Senior Assistant Economist: Transport Appraisal

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 If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

This role is open to existing members of the Government Economics Service (GES) or those meeting the minimum requirements to join this profession.

• Have studied both macroeconomics and micro-economics
• 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.
• 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

🕒 Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

💷 Salary: £44,241 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

• 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.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.