Contract Role: Associate (Contractor) – Economic Analysis & Business Cases
Location: Home-based in UK
Day rate: based on experience
We’re looking for Associates (Contractors) to support our Economic Analysis & Business Case Development work.
About Human Economics
Human Economics is a purpose-driven, values-led public sector consultancy firm. We were founded on the belief that clear, well-structured analysis really does make a difference. We help our clients understand problems, identify opportunities, demonstrate their value and make a difference in the world.
We are specialists in the analysis of complex, fast-moving sectors including research, development & innovation, science & technology, the space sector, the creative industries, arts & culture and education.
Working with – rather than for – our clients, we’re trusted by both major programme funders and potential funding recipients, acting as long-term, flexible partners, supporting ideas through research and strategy to investment, delivery and impact.
The role
We are seeking associates to support the delivery of our growing portfolio of economic analysis and business case projects. Opportunities exist to support on projects immediately for the best candidates. Where opportunities do not exist immediately, or where your availability does not match our immediate needs, successful candidates will be added to a pool for consideration as future projects arise.
You will support the delivery of high-quality economic analyses and Green Book–compliant business cases. Candidates should ideally have both economic analysis and business case development experience, but we are also interested in candidates that have deep experience in one or the other.
For economic analysis, the role will include:
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Value-for-money (VfM) assessments
- Economic impact assessments
- Excel-based economic modelling and structured analysis
- Leading workshops and client meetings
- Producing clear, client-ready reports, presentations and insights
For business case development, the role will include:
- Developing best practice, Green-Book compliant business cases
- Economic Case development, including options appraisal and VfM analysis
- Strategic Case development, including leading case for change and related workshops
- Commercial, Financial and Management Case development as needed
- Excel-based economic and financial modelling and structured analysis
- Leading workshops and client meetings
- Producing clear, client-ready business cases, presentations and insights
Reporting to our Economic Analysis and Business Case service line director, you will play a leading role in delivering high-quality economic analysis and business case projects for high profile clients. You will be working directly with these clients, helping to deliver high-quality outputs that meet their needs.
About you
We are looking for experienced economists / consultants with:
Necessary skills and experience:
- Demonstrable experience in economic appraisal, impact assessment and/or business case development
- Strong understanding and application of HM Treasury Green Book principles
- Proven experience developing high-quality economic analyses / business cases
- Ability to project manage own work and external subconsultants
- Excellent numerical, analytical and Excel modelling skills
- Experience delivering structured, high-quality analytical work
- Confident communicator, comfortable with clients
- Excellent written skills
- Experience working with clients and managing delivery workstreams
- You will be curious, collaborative and committed to high-quality, meaningful work
- You enjoy turning complex analysis into clear, practical insight that helps shape real-world decisions.
Preferred skills and experience:
- Technical understanding of cost benefit analysis and economic appraisal methodologies, for example including Total Economic Value, benefit transfer etc
- Technical understanding of business case development methodologies, including leading key workshops
- Experience developing complex, high-profile business cases
- Better Business Cases accreditation, preferably to Practitioner or Trainer level
- Experience applying these skills to areas including research, innovation, science and technology, arts and humanities, the creative industries, cultural heritage, education
- You should be able to work independently and take ownership of your responsibilities without day-to-day supervision, while also working collaboratively and responding positively to direction and guidance. You will be expected to apply the Human Economics approach, methodologies and standards consistently, using your own judgement and experience within the agreed framework rather than developing alternative approaches independently.
What we offer
- Flexible, project-based associate work
- Opportunity to work on high-impact public sector projects
- Collaboration with a supportive, values-driven team
- Potential for ongoing pipeline of work
- Potential for permanent role as the company grows
Application: As well as applying through LinkedIn, to be able to view your experience more effectively, we would very much welcome you to email an up to date CV, brief cover note/letter and ideally 1-2 examples of your work and (where possible) stating where this work has been published to people@humaneconomics.com
Timelines: We will be reviewing applications in early September and will be in touch thereafter. We do our best to respond to all applicants however If you haven't heard from us by 21 September thank you for your application but please assume you have not been shortlisted.
Please be aware that we are unable to offer sponsorship, so applicants must already have permanent right to work in the UK and be located in the UK.
Human Economics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.