Analyst

Job Summary

1:1 Session: Dan Ainsley, Statistical Advisor is offering the opportunity for a 1:1 session to discuss about the role, ahead of the application closing date.

Email Daniel.Ainsley@traderemedies.gov.uk if you would like to arrange one.

The TRA is one of the first public bodies to be set up to meet the new needs of the UK following its departure from the European Union. We play a central part in ensuring that the international trading environment is fair as well as free, by protecting British businesses from unfair trading practices such as dumping, trade-distorting subsidies and unforeseen surges in imports.

We are growing to be an organisation of over 150 people, with our headquarters in Reading. It is vital to us that we have a friendly, supportive culture, where you will quickly get to know who works here and where you will be helped to realise your full potential. We strive to be an outward-looking organisation, learning from international best practice and looking to add our own distinctive twist, such as developing our digital-first approach to trade remedy investigations. As an arm’s length body that is independent of government, we are passionate about living our values of integrity, expertise, transparency, and inclusion.

We are looking for professionals who bring relevant skills and expertise but who are also eager to learn and develop. Nobody joins the TRA as the finished article. If you believe that you have the experience and qualities to put your stamp on something new and exciting, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Job Description

The analysis team which is led by the Chief Economist consists of three units, two of which focus on economics. You will be based within one of the economics units and will report to a Grade 7 Economic Advisor.

You will also be embedded in at least one multi-disciplinary case team. Case teams deal with one specific trade remedies investigation, and are composed of staff from investigations, verification, policy, legal, and analysis, reporting to a Lead Investigator.

You will be expected to work with colleagues to deliver high-quality analysis at pace, effectively communicate your findings, influence colleagues and stakeholders, and collaborate with colleagues across different disciplines.

Your primary role within your case team will be to lead on the Economic Interest Test, which assesses whether a proposed measure is in the interest of the UK as a whole. You are likely to be supported by another analyst in meeting this responsibility, but you will be responsible for planning and directing the analysis required in line with our guidance for conducting an Economic Interest Test.

For examples of recent Economic Interest Tests, see the relevant sections of E-bikes (TRA Investigations - Trade Remedies Service - GOV.UK (trade-remedies.service.gov.uk) and TRA Investigations - Trade Remedies Service - GOV.UK (trade-remedies.service.gov.uk)) and Corrosion Resistant Steels (CRS): TRA Investigations - Trade Remedies Service - GOV.UK (trade-remedies.service.gov.uk).

Other analytical work you may be called upon to perform as part of an investigation may include tailoring questionnaires to meet case-specific needs, reviewing and verifying questionnaire responses along with other data sources, identifying and engaging with industry stakeholders to capture evidence of the impact of the proposed trade remedy measure, and providing support on other aspects of the case that involve drawing conclusions using quantitative and qualitative data.

Alongside your work in your case team, you will also undertake a variety of projects run by the analysis team that are not specific to a single case, including research into cross-cutting issues such as accounting for market distortions. There will be opportunities to shape your role as the organisation grows.

In order to perform in this role, you will need to:

• Build trusted relationships with colleagues within case teams and with external stakeholders;
• Work collaboratively with other analysts to develop our standards, capability, and evidence base;
• Use and handle data including trade statistics, information sourced from commercial databases, and data gathered during an investigation;
• Apply appropriate analytical concepts, standards, and techniques to reach robust conclusions;
• Use a range of tools and methods to produce high-quality analysis to tight deadlines;
• Produce evidence-based recommendations for Economic Interest Tests;
• Ensure analysis is appropriate, clearly communicated and follows best practice in quality assurance;
• Deliver results effectively to deadlines, and sharing your findings with stakeholders;
• Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, to colleagues and stakeholders from different backgrounds.
  
  

Person specification

To be successful in this role applicants should demonstrate the following:

Essential Skills And Experience

• Developed analytical skills and a willingness to learn;
• Ability to quickly and accurately assess complex information from different sources;
• Ability to apply analytical techniques and policy guidance to obtain valuable insights that inform final conclusions;
• Ability to clearly communicate technical issues verbally and in writing to non-specialists;
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of multi-disciplinary teams and support evidence-based decision-making;
• Ability to assess the strengths and limitations of alternative approaches, weighing up different pieces of evidence and drawing out salient issues, whilst taking account of uncertainty;
• Ability to prioritise effectively, contributing to different projects and managing multiple deadlines;
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to apply and advise on quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques and connect evidence from a range of sources to support evidence-based policy development;
• Ability to provide effective and appropriate written and oral communication of complex analysis to stakeholders from different backgrounds;
• Demonstrated skills with the use of MS Excel and ability to learn software packages such as R;
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Ability to prioritise effectively, supporting different projects and managing multiple deadlines.
  
  

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Previous experience working in an analytical role;
• Knowledge and/or experience of international trade;
  
  

Qualifications

Either one of the following qualifications:

• A first- or second-class honours degree (2:2 minimum) or equivalent in any analytical field (e.g. Economics, Statistics, Econometrics, Finance, Mathematics, Business Studies, Data Science, Accounting).
• A higher degree (e.g. MSc or PhD) in any analytical field (e.g. Economics, Statistics, Econometrics, Finance, Mathematics, Business Studies, Data Science, Accounting).
  
  

Behaviours

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

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

Technical skills

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

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