Can you build strong relationships across government and industry? Have you explained policy issues or areas for change in a simple, accurate way? Are you interested in working in a fast‑moving policy environment where your work can influence real‑world outcomes? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Transport plays a crucial role in connecting people across the country and is vital to our prosperity and quality of life. Transport is central to the UK’s growth agenda and ensuring that our transport network is secure and resilient is fundamental to the functioning of our economy and the wellbeing of our citizens and how we go about everyday life. The Maritime sector is a vital economic enabler for the UK – ports and shipping move85% of goods into and out of the country. It is estimated that in 2019 the sector directly supported just over £55 billion in business turnover, £18.7 billion in GVA and 227,100jobs for UK employees - more than the Air and Rail transport industries combined. Find out more about what it's like working at Policy opportunities at the Department for Transport - Department for Transport Careers This post sits within the Ports and Shipping Division within the Department for Transport’s Maritime Directorate. The Ports team is focused on streamlining the regulatory environment to attract inward investment into the UK and working across other government departments to deliver growth across the Ports sector. This is a dynamic team, working across a diverse portfolio, that is in the process of driving forward a number of policy and legislative improvement opportunities for the sector. This role will focus on championing port transport connectivity across Government and supporting the sector’s ability to influence decisions, as well as supporting Government and industry in investing in the port sector. In addition, the post holder will need to build strong relationships with industry to deepen understanding of issues and opportunities. Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to: 1. Undertaking or commissioning research, which involves capturing and analysing data and following political and economic developments. 2. Draft clear, concise policy papers, briefings, and submissions for Ministers and senior officials. 3. Clearly and accurately describing a problem or area for change, and possible solutions. 4. Develop expertise in a particular area, working with others who are experts in the field, to provide evidence-based information within a specific policy area. 5. Build and maintain positive relationships with a range of partners, including colleagues across the Civil Service and public sector and with organisations from the private sector. 6. Act as a key point of contact for your policy area, dealing with any problems or queries as they arise. 7. Handle press and public enquiries, working closely with the others including our Press Office to ensure accurate and timely responses are provided. For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process. Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .