Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Science and Innovation
The British Government in Germany is based at the British Embassy in Berlin and our consulates in Dusseldorf and Munich. We are part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. Currently, we’re looking for a part-time or full-time Science and Innovation Officer.
Science and Innovation (S&I) is at the heart of the UK Government’s strategy for prosperity and sustainable growth. The UK is already a global leader in S&I and we recognise that international partnerships are essential to maintaining our excellence, our reputation and our global competitiveness in these areas. Germany is a major global research power and vital partner for the UK across the breadth of UK interests.
The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) has approximately 100 officers around the world, with ~34 in Europe, tasked with building partnerships and collaborations which deliver policy, research or business outcomes against the SIN Global Strategy, benefiting both the UK and host country. The UK’s Integrated Review, the Plan for Growth and the PM’s Ten Point Plan have a strong S&I foundation which will guide and inform SIN’s future work in support of prosperity, sustainable economic growth and green recovery.
This is a key role in the SIN Germany team, working to the Head of SIN Germany, Austria and Switzerland on policy and project work, while proactively scoping and building the local contact networks the team needs to deliver against its priorities. The jobholder also works directly with economic and trade colleagues on prosperity issues, developing a coherent approach to prosperity work across the Economic and Global Issues Section in which SIN Germany sits.
The jobholder will become part of the British Government’s presence in Germany, supported and fostered by this country network. The role supports UK international S&I priorities and UK high global S&I rankings by:
- Contributing to delivery of the HMG S&I agenda across Germany,
- Strengthening the UK-Germany bilateral political relationship through S&I,
- Enhancing the reputation and reach of UK S&I in Germany.
All staff are expected to contribute to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and to support the Embassy’s positive and inclusive working environment.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Policy reporting and analysis:
- Proactive and reactive reporting and analysis to UK government science and innovation leads on local S&I policy developments, including UK-Germany comparative information and insight;
- Drafting and maintaining standard briefing on the German science and innovation landscape;
- S&I policy advice to Embassy seniors and UK government leads, including Ministerial briefing.
Stakeholder engagement:
- Building strong networks across core policy and research organisations (e.g. the BMBF, research organisations, MdBs etc…) as well as prosperity and innovation contacts;
- Broader stakeholder outreach in priority thematic areas for SIN Germany (currently bilateral S&I partnership, climate, global health, emerging technologies);
- Harnessing networks to deliver information gathering, influencing, and high-impact projects;
- Supporting high-impact UK senior visits around S&I or prosperity (e.g. Ministers, senior officials).
Project delivery:
- With guidance from the Head of SIN Germany, design and deliver high-impact science and innovation projects, which enhance UK reputation in Germany, strengthen the UK-Germany bilateral relationship, and create other policy, research or commercial outcomes.
Learning & Development (L&D) and Corporate:
- Contribute to wider Germany network objectives and support a positive working environment;
- Undertake FCDO and SIN learning and development to further develop skills and competences.
This position could be based either at the British Embassy in Berlin or in the Consulate General in Dusseldorf, up to selected candidate preference.
- Fluent written and spoken English and German (minimum level required C1 under the CEFRL or equivalent*);
- Graduate degree in a science, research or innovation-linked discipline;
- Strong at using evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice;
- Strong team working and networking skills;
- Good knowledge of UK and German research and innovation systems;
- Good foreign policy awareness, particularly around Europe;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, showing confidence in dealing with senior contacts and colleagues, and in handling customers.
- Experience of working in an international policy environment;
- Experience of programme and project management;
- Knowledge and contact networks around one or more of SIN Germany’s current thematic priority areas (bilateral S&I partnership, climate, global health, emerging technologies (incl. quantum technologies, data science/AI, hydrogen).
Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace, Engaging Internationally
1 September 2021
B3 (L)
Fixed Term, Part-Time, Full-time
30/37.5
24 months
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Germany
Berlin
British Embassy
1
€48,864 gross per annum rising to approx €54,889 gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (30h part-time, full-time adjusted accordingly; Salary is not negotiable)
1 October 2021
This is a part-time position of 30 hours or full-time position of 37.5 hours per week, for a contract period of two years.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Berlin are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.
The British Embassy in Berlin has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the Embassy’s positive working environment.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.
Information due to COVID-19:
- You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption;
- Interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action;
- Starting date may be delayed depending on circumstances at the time and it will be agreed with the selected candidate.
*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /in your cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.