JOB SUMMARY

Are you curious about economic research in international cultural relations? We are looking for an experienced professional to lead the development of economic evidence that informs organisational strategy, global programmes, and demonstrates impact.
In this role, you will advance research on cultural relations and soft power through an economic lens, examining how our work contributes to value-for-money and economic outcomes. You will build relationships with academics, think tanks, and government departments, engaging in key initiatives such as the DCMS Cultural Capital Value Programme to enhance our understanding of economic value.
The successful candidate will guide colleagues on measuring and articulating the economic impact of arts, education and English language programmes, shaping strategic decision-making. You will integrate economic thinking into programme planning, and collaborate closely across teams to develop practical ways of designing and assessing cultural relations interventions that support growth and prosperity.
Project management and capacity building are key aspects of this role. You will advise and mentor colleagues, contribute to Communities of Practice, and help develop economic measures appropriate to the British Council’s programmes. By building a coherent economic framework and narrative, you will demonstrate how our interventions contribute to UK prosperity and international cultural relations..
If you have expertise in economic research and experience of applhing economic theory and methods to design and evaluate interventions for policy impact, this is your opportunity to drive meaningful change.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a highly skilled professional to contribute to the Research and Insight team’s strategy, bringing expertise in economic analysis, and the ability to provide applicable insight to external and internal stakeholders. This role involves planning and prioritising work activities to ensure effective delivery of key responsibilities while collaborating with internal and external partners. The successful candidate will provide expert advice and challenge existing approaches to enhance the development of high-quality and impactful programmes across the global network.
With a strong understanding of the British Council’s projects and programmes, the role requires identifying opportunities where economic analysis can contribute to greater impact. Continuous professional development is a key component, ensuring expertise remains current and contributes to training and guidance for colleagues. The ideal candidate will support thought leadership by engaging in external events, publications, and discussions that elevate the organisation’s profile.
A deep understanding of organisational strategy and internal customer needs is essential. This role requires close consultation with stakeholders to shape economic analysis, research, and evaluation methods that drive informed business decisions. By working closely with colleagues, including in Research and Insight, Evidence, Evaluation and Learning, and Marketing teams, the candidate will enhance the visibility and influence of research across the British Council.
The role requires innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of economic analysis. The successful candidate will develop and maintain relationships with external partners, manage stakeholder engagement, and ensure that research outputs align with strategic objectives. In addition, the role involves managing projects, ensuring financial resources are utilised effectively.
This role is an opportunity for an experienced professional to bring economic insights into cultural relations, policy impact, and programme evaluation. If you have a passion for economic research and strategic consultancy, apply now to shape the future of economic research and insight at the British Council.

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

Business Management and Improvement
Economist