Passionate about social research and evaluation? 

Want to use your social research skills to help make the transport system better for everyone? 

If the answer to this question is 'yes', don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities at the Department for Transport (DfT).

Job description

Transport matters: it doesn’t just help people get around, it helps them get on 

That’s why the work of the Department for Transport is so important. Transport is part of all of our lives, and the Department knows that robust evidence is key to successful policy development and delivery. This is an exciting time to join DfT. We have an ambitious, challenging and innovative agenda to deliver. 

We are looking for two Senior Research Officers to join our growing team of Government Social Researchers (and as further posts may become available we aim to develop a merit list of candidates): 

• One post is available in the Roads Economics and Modelling team, which is part of the Roads, Places and Environment Group; 
• One post is available in the Rail Statistics & Research team, which is part of the multidisciplinary Rail Analysis Division within DfT’s Rail Group. 

As a researcher in one of these two roles, you will work directly with policy customers to deliver high quality research with real impact.
 

Responsibilities

Senior Research Officer, Strategic Roads 

This is a policy-facing role in a dynamic environment. It is well-suited to an experienced social researcher who enjoys applying their research and analysis skills to a variety of problems. The role holder will need think strategically about how evidence can be best used (or commissioned) and communicated in different situations. 

There are opportunities to develop skills in a range of research and evaluation methods (quantitative and qualitative), and you will lead on scoping the policy-need and designing and delivering projects, often through contractors. This role also has a particular need to work collaboratively with other teams and organisations 

We are a growing team of social researchers within REME, supporting a wide range of road-related policies, from the strategic road network, to new technology and road safety. You will help shape our future strategy and work, and lead on at least one policy or strategic area. REME social researchers have historically focused on evaluation. We are now also developing and expanding our work on behavioural science within the team, and there will be opportunities to shape and deliver projects on this. 

Senior Research Officer, Rail Group 

We are ambitious about growing the existing evaluation evidence base for rail, making it an exciting time to join the team in this new role. As an SRO in Rail Statistics, Research and Evaluation, you will work across both research and evaluation with a primary focus on supporting and developing the rail evaluation programme. You will have responsibility for designing and leading specific evaluation projects, as well as championing the role of evaluation across Rail Group by working closely with colleagues to provide expert evaluation advice and support. This will involve working on significant major projects such as the Thameslink and InterCity Express programmes, and developing evaluations for smaller passenger focused policy projects. 

Whether you come from a research or a research and evaluation background, the role will offer you exceptional opportunity for development and growth. 

The role could lead to line management although this will not be available initially. 

If you would like to read more about the roles and the teams you could be joining, please refer to the attached role profile document. 

About you 

You will have strong social research and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, advising policy makers on high profile national challenges. 

You will be a good team player and a networker, who feels comfortable working with stakeholders at all levels across the department. You will feel passionate about the work that we do and want your efforts to make a difference. 

About us 

We are part of the Department for Transport (DfT). DfT is a great place to work, and our ‘one team’ approach really makes a difference. We value our staff and that’s why we’re committed to nurturing an inclusive environment across the Department. 

You’ll be part of an innovative organisation that invests in all our people, ensuring we have the diverse skills to deliver transport that moves Britain ahead now and into the future. 

Find out more about what it's like working at the Department for Transport. 

DfT has been recognised for its leadership on workplace gender equality by being included in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2017. 

DfT’s inclusion is recognition of our commitment to make the Department a great place to work through our culture of equality and inclusivity and the great strides we’ve made to raise the number of women in senior positions.

Memberships

You will need to meet the minimum requirements for new Government Social Research members, which is one or more of the following: 

o Professional social research experience. 
o A first or second-class Honours degree with a 30% social research methods component
o A postgraduate qualification in social research 
o Another professional qualification (e.g. a Market Research Society qualification)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Government Social Research Competency Framework - Professional Expertise: technical skills – Senior Research Officer

Benefits Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.

Things you need to know Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

How to apply: 

When considering your experience, please tailor your CV/Personal Statement to provide evidence of when you have: 

• Worked with Policy customers to identify their research or evaluation needs; 
• Managed and delivered research and evaluation projects, understanding customer context and timescales; 
• Communicated complex information or analysis clearly both verbally and in writing; 
• Made assessments and recommendations for good use of evidence. 

The sift is due to take place w/c 05/09/19. 

Interview/assessment will be held between 17/09/19 and 18/09/19. 

We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates. 

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. Your assessment will include: 

• an interview 
• a timed written or oral exercise 
• The Government Social Research Knowledge Test (if you are not currently a member of GSR). A link to an example knowledge test is available here 

The Department for Transport alongside other Government Departments recruit using Success Profiles. This means for each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate in order to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. For further information on Success Profiles please click here 

Your interview may consist of a range of question types. These may include questions about: 

• what energises and motivates you 
• how you would manage situations relevant to the role 
• your previous experience 
• your professional skills and knowledge 

You’re encouraged to become familiar with the role profile, as you may be assessed against any of the criteria recorded within. 

Further Information 

We have adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the sift panel. 

We may hold a merit list for up to twelve months. During this time, if a similar role is identified and you have been placed on the merit list you may be considered for the post. Within the merit list period, your application form and selection information may be shared across the department and its agencies. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name :   Rebecca Harpley Email :   [email protected]   Recruitment team : Email :   [email protected] Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here (https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/) to visit Civil Service Commission