What your day will look like

The Principal Economist will:

• Provide high-quality economic information, analysis and advice to inform the GLA’s skills and employment strategy and policy development, with a focus on supporting the GLA’s ongoing responsibility of adult skills provision and funding.
• Lead on research projects and initiatives commissioned by the GLA. These are likely to involve joint working with other teams, organisations and sectors.
• Analyse complex datasets, including the Individualised Learner Record (ILR), Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data and the London Learner Survey, to support evidence-based policymaking and programme delivery.
• Help the GLA identify and articulate its requirements for economic and statistical data to support skills and employment provision across London to ensure these needs are effectively met. Contribute to the development of a more open, accessible and evidence-driven approach to data on skills, qualifications, learner progression and earnings, helping to improve decision-making and outcomes for Londoners, employers and policymakers, while ensuring that appropriate standards of data privacy, security and governance are maintained.
• Help maintain the GLA’s position as a trusted and authoritative source of data, evidence and analysis on London’s skills system and labour market. Support the production and dissemination of high-quality insights, statistics and research to inform policy development, programme delivery and public debate, while engaging effectively with policymakers, providers and other key stakeholders.
• Be responsible for managing staff and resources allocated to the role, in line with the GLA’s policies, Code of Ethics and Standards. The postholder will provide effective leadership and support to team members, ensuring that work is delivered to a high standard, resources are used efficiently, and organisational objectives are achieved.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• A degree or professional qualification in economics or a related subject, preferably to post-graduate level, or an ability to demonstrate the equivalent level of knowledge through professional experience in economics or a related field.
• Successful track record of conducting research and/or complex analysis to inform policy and strategy development. Experience of working with the Individualised Learner Record or similar datasets (e.g. National Pupil Database, Higher Statistics Agency Data, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs data or the London Learner Survey) is desirable.
• Strong evidence of computer literacy including proficiency in using project management, spreadsheet, database and presentation software. Demonstrated capacity to use specialised statistical software packages (e.g. Python, R, SQL, Stata) for statistical and econometric analysis.
• Demonstrable experience of managing staff and resources, providing effective leadership and support to teams, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes. Proven ability to allocate resources efficiently, develop staff, and drive performance in support of organisational goals and priorities.
• Evidence of clear personal, verbal and written communication skills, and of ability to communicate complex issues to a range of audiences effectively, including using data visualisation techniques.
• Broad knowledge about labour markets and education policy in London, or demonstrated capacity to acquire expertise and provide economic advice in policy areas relevant to the work of the GLA Group.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement. Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345) As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Dr Héctor Espinoza would be happy to speak to you. Please contact him at: Hector.Espinoza@london.gov.uk.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: w/c 14 September 2026.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office. In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional