Science and Innovation Adviser - Urgent

Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will play an important role in promoting the UK as a global leader in Science, Innovation and Technology, and support the delivery of our Research Science and Innovation partnership with New Zealand. Focus areas will evolve over time, so flexibility and willingness to adapt are essential. The job holder will administer and support programmes and collaborations that are mutually beneficial, supporting and promoting the UK’s science and innovation strengths. 

As part of this they will draft reports on New Zealand Research, Science and Innovation (RSI) activities, and develop relationships with government, research body and investor decision-makers and policy influencers, in the UK and New Zealand. They will provide effective policy, event and administrative support, collaborating with and where necessary covering for colleagues. 

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

The job holder will be part of the UK Government’s Science and Innovation Network (SIN) - co-owned by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. SIN works internationally to promote UK science and innovation and drive partnerships between the UK’s academic, business and government’s research and development capacity and our host countries, among which New Zealand is a priority.

The job holder will play a vital role in an ambitious agenda of cooperation, designing, planning and delivering activities that strengthen the UK science base, the international impact of UK research and development, and support growth and jobs in the UK. They will support programmes in areas that are at the heart of the UK-New Zealand RSI relationship. Currently this is focussed on emerging technologies such as Quantum Technology, in addition to work on AgriTech, Aerospace Technologies, Climate Change and Engineering Biology. Outcomes will build on partnerships and joint research programmes, increased profile and visibility of UK capabilities, new academic partnerships and commercial opportunities. The job holder will need to be flexible to work on new areas and to support new opportunities for collaboration.

Reporting on RSI activities is a valuable activity for this role. The successful candidate will engage stakeholders in both New Zealand and the UK across the innovation community including academics, researchers, business leaders and Government. The jobholder will source information and draft briefings to assist the Lead Adviser, Science and Innovation and in supporting colleagues locally and in the the UK to make well informed policy decisions  . 

Core elements of the job include:

• Administration: Administering programme budgets, contracts, and events. Supporting and advising senior staff, especially the Lead Adviser, Science and Innovation.
• Programme delivery: Supporting the Lead Adviser, Science and Innovation in programme management and delivery, including event and visit coordination. At the High Commission the SIN team manages a range of programmes of RSI collaboration, including scoping visits, convening events, and support to research collaborations. The post holder will manage such projects including dealing with stakeholders, overseeing narrative reporting, issuing contracts, administering budgets within delegated authority limits, and making payments.
• Policy work and reporting: The job holder will help develop the UK’s policy on Research, Science & Innovation (RSI) in New Zealand. To do this they will build an understanding of New Zealand’s RSI interests, and be up to date on related current affairs in New Zealand. They will support the Lead Adviser, Science and Innovation in providing analysis and reporting which informs UK policy and commercial objectives, including drafting high quality and tailored briefings and advice as required.
• Stakeholder management: The job holder will maintain and develop positive working relationships with counterparts in governments, research organisations and companies in UK and New Zealand, promoting UK interests and policy priorities.
  Communications: Supporting 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 about UK-New Zealand collaborations, as well as participating in public events.

We have a culture of working together to build a positive working culture and environment in the UKinNZ network and you will be encouraged to make a small contribution to that. At a time of crisis, you may also be asked to contribute to work on issues outside of your business area.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

The job holder will manage activity budgets, administrative tasks, marketing communications and reporting to meet strategic objectives. 

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Fluent written and spoken English
• Project/ programme/ financial management experience
• Relevant professional experience
• Proven understanding of and interest in science, innovation and technology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Stakeholder management skills/experience

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Relevant qualifications
• Knowledge and experience of New Zealand’s research, innovation and technology systems, institutions, and priorities
• Knowledge and experience of the UK’s research, innovation and technology systems, institutions, and priorities

Please submit your application through our website at FCDO Tal Net (Country-Based Staff Vacancies). Deadline of application is on 28 May 2024, 23:55.