Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£50,374 per annum

About the Role
Are you a policy-savvy problem-solver who enjoys variety in your work? Join the Transport Select Committee team as a Committee Specialist (Railways Policy) and help scrutinise Government policy and spending on rail. You’ll work directly with cross-party MPs in a fast-paced environment where today’s headlines can become this afternoon’s priorities.

You’ll lead the Committee’s railways portfolio—tracking rail reform, shaping inquiries, identifying expert witnesses, preparing concise briefings and lines of questioning for public hearings, and drafting high-impact committee reports and correspondence. You’ll also support media and public engagement activity and, as part of a small team covering the full Department for Transport remit, you may turn your hand to topics from aviation and maritime to electric vehicles and road safety.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Select Committees and the House of Commons Library, you’ll build stakeholder networks, keep the Committee plugged into developments across the rail sector, and help organise evidence sessions, visits and engagement events, potentially including overseas. Structured training, mentoring and on-the-job development will support you to thrive.

Alongside your salary, the House of Commons contributes £12,634 towards your membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Additional benefits include generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one year, flexible working options, enhanced parental and caring leave, and alternative working patterns to help balance personal and professional commitments.

Experience
Detailed understanding of rail policy issues and the roles of key organisations in the sector, demonstrated through relevant research, practical or scrutiny experience.
Proven ability to quickly master unfamiliar subjects using a range of sources and produce clear, evidence-based advice to tight deadlines.
Proven skill in building trusted relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, using interpersonal and negotiation skills to deliver positive outcomes and promote collaboration and inclusion.

About you
Confident in prioritising multiple tasks and adapting to changing circumstances to meet deadlines.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to produce clear, impartial writing and briefing for non-specialist audiences; outputs must be concise, accurate and persuasive.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated; relevant experience and skills in railways policy and research are essential.