Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Science and Innovation
Main purpose of job:
To promote the UK as a global leader in Science and Innovation (S&I) and support the delivery of a series of projects designed to facilitate research & development collaborations (academic and business) between the UK and Australia that are mutually beneficial, enable post-pandemic economic recovery, support the UK’s science and innovation strengths, and identify opportunities that lead to investment in UK technology businesses. To establish and maintain relationships with key government, research body and investor decision-makers and policy influencers, in the UK and Australia. Outcomes will build on the existing strong partnership and joint research programmes, increased profile and visibility of UK S&I capabilities, new academic partnerships and commercial opportunities for the UK.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
The job holder will play a vital role in delivering an ambitious agenda of science and innovation cooperation between the UK and Australia, designing, planning and delivering activities that strengthen the UK science base and support growth and jobs in the UK. The job holder will support programmes in areas that are at the heart of the UK-Australia science and innovation relationship, with a focus on Space, AgriTech, Climate & Health and Emerging Technologies.
The job holder will need to engage influential stakeholders in both Australia and the UK across the innovation ecosystem and university landscape including academics, researchers, business leaders and Government. The job holder will need to manage activity budgets, administrative tasks, general marketing communications and reporting to meet strategic objectives under priority themes.
Core elements of the job include:
Project delivery: for key sectors of the Science and Innovation relationship with Australia, event coordination and other forms of administration and support as required by the Head of the UK Science and Innovation Network in Australia. The job holder will build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the governments, research and innovation systems of both countries.
Public diplomacy: including promotional campaigns and activities that help highlight UK science and innovation strengths, capabilities and priorities. These may involve preparation of media and social media messages and articles, public lectures, and panel discussions.
Administration: Management and general reporting on programme budgets, spending budgets, contacts, and events.
Reporting: the job holder will need to build an understanding of Australia’s research and innovation strengths, as well as be up to date on related current affairs in Australia; provide analysis and reporting which informs UK policy and commercial objectives, and produce high quality and tailored briefings as required.
Essential on arrival:
- A degree, and/or evidenced relevant professional experience
- Proven understanding and interest in science and innovation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills (the job requires writing high quality briefings, as well as the ability to provide oral briefings to senior stakeholders)
- Strong stakeholder management skills/experience
- Project/ programme/ financial management experience
- Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent
- Knowledge and experience of Australia’s research and innovation system, institutions and priorities (in relevant sectors)
- Knowledge and experience of the UK’s research and innovation system, institutions and priorities (in relevant sectors)
Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
5 September 2021
B3 (L)
Fixed Term, Full-time
38
6 months
Asia Pacific
Australia
Canberra
British High Commission
1
AUD 77,739 per annum + annual leave loading and 11% superannuation
18 October 2021
Salary is at AUD 77,739 per annum + annual leave loading and 11% superannuation
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The Australia network offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including job-specific training as necessary and broader learning linked to the FCDO Diplomatic Academy. There are opportunities to job-shadow other staff, and the successful applicant will be encouraged to take part in broader British High Commission’s activities. The British High Commission is committed to providing all staff with learning and development (L&D) opportunities and we will work with you to develop your own L&D plan. As a temporary employee, it is unlikely that paid training or that which requires more than a few hours investment in time, will be provided
Appointment is subject to an AFP records check and UK security clearance.
Open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in Australia and candidates with local permit/right to work in Australia.
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to Australia local employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Working patterns:
The British High Commission supports flexible working, although the successful applicant would be expected to be available during core hour working between 1000 – 1600hrs, Mon – Fri. Working from Home is enabled through Firecrest Teams, but the successful applicant would ordinarily be expected to attend the office on no fewer than 3-days per week. A job-share has been considered, but for a temporary role, we’d expect the incumbent(s) to hit the ground running, which could only work with an already well established working partnership. Any deviation from this work pattern would need to be negotiated with the Line Manager before appointment.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and building a culturally diverse workplace. We actively encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Our culture of inclusion is underpinned by our excellent staff networks which cover disability, faith and belief, gender equality, social mobility, age, race, LGBT+, and how to be an ally.
Your application must be submitted before 23:55 AEST-Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC/ GMT +10) on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”
Applications must include a current CV.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time.
Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
Please check the application centre regularly for any update on your application.
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.