Graduate Project Specialist: Economic Development 

Could you help shape a brighter future? 

Urban Foresight is the UK’s leading place-based innovation consultancy.  

We are seeking a talented and motivated early career professional to join our consultancy team. 

You’ll help write strategies and shape investments covering diverse sectors and geographies in the UK and overseas.  

This a permanent role based in our in office in Newcastle city centre. 

The role 

You’ll be an important member of a team that delivers a diverse portfolio of projects related to economic development and innovation.  

You should apply if you are:  

• interested in opportunities to transform local and regional economies
• excited to be involved in cutting-edge projects that deliver meaningful social, economic, and environmental outcomes  
• motivated to join a unique and growing business.    
• eager to learn new things every day 
• enjoy working with passionate people.  

Your responsibilities will include: 

• research and analysis to advise clients on options, risks and appropriate actions 
• supporting the development of strategies, feasibility studies, and business cases 
• stakeholder engagement, through structured interviews, facilitated workshops, questionnaires and private meetings 
• writing insightful reports and presentations 
• bid writing to win new contracts for Urban Foresight and to secure external funding for our clients 

Skills and experience 

We’re interested in candidates with ambition and intellectual curiosity. You might currently be:  

• an early-career economic development consultant or economist 
• working in a relevant policy or delivery role in the public or third sector  
• a recent graduate looking for a career in which they can help to shape the future of places and industries. 

We are interested in candidates with ambition, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine motivation to make a difference in the world. 

The ideal candidate would have: 

• relevant degree, preferably to Masters level 
• excellent qualitative and quantitative research skills 
• excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• ability to think logically and be methodical 
• experience of working in a team and to challenging deadlines 
• ability to use initiative but to know when to ask for help. 
• strong time management and organisational skills. 
• IT proficiency, especially MS Office. 
• enthusiastic, willing to learn, and to go that extra mile. 

About Urban Foresight  

Urban Foresight is the UK’s leading place-based innovation consultancy.  We’re a mission driven business that works with ambitious clients around the world on projects to improve lives, protect the environment and deliver new economic opportunities.   

Our success is based on a multi-disciplinary team with shared values and diverse expertise across a range of sectors. We think deeply about how to turn big ideas into actions that can have a lasting and transformational impact.  

The ideal candidates will be excited about what we do and keen to contribute to our mission to make good things happen.
 

How to apply  

Applications should be made in the form of a full CV and covering statement sent to people@urbanforesight.org by 21st April 2023. 

Please indicate in your covering statement why you want the job, your salary expectations, and notice period. 

Urban Foresight strives to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.