Diplomatic and Development Economics Fast Stream

This 5-year scheme focuses on international economic issues, development, and foreign policy.

What you'll experience

• Take on impactful roles ensuring UK development and foreign policy is based on robust economic analysis.
• Shape your career path with flexibility, including opportunities for significant overseas postings.
• Receive comprehensive training to equip you for analytical and policy roles within the FCDO or other government departments.
• Develop skills and experience for a successful, internationally focused leadership career.
• Be agile and flexible, ready for full mobility within the UK and overseas.
• Mandatory requirement: Must be granted ‘Developed Vetting’ (DV) security clearance. This requires living in the UK for at least 5 of the last 10 years, including a consecutive 12-month period.

Entry requirements

• British citizen (dual nationality holders may apply).
• Resided in the UK for at least 5 of the previous 10 years, including a consecutive 12-month period.
• You need, or expect to receive, a 2:1 degree, degree apprenticeship or higher, or a postgraduate degree in an economic subject. For mixed degrees, at least 50% must be in economics.

Benefits

• Work on international issues such as poverty alleviation, security, and UK prosperity.
• Excellent platform for promotion and long-term career progression across the Civil Service.
• Joining as a permanent employee with Civil Service Pension Scheme.
• Benefits include recognised language qualifications, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare assistance, and diversity support networks.

Supporting your learning

• Tailored Fast Stream training programme focused on leadership, diplomatic tradecraft, and international development.
• Access to mentoring, work shadowing, and comprehensive on-the-job training.
• Learning and development structured around the 70:20:10 model (on-the-job experience, peer-to-peer learning, formal courses).
• Professional Economics Training: Structured courses to build postgraduate-level understanding of key economic areas.
• Short-Term Projects (‘10% Time’ Scheme): Undertake projects outside your main role to broaden skills.
• Economics Community Engagement: Join a network of economists for knowledge-sharing sessions, conferences, and seminars.
• Career Progression Support: Assistance for the Readiness Panel to assess technical skills for promotion to expert economist roles.

Scheme placement details

• Year 1: UK-based placement in London or East Kilbride. Roles include Assistant Economist or embedded economist within FCDO Directorates. Responsibilities include in-depth economic analysis, collaborating with policy teams, and supporting UK development and foreign policy priorities.
• Year 2: Second Assistant Economist posting to expand expertise and work on new economic challenges.
• Years 3-5: Economics-related role either in the FCDO’s overseas network (subject to availability) or in the UK. Overseas roles cover diverse regions and themes. Language training may be provided. Flexibility to accept any suitable overseas placement is essential.

About the FCDO

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advances UK interests globally, supports British citizens, safeguards national security, upholds UK values, reduces poverty, and addresses global challenges. Economics is central to the FCDO’s mission, with economists embedded in policymaking, diplomacy, partnerships, and aid strategy. Economists enhance policy and programming by analysing economic trends, identifying challenges, designing solutions, implementing policies, and persuading stakeholders with data-driven insights.

China Pathway

From 2026, a China Pathway will be introduced to develop leaders with a strong understanding of China’s political system, economy, language, culture, and global influence. DDE Fast Streamers can apply for this pathway in their first two years.