High Speed Rail Policy Manager Phase 2B

The Department for Transport currently have up to four exciting opportunities for ambitious and organised individuals to work at the heart of Government and on the biggest infrastructure project in Europe.

We have up to four exciting opportunities for Grade 7 Policy Managers, working in a fast-paced project environment: leading the teams developing plans for HS2 in the North West and South Yorkshire (two roles) and leading on the HS2 Phase 2b environmental impact policy, as part of the Bill to lay before Parliament (one role)

The roles contain three core elements:
1. Sponsorship of HS2 Ltd and Network Rail work. Sponsorship involves setting clear requirements for our partners to deliver against and ensuring quality outcomes. For the NPR role this is done on a co-clienting basis with Transport for the North (TfN).
2. Advising ministers. Evaluating and supplementing the analysis produced by delivery partners, to establish policy options and recommendations to ministers.
3. Building external relationships. Working with sub-national transport bodies, local authorities, national Non-Governmental Bodies and others to build support for HS2, minimise adverse impacts and maximise its benefits.

These roles will suit those with a proven track record of developing ideas and plans for delivering them, and applying sound judgement. You will need to influence colleagues at all levels and effectively manage numerous pieces of work, so excellent organisational and communication skills are essential.

You can expect your key responsibilities to include, but not be limited to:

• leading a small team, which could consist of SEO and HEO and EO colleagues;
• building effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including HS2 Ltd, TfN, Network Rail, local partners, legal experts, environmental groups, colleagues in other areas of DfT and across Whitehall;
• providing briefings to senior managers and Ministers

Monthly travel within Britain is likely to be required.

About you

You will have experience of developing policy and the ability to work in a fast-paced project environment. You have strong communication skills and the ability to lead with confidence is essential. You see the value in building strong networks, both across teams and beyond the organisation, to support you in your role.

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.

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.

Competencies

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

• Leading and communicating
• Seeing the big picture
• Delivering at pace
• Building capability for all
• Making effective decisions
• Policy - Evidence - developing and using a sound evidence base. Investigate, assess and advise on the political and practical implications of government policy using evidence and ideas from a wide range of sources to meet required outcomes

Civil Service Competency Framework

Benefits

Pensions
Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

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 basic security checks .

Nationality statement
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules .

If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using the Civil Service Competency Framework . Guidance on writing competency examples is available: A brief guide to competencies

When considering your experience, please tailor your CV and Personal Statement to provide evidence of when you have:
• clearly explained strategies and plans, and communicated purpose and direction with clarity and enthusiasm
• clarified business priorities, roles and responsibilities and secured individual and team ownership
• analysed and evaluated various data sources to identify pros and cons, and risks in order to make well-considered decisions
• drawn together and presented reasonable conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and complex evidence and data

The selection process will be designed specifically for the role. As a result, your assessment could include:
• an interview
• an interview with one or more exercises

Your interview may consist of a range of question types. These include questions about:
• what energises you at work
• 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.

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 .

Eligibility

Candidates in their probationary period are eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.

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.