Chief Economist

Salary: £55,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications), plus a comprehensive benefits package including an international supplement, pension contribution, and relocation allowance.

About St Helena: St Helena Island, a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, offers unique lifestyle opportunities. Since opening our international airport in 2017, we are better positioned to develop economically and socially. However, we are still dependent on UK government aid and have not yet reached full self-sufficiency.

Role Overview: The Chief Economist position is part of the Treasury Portfolio, with a mission to “Guide St Helena on the path to prosperity.” This role involves coordinating government operations efficiently and effectively while overseeing the delivery of the 10-Year Plan, SHG Strategy, and Sustainable Economic Development Strategy.

Recently, SHG introduced the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-33 (SEDS) to support the Ministerial Agenda. We are looking for an experienced candidate to lead the Government’s Economic Service, providing expert economic advice across all areas of government policy and reporting directly to the Financial Secretary.

Key Responsibilities: As the head of the government’s economic function, you will:

• Ensure the public service’s financial resilience, optimizing value for money and return on investment.
• Oversee the preparation and management of macroeconomic forecasts, including inflation predictions, to guide the government’s medium-term expenditure framework.
• Develop policy measures that encourage private sector investment in strategic sectors, while also contributing to regulatory policy.
• Collaborate with the Head of Strategic Policy to conduct socio-economic assessments of key policies and projects, providing economic evaluations when needed.
• Lead the annual Minimum Wage process and advise on labour market strategies.
• Support the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office’s annual financial aid mission by addressing all economic issues related to St Helena.
• Lead the development of tax policies and support broader policy reforms, including immigration, welfare, land use, and investment.

Essential Requirements: To be considered for this role, you must possess the following:

• A first degree in a relevant subject, ideally with a significant economics component.
• A Project or Programme Management qualification (Prince2, MSP, Agile) or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years of experience in economic analysis and development.
• Experience in business and financial planning within a constrained financial environment, with strong financial management skills.
• Background in performance management, strategic planning, policy development, and budget management in a politically sensitive environment.
• Proven ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, politicians, and stakeholders, with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• A track record of developing and writing policy, demonstrating political sensitivity, and advising senior management and ministers.

Additionally, you must demonstrate the core values of fairness, integrity, and teamwork, contributing your knowledge and expertise to benefit the workforce and community development in St Helena.

Benefits Package:

• International Supplement (full details provided in the Overseas Vacancy Information)
• Relocation Allowance (full details provided in the Overseas Vacancy Information)
• Annual Pension Contribution of 7.5% of salary
• 30 days of annual leave, plus public holidays

How to Apply: To apply, please complete the application form provided below. For further details, you may contact Kedell Worboys at 0203 818 7610 or via email at shgukrep@sthelenagov.com.

Applications must be submitted to shgukrep@sthelenagov.com by 22 March 2025.

Note: You must complete the application form to be considered for this role. CV submissions will not be accepted.

The Public Service welcomes applications from all members of the community, regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief, and will evaluate applications based on merit in line with the person specification.