Overview

Public First is a policy, research, opinion and strategy consultancy. We work with global companies, governments, start ups, institutions, and foundations around the world to tackle major public policy and strategic challenges.

We are part think tank, part strategic consultancy, part polling company, and part communications agency. In other words, we bring together the different disciplines that make policy happen and work.

Our recent projects have included:

• Helping Google quantify their economic and social impact in over 20 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and North America.
• Examining the future of British media and entertainment with Sky.
• Running the Hybrid Work Commission on the economic and policy impact of the shift towards more flexible working.
• Measuring the economic impact of Uber in over 15 countries, including in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
• Exploring public attitudes to AI in the UK and US.

We take an analytical approach to research, deploying economic modelling, data analysis, and opinion research to shape effective policy, create strategy, and deliver communications with impact. We work with some of the world’s leading organisations on topics including tech, climate change, Industrial Strategy, and education, exploring questions such as:

• What will the impact be of AI on the economies of countries across the world?
• How will the rise of autonomous vehicles change mobility? What will the spillover impact be on local economies?
• How can we accelerate the development of infrastructure to support growth and sustainability across the UK?

THE ROLE

In this role you would:

• Work on the design, implementation and write up on new economic modelling projects.
• Support our work in impact measurement, policy design, polling, and opinion research.
• Help bring in new clients and projects for the team.

Qualifications

The right candidate will have:

• Previous experience with quantitative research or economics.
• Previous experience coding in Python or R.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy.

Economist starting salaries will typically start from £40,0000, with considerable flexibility depending on previous experience and skill.

We work in a mix of in the office and at home, with our main office based in Westminster. Many of us, including the founders, have young children and we work hard to be family friendly. International travel and work would be possible for future projects.

HOW TO APPLY

We value diversity and encourage applications from all groups. We work in a mix of in the office and at home, with our main office based in Westminster. Many of us, including the founders, have young children and we work hard to be family friendly. International travel and work would be possible for future projects.

This application will involve a short test prior to the interview which should take no longer than three hours. We will be interviewing on an ongoing basis, and looking for successful candidates to start as possible.

Please follow the instructions below, and submit the application no later than midnight on 23rd September 2025.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a virtual interview.

The final candidates will then be invited to an in-person interview at our office in Westminster.