Senior Economist - Universal Basic Services

NEF is looking for a Senior Economist to lead ambitious, policy-relevant work on Universal Basic Services, public services and economic security. This is an exciting opportunity for a rigorous, creative and politically engaged economist who is motivated to develop bold, practical and well-evidenced policy ideas that can improve people s access to life s essentials and help shift public debate.

The successful candidate will lead work across a wide range of areas, including public services, social infrastructure, care, childcare, transport, housing, digital inclusion, local services, public value, delivery models, fiscal design, distributional impacts, and the role of universal provision in building a fairer economy.

We are particularly interested in self-starters: people who can identify important economic questions, immerse themselves quickly in the evidence, and use data tools and AI intelligently to develop substantial projects from early idea through to impactful, public-facing outputs with limited supervision.

Role: Senior Economist UBS
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £54,470 - £60,480
Location: London (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 8th June 2026
Interviews: First stage interviews 22nd June with second stage in person interviews on the 29th June

Start date: ASAP

Please send your CV and your answer to the following questions in Word format.

1. Set out how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description (300 words max)

2. Identify one economic policy idea that NEF should develop over the next year. What problem would it address, what evidence would you need, and who would need to be persuaded? (300 words max)

3. Tell us about a substantial project or workstream you led, ideally from conception to delivery. How did you shape the question, manage any uncertainty and ensure the work had impact? (200 words max

4. Explain a complex economic issue you have worked on or wish to work on and do so as if you are briefing a busy MP. (200 words max)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.