Economics Specialist - Landscape Recovery Assurance - National

Evidence for Insights aims to turn evidence into action by supporting nature recovery through data, science and insights. We work closely with Defra as well as strategy and operational colleagues, working nationally and working in a place., We are seeking an experienced Economist to support critical delivery some of UK's most ambitious nature recovery projects.

Landscape Recovery (LR) sits at the forefront of the Environmental Land Management schemes, alongside Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship. It supports landowners and managers to deliver large-scale, transformational change for nature, bringing together multiple partners to restore landscapes over the long term. Following a two-year development phase, projects submit detailed delivery plans that must pass through a rigorous appraisal process before securing 20+ years of public investment.

The assurance process is inherently multi-disciplinary and highly bespoke. No two projects are the same, and the role requires careful judgement across a wide range of economic, ecological, and delivery considerations. It is an iterative process involving detailed engagement with project teams and partners to understand proposals, test assumptions and ensure plans are robust, deliverable and supported by clear evidence.

A key aspect of this process is constructive challenge and negotiation, working closely with projects to refine proposals and resolve areas of uncertainty or disagreement. This ensures that project ambitions are aligned with value for money principles, are deliverable in practice, and represent an appropriate use of public funds.

As Senior Economist, you will act as the senior analytical lead for appraisal, integrating economic, natural science and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) evidence into clear value for money analysis.

They will build strong working partnerships across the appraisal function, within SED and the central LR Team, as well as with colleagues in Defra, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission, supporting projects to move from development into implementation in a way that is both economically robust and tailored to deliver lasting environmental outcomes.

Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you're drawn to hands-on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society.

Our Role

Natural England is the Government's adviser for the natural environment and the Nature regulator with a wide range of statutory duties and powers. We provide the evidence, expertise and advice to recover Nature and shape better places for people to live. We do this working through and with others.

Strategic Outcomes for Nature

Our strategy is framed through four strategic outcomes. Each of these outcomes reinforces and amplifies the others, and together they address environmental, social and economic actions critical to thriving nature.

Recovering Nature- Increased scale and quality of places where nature thrives.

Building Better Places- Greener homes and infrastructure create healthier, more investable places, recognising we live better where nature thrives around us.

Improving Health and Wellbeing- Build nature into everyday life so people can support, access and benefit from nature, wherever they live.

Delivering Security through Nature- Nature helps us adapt to the threats of a changing climate and improves our national security, supporting more resilient food production, healthy soils, clean and plentiful water and clean air.

Find out more about the work of Natural England at:

Natural England's Strategy: Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security - GOV.UK

The Team:

The Evidence and Insights Directorate is part of the Science Evidence Digital Chief Officer Group. The team is responsible for Natural England's Science, Evidence and Analysis Framework and supports its implementation to ensure Natural England is powered by science.