tests). Please note that the case study exercise will only be reviewed if you are shortlisted for an interview.




4. Interview




Candidates who pass the screening and assessment stages will be invited for an interview. The interview will assess various competencies and skills relevant to the role.




5. Decision




The final decision-making process will involve a moderation and review panel. The panel will consider the combined scores from the assessment and interview stages to make the final decision.




How to Apply


1. Apply online and create a profile on our careers page


2. Complete the following by 29 June 2025:


o Submit a CV


o Complete online verbal and numeracy tests


o Answer four competency-based questions


o Email your case study answer based on the following materials to Analyst.Recruitment@nao.org.uk. - CASE STUDY BRIEF-https://bit.ly/4kWAE2U & CASE STUDY Data Set- https://bit.ly/4jXdSHu


3. Shortlisted candidates will have their case studies marked as part of the final stage


4. Final decisions will be based on your combined scores in case study and interview







VIRTUAL EVENTS INCLUDING Q&A


We will be holding two online sessions to provide more details about the role on Wednesday 18th June 12:00-13:00 and Thursday 19th June 16:00-17:00. Our analysts will talk to you about their work and the application process and there will be time for you to ask any questions. If you would like to attend, please contact us via analyst.recruitment@nao.org.uk to let us know which session you would prefer. We will then send you a link to the meeting.







Make your impact. Apply now.




Equal opportunities and diversity




Supporting Neurodivergent and Disabled Candidates




We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process where everyone can perform at their best. If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, or live with a long-term health condition, we encourage you to let us know about any adjustments you may need. We will work with you to understand your requirements and make appropriate, tailored adjustments -- whether that's extra time for assessments, alternative formats, or support during interviews. Our aim is to ensure a fair and supportive experience for all candidates.




Disability and Reasonable Adjustments




Applicants with a disability who wish their application to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme should confirm this when submitting their application. Under this scheme, we guarantee an interview to an applicant with a disability who meets the minimum requirements for the role. You should also let our HR team know if you wish us to consider any Reasonable Adjustments at any stage of the process (Analyst.recruitment@nao.org.uk).




Applicants will not be discriminated against on the grounds of any protected characteristic or any other extraneous factor. We are open to considering candidates who wish to fill posts on a part-time basis or as a job share. Part-time candidates should indicate their proposed availability, and any flexibility they would either want to have or be able to offer.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities include:




- Gathering evidence by applying a variety of methods such as interviews of government officials and other stakeholders, reviewing documents and data sources and directly collecting data such as through surveys.


- Analysing and interpreting evidence and data (using qualitative and quantitative methods) from many sources on a wide range of public policy topics and sectors.


- Maintaining an evidence trail and providing advice to your team about the quality of evidence we use to develop our findings.


- Presenting findings clearly and succinctly and contributing to planning and drafting value for money reports.


- Providing written and oral briefings to managers and senior staff.


- Gaining insight and knowledge of the bodies we audit and developing and maintaining good relations with them, for example through engaging with analysts in government and with wider external stakeholders.


- Supporting wider assurance work and assisting teams during engagement with Parliament and select committees, particularly the Public Accounts Committee.


- Providing advice and support to other teams by using your subject matter or analytical expertise and engaging with opportunities to share learning across the NAO.

Skills required

Key Skills




It is essential that you can demonstrate the ability to:


- Gather, analyse and interpret evidence from a range of sources in a timely and high-standard manner.


- Produce clear, well-structured and succinct written work that is easily understood by non-technical readers.


- Draw valid and concise conclusions that are clearly evidence-based.


- Present complex and nuanced findings from your analysis in a way that can be easily understood by various audiences.


- Engage confidently and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients at all levels, including gathering evidence and supporting knowledge sharing across teams.


- Work cooperatively and collaboratively as part of a team to deliver our reports.




Attributes




In addition, we are looking for candidates with the following attributes:


- Intellectual curiosity: A keen interest in using a range of evidence sources to answer questions.


- Flexibility: The ability to make a significant contribution across a range of topics and outputs in various teams.


- Interest in our work: A strong enthusiasm for the work of the NAO and public policy across a range of sectors.


- Attention to detail: Careful documentation and maintenance of a reliable audit trail to support the delivery of high-quality audits.


- Drive and determination: The tenacity to overcome obstacles, resistance, or challenges to achieve goals.


- Commitment to personal development: A dedication to keeping technical skills up to date.


- Influence: An interest in influencing people and identifying opportunities to improve public services.

Educational requirements

The people we are looking for




Education and Work Experience




You should have:




- A minimum of a 2:1 degree in a relevant discipline such as social science research methods, management science/operations research, economics, statistics, mathematics, data analytics, or a research-based postgraduate qualification;




OR




- Relevant experience in research, analysis, or performance audit. This may include but is not limited to experience in management or other consultancy roles, internal audit, or working as a researcher.