About the job

Job summary

Most specialist roles support a specific committee. Some specialists work across a policy-based ‘cluster’ or ‘hub’ supporting committees working on similar topics, or in the Scrutiny Unit, which supports the work of all committees.

You will be part of a small team which works collaboratively to support the Transport Committee. The Committee examines the Department for Transport’s performance and policy across all modes and cross-cutting issues. Its current work includes scrutiny of policy on High Speed 2, accessibility, transport data and the Government’s strategic objectives for transport. The Committee frequently looks into topical issues, which recently included proposals to close rail ticket offices and disruption in air traffic control services. Reports published in this Parliament include smart motorways, maritime strategy, bus services and fuels of the future, and the transport remit connects with everything from consumer issues to infrastructure delivery, decarbonisation to local devolution.

Job description

As a Committee Specialist, you will work collaboratively with colleagues to provide policy advice and analysis for the Committee. You will be asked to develop expertise in the Committee’s area of work. You will advise on, arrange and lead committee inquiries. You will provide written and oral briefing to support committee hearings and produce reports to communicate committee findings. You will also support the Committee’s media and public engagement work. You will work closely with the MPs who chair and sit on the committee, as well as engaging with high-profile individuals and organisations in the public, private and third sectors within the Committee’s areas of interest.

It is crucial for this role that you can act, and be seen to act, in a politically impartial way. You are not likely to have line management responsibilities, but there may be opportunities to develop line management skills by mentoring and supervising other team members.

We operate a reserve list system. If you meet the required standard at interview but are not the top placed candidate, you may be considered for other Committee specialist or similar posts that emerge within the following six months. These may be generalist roles, rather than in a specific policy area.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Identify suitable people to speak to the Committee, prepare briefing material and questions for witnesses;
• Attend Committee events and meetings, and events relevant to its area of work;
• Conduct analysis of evidence, produce drafts of committee outputs, including correspondence, media and social media materials and, in particular, committee reports.
• Advising on possible subjects for the Committee to examine, including terms of reference and calls for evidence for inquiries,
• Providing advice during committee meetings

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Researches unfamiliar topics and rapidly acquires specialist knowledge using a range of sources, analyses this information and uses it to develop evidence-based conclusions or take evidence-based decisions.
• Explains complex information clearly, impartially, and succinctly to non-specialist audiences, orally and in writing.
• Has a detailed knowledge and understanding of one or more areas of transport policy, with recent relevant policy, research, practical or scrutiny experience and knowledge of the roles of key individuals and organisations in the field.
• Builds and maintains a broad range of effective working relationships using strong interpersonal, teamwork and negotiating skills. Promotes equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Plans and prioritises their own work or activities in a flexible way to meet strict deadlines and achieve high standards of quality.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £41,340, House of Commons contributes £11,161 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-3 in the Job Description. 

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.