The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Subcategory Economic and Prosperity Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Who are we?
The British Embassy in Madrid is part of a global network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now recruiting for an Economist.
Main purpose of job:
This role sits within the Economic and Public Policy Team at the British Embassy in Madrid, contributing to the Embassy’s economic policy, reporting, and engagement objectives. The role will involve close collaboration with colleagues across the Embassy, including political, communications, and commercial teams as well as the UK’s wider Spain Network.
The role offers opportunities to:
1. Use and strengthen analytical and policy skills in an international diplomatic context
2. Receive support and development through on-the-job learning, mentoring from experienced colleagues
3. Contribute to high-profile Embassy workstreams and events.
Roles and responsibilities:
1. Economic analysis and reporting (35%)
4. Monitor and analyse national and regional economic data and trends in Spain
5. Assess key economic developments (e.g. growth, inflation, labour markets, sectoral performance)
6. Produce clear, concise reporting for UK Government audiences, highlighting implications for UK interests
7. Contribute to briefing for senior Embassy staff and visiting UK officials
2. Policy tracking and thematic work (25%)
8. Track policy developments in priority economic areas (e.g. structural reform, investment, EU economic policy)
9. Support analysis of cross-cutting themes such as green transition, digital economy, and economic security
10. Feed into wider UK Government policy priorities and cross Embassy reporting
3. Stakeholder engagement and relationship building (10%)
11. Support engagement with Embassy contacts across government, private sector, think tanks and academia
12. Support senior engagement by preparing briefing, background material, and follow-up actions
13. Use insights from stakeholder engagement to inform analysis and reporting
4. Support to events, visits and senior engagement (15%
14. Contribute to the organisation and delivery of Embassy events, roundtables and official visits
15. Assist in preparing programmes, briefing packs and speaking notes
16. Support logistics and coordination with internal and external stakeholders
5. Team support and corporate contributions (15%)
17. Contribute to the wider work of the Economic and Public Policy Team
18. Provide flexible analytical and administrative support across team priorities as required
19. Participate in internal Embassy initiatives and corporate activities
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Our Ideal Candidate shows:
20. Full professional proficiency in English and Spanish (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR*)
21. Interest in economics, politics and current affairs
22. Completed university education in economics, public policy, international relations or related field
23. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or similar packages
24. Stong planning and organisational skills
25. Ability to manage competing priorities, deliver to deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure
26. Strong collaboration skills and willingness to provide flexible support across the team
27. Professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive information
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Nice to have:
28. Experience presenting complex data in engaging ways
29. Experience drafting analytical reports
30. Knowledge of workings of Spanish and UK governments
31. Experience conducting economic analysis and interpreting economic indicators
32. Experience with event coordination and logistics planning
Required behaviours Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together Application deadline 16 June 2026 Grade Administrative Officer (AO) Type of Position Full-time, Fixed Term Working hours per week 37.5 Duration of Post 6 months Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Spain Location (City) Madrid Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency EUR Salary 35,484.83€ gross Type of Salary yearly Start Date 15 July 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term contract of 6 months at AO grade level, based in Madrid.
The successful candidate is subject to a confirmation of a background check, security clearance and the successful completion of a probationary period.
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Spanish Social Security Scheme and will therefore not be entitled to any gratuity from the Embassy based on gross annual salary.
The Embassy is a Diplomatic Mission with tax exempt status and does not collect taxes for other States. Employees are fully responsible for payment of income tax at the legally required rate. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Spain are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Spanish employment law.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Spain and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
Working patterns: Normal working hours are 37.5 per week: 8.00am to 16:00pm from Monday to Friday.
Learning & Development: We offer time and financial support for the successful candidate to take advantage of professional learning and development opportunities inside and outside of the organisation. All new hires undertake a workplace induction and there are a number of mandatory e-learning courses that must be completed in order to pass probation.