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- Tasks: Lead innovative research in transport economics and manage key analytical projects.
- Company: Join the Department for Transport, a dynamic and inclusive Civil Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport investment decisions while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in economics and experience in high-quality economic analysis required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career development opportunities.
Location: Birmingham, Leeds (Hybrid)
Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.
Salary: £44,241 – A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
We’re looking for a motivated economist to join the Department for Transport’s high-profile Transport Appraisal and Strategic Modelling division. You’ll support innovative research into transport economics and cost-benefit analysis, working closely with experienced economists to shape appraisal methods used across government. As part of a collaborative and expert team, you’ll lead research projects, manage key stakeholder groups, and engage with academia and industry. This is a great opportunity to influence major transport investment decisions and develop your skills in a dynamic policy environment.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Pushing forward key research on cost-benefit analysis topics, including project managing a large-scale and high-profile cross-government research project into the valuation of life and health.
* Lead on crucial analytical workstreams to maintain and develop aspects of our appraisal guidance, including the Department’s repository of economic values, the TAG Data Book.
Benefits
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:
* Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
* 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
* 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
* Access to the staff discount portal.
* Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
* Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
* 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
* Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About you
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
* Experience of researching, designing and delivering high-quality economic analysis to influence decision making
* Experience taking responsibility for analytical projects, bringing together evidence and perspectives to build robust conclusions
* Experience communicating complex analytical information to a range of audiences, including internal and external stakeholders
Essential qualifications/licences:
This role is open to existing members of the Government Economics Service (GES) or those meeting the minimum requirements to join this profession.
To join the GES as a full or associated membership, you must:
1. Have a first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
2. Have studied both macroeconomics and micro-economics
You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn
Senior Assistant Economist employer: Department for Transport
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assistant Economist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Department for Transport on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your economic analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced decision-making in past roles. We want to see your passion for transport economics shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management experience! Think of examples where you’ve led research projects or collaborated with stakeholders. We love seeing candidates who can bring people together to achieve results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for motivated individuals like you to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assistant Economist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send out a generic CV! We love it when candidates personalise their applications. Make sure to showcase your experience in economic analysis and project management, and explain how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport
✨Know Your Economics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on key economic concepts, especially those related to transport economics and cost-benefit analysis. Be prepared to discuss your previous research and how it can influence decision-making in the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since you'll be managing analytical projects, think of specific examples where you've successfully led a project. Highlight your ability to bring together evidence and perspectives to build robust conclusions.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex analytical information in simple terms. You might be asked to present your findings to various stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with experienced economists and stakeholders. Show your enthusiasm for teamwork and how you can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment. Share examples of how you've worked well in teams before.
