Economist/ Business Case Writer

On behalf of Department for Education, we are looking for an Economist/Business Case Writer (Inside IR35) for a 2 month contract based remotely within the UK.

Role Profile:

To support a high-profile cloud infrastructure procurement programme.

This assignment will focus on reviewing, updating and strengthening the business case for the Department's existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) contract.

The successful contractor will play a critical role in developing the economic case and supporting approval documentation required for internal governance, Cabinet Office and HM Treasury approval.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong track record of producing complex technology or infrastructure-related business cases, particularly within cloud hosting, data centre, infrastructure hosting, or major technology procurement programmes.

As an Economist/Business Case Writer, your main responsibilities will be:

• Review and update the Department's Cloud Infrastructure Hosting business case.
• Conduct detailed economic analysis of cloud hosting and infrastructure options.
• Develop business case content in line with Treasury Green Book principles.
• Support preparation of approval documentation for Departmental governance, Cabinet Office and HM Treasury.
• Analyse spending, forecasting, commercial and procurement data to inform investment decisions.
• Engage with technical, commercial and finance stakeholders to gather evidence and challenge assumptions.
• Present clear recommendations supported by robust economic and financial analysis.
• Contribute to documentation required for the future cloud hosting contract beyond 2027.

Essential:

• Proven experience writing business cases for cloud infrastructure hosting, including Azure, AWS, data centres, hosting services, infrastructure platforms, or large-scale technology contracts.
• Strong understanding of cloud consumption models, hosting costs, infrastructure procurement, and technology operating models.
• Experience supporting major technology investment and procurement decisions.
• Demonstrable experience producing Strategic Outline Cases (SOC), Outline Business Cases (OBC), or Full Business Cases (FBC).
• Experience developing economic cases, option appraisals, and investment recommendations.
• Knowledge of HM Treasury Green Book methodology and public sector approval processes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Sound understanding of economics, business, finance, and accounting principles, including capital and revenue budgeting.
• Experience undertaking cost-benefit analysis, option evaluation, economic modelling, and investment appraisal.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings clearly to senior stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Public sector experience.
• Knowledge of HM Treasury, Cabinet Office or government approval processes.
• Understanding of Microsoft Azure commercial models.
• Experience supporting high-value technology procurements.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a Disability Confident employer, Department for Education encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates. Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant 

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Department for Education welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".