View Vacancy – Science and Innovation Officer (SIN) (RUS20.417)

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Moscow is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic, consular and prosperity interests overseas and is now looking for a new Science and Innovation Officer.

The UK is a global leader in science and innovation. The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is based in over 40 countries/territories around the world, engaging with the local science and innovation community in support of UK policy overseas and creating strategic relationships to harness the value of science and innovation discoveries and investments overseas.

As part of SIN , and sitting within the Embassy’s Climate, Science and Economics Section, the successful candidate will work on some of the Embassy’s key priorities in Russia.

The job-holder will lead on work in the area of health and life sciences, monitoring developments in Russia and working to expand the Embassy’s network of health and life science contacts. They will work closely with others in the Embassy and the wider SIN network, including the SIN Europe Thematic Lead for Health & Life Sciences, to deliver priority objectives in this area – including, in the immediate term, working to support the Embassy’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The job-holder will have a key part in delivering the SIN country business plan for Russia, and will take a leading role in organizing events, visit programmes and projects, as well as working to support delivery of the SIN Russia team’s communications.

The successful candidate should be: able to quickly develop in-depth knowledge of the area, building on their existing expertise; an efficient self-starter able to meet tight deadlines and take initiative, with strong attention to detail; prepared to work flexibly as priorities shift depending on current situation and needs; and also be prepared to travel domestically and internationally when it is safe and permitted to do so.

Main responsibilities

• Lead on monitoring the areas of health and life sciences, responding to key developments in science and innovation policies and programmes, preparing thorough, timely and concise reports;
• Deepen knowledge of thematic areas of responsibility and proactively expand network of contacts in government, business, universities, and public research organisations in the UK and Russia to support SIN and Embassy objectives. Particular focus is on expanding an already existing network in health and life sciences;
• Work collaboratively across teams to share expertise and contribute to delivery of key Embassy priorities – including, in the immediate term, supporting the Embassy’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic;
• Contribute to a programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at facilitating scientific collaboration between the UK and Russia and enhancing visibility of UK’s science excellence and innovation capacity. Support head of SIN Russia team in delivering this work and engage SIN regional teams, as necessary, to aid delivery, ensure value for money and timely reporting;
• Support head of SIN Russia team, and where necessary, SIN regional thematic lead on Health and Life Sciences, on the development and delivery of projects under the SIN team’s thematic priorities involving Russia;
• Support Ministerial and senior official visits to Russia relating to bilateral science and innovation issues. Currently, these may be virtual rather than in-person visits;
• Support planning and delivery of the SIN team’s external and internal communications, both digital and traditional channels, to help raise the team’s profile and visibility;
• Support the wider work in the Embassy including providing surge capacity as necessary and engaging in corporate activities – sometimes outside normal work hours.

• Full professional proficiency in Russian and English, including excellent writing skills*  –  (C1-Effective operational proficiency or higher – according to CEFR Framework);
• At least a university Master’s degree;
• Ability to showcase in-depth understanding of Russia’s Health and Life Sciences sector as well as Russia’s higher education and science landscape;
• Ability to spot and pro-actively act on opportunities for collaboration and funding and engage relevant UK & Russia stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills – fluent in spoken and written English and Russian;
• Strong experience of writing with impact and some experience in delivering communications, including digital, –in the area of science;
• Ability to shift mentally between reactive and proactive work and preparedness to re-shift priorities at short notice;
• Ability to produce concise, timely and thorough reporting upon request;
• Ability to generate, develop and deliver projects, including administrative support, such as logistical arrangements, event management.