Pro Bono Economics Information Pack: Economics Associate Panel
This document will provide you with the information required to assist you with your
application.
Contents
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About Pro Bono Economics
Advert/Service specification
Fee / Contract
How to apply
Service specification brief
Person specification
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1. About Pro Bono Economics
Pro Bono Economics (PBE) was established to help charities and social enterprises from across the UK
understand and improve the impact and value of their work. We were set up by Andy Haldane (Bank
of England) and Martin Brookes (Tomorrow’s People) in 2009.
Since 2009, PBE has supported around 300 charities through:
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Data advice
Analysis of interventions
Research to support advocacy and campaigns
For 2017, PBE will be focusing its work on education, employment and complex needs (including
mental health, criminal behaviour, poverty, homelessness and substance misuse).You can find all
PBE reports here http://www.probonoeconomics.com/resources and learn more about PBE
people here http://www.probonoeconomics.com/people
2. Advert / Service Specification
Pro Bono Economics is at an important and exciting stage in development, undertaking a transition in
the scale and scope of PBE services. A Director of Services (DOS) has been recently hired and will be
supported by the Data and Project Administrator (DPA) to plan, resource and manage day to day
delivery of projects.
We are seeking to attract a panel of Economic Associates who will work with us on a consultancy basis:
 providing specialist technical advice shaping projects at inception
 giving guidance on technical issues during projects
 providing review, challenge and quality assurance at the end
 extracting the learning from individual projects to support PBE’s broader aims.
This is an exciting opportunity which should attract people who are looking to develop a portfolio of
roles which includes a public service element. Equally it might attract someone with research interests
who would like an opportunity to see economics applied in practice.
3. Fee/contract
Terms of contract – Service agreement (start date as per contract will be let from January 2017)
Client Location –Pro Bono Economics Office, London SE1 6FE. Occasional travel may be required to
charity or volunteer offices.
Client Relationship - Director of Services
Time Commitment – for discussion, estimated 50 days per year.
Day Rate – £250 per diem, invoiced on completion of agreed milestones
4. How to Apply
Please apply by CV and cover letter, ensuring that you meet the criteria set out in the person
specification. You should also include your contact details and details for two references
You should email your application by Monday 30th January to Ann Gill, JMR Consultants
[email protected]
5. Service specification brief
The following specification provides an example of the activity our Economics Associates will be
responsible for;
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Scoping projects
The economist will attend scoping meetings and, from time to time, scope projects where we
are not able to match other volunteers, either because of the location of the charity or
because the nature of the charity intervention requires a more detailed knowledge of the
subject area.
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Supporting Volunteer Selection
The associate will be asked to provide recommendations and introductions from their
professional networks to inform the database and volunteer selection. On occasion, extra
input may be needed from the economist at the charity and volunteer matching sessions.
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Quality assurance
Advising on technical project issues and queries if and/when they arise.
The associate will be asked to provide technical input on the first round of quality assurance
of analysis produced by volunteers; ensuring that the work meets scope, the accuracy of
calculations and estimates and is consistent with PBE methodology.
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Report Review
The economist will be asked to provide an independent critique of final report.
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Specialist Project Synthesis In addition to input on individual projects the associate may be
asked to take on synthesis projects. This will involve collating and interpreting the learning
from PBE work with individual charities to provide material for “how to” kits and to inform
PBE’s work on policy development.
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Developing methodology
The economist will co-ordinate the development of methodology and cost estimates, working
with contacts in government departments and academia to ensure that the most up-to-date
research is available to volunteers as they embark on projects. They will work closely with the
DOS and DPA to use learnings/evidence from PBE work to improve PBE approach over time.
6. Person Specification
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Experience or ability to work as an independent consultant
Experienced economist with academic and field experience
Knowledge of and interest in a subject area relevant to PBE focus areas (currently education,
employment, mental health and resilience and complex needs)
Excellent communications skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to
specialists and non-specialists.
Senior level responsibility and a strong track record of delivery and achievement
Strong relationship management skills and specific experience engaging with senior leaders.
Ability to adapt to working in a small ambitious organisation.