Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will drive the UK’s position as a global leader in Science, Innovation and Technology, leading a range of policy and programme work to deliver our partnership with Australia.   Priorities will evolve over time, so flexibility and willingness to adapt are essential.  The job holder will lead thinking on policy development that will make the most of the UK’s advantages, driving change that will deliver economic growth and better jobs, through bold discoveries and new ways of working that make a real change.  They will develop science and tech policy through making best use of the levers at our disposal, including diplomacy and programmes.  They will create and develop relationships with government, research body and investor decision-makers and policy influencers.  They will inform and oversee programmes and collaborations that are mutually beneficial, supporting and promoting the UK’s science and innovation strengths, and creating opportunities for investment in UK technology businesses.  They will oversee event and administrative support, managing the EO Science and Tech Programme Officer, as well as collaborating with and where necessary covering for a wider range of colleagues in our High Commission and Consulates.  

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 Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and the 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 Australia 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-Australia ST&I relationship.  Currently this is focussed on emerging technologies such as Quantum, Engineering Biology and Artificial Intelligence (AI); in addition to work on Space, AgriTech, Clean Technologies and Cybersecurity.  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.

The successful candidate will engage stakeholders in both Australia and the UK across the innovation community including academics, researchers, business leaders and Government. The jobholder will provide regular briefings and advice to help senior managers locally and in the UK to make well informed policy decisions. 

Core elements of the job include:

Science and tech diplomacy:  The job holder will maintain and develop strong and sustainable working relationships with counterparts in governments, research organisations, international organisations, diplomatic missions and companies in UK and Australia.  They will develop those relationships to be mutually beneficial, with the capacity to support promoting UK interests and policy priorities.

Policy development: The job holder will develop thinking and strategies on aspects of science and tech in Australia, including proposing actions to enhance partnership and influence.  They will also build effective working relationships with other parts of the UK’s Australia network, especially the Department for Business and Trade, and our network on Consulates.  They will work with headquarters departments to build understanding and take forward policy interventions, informed by the regular reporting they will provide.

Managing resources: This position line manages a SIN colleague –EO Programme Manager.  This position is being recruited concurrently.  The HEO will set and monitor goals and performance, agree and monitor learning goals, and work to ensure the reportee is both effective and supported.  The job holder will also oversee and report on programme and administrative budgets.

Programme delivery:  The job holder will oversee programme management and delivery, including event and visit coordination.  Most day to day programme management will be done by the EO Programme Officer, but the HEO will set direction and provide support, as well as some administrative tasks such as approving payments. The SIN team manages a range of programmes of S&T collaboration, including scoping visits, convening events, and support to research collaborations.

Communications: Including developing and supporting promotional campaigns and activities that highlight UK science and innovation strengths, capabilities and priorities. These may involve preparation of media and social media messages and articles about UK-Australia collaborations, as well as participating and speaking at public events and conferences.  

Corporate: The job holder will be expected to contribute to the wider work of the mission.  This may include covering for other colleagues; leading on or participating in broader events; contributing to committees (eg learning and development; country-based staff association). 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

The job holder will line manage one member of staff (EO Programme Officer).  
They will also oversee programme budgets, administrative tasks, marketing communications and reporting to meet strategic objectives. 

• Relevant professional experience
• Relevant qualifications
• Proven deep understanding of science, innovation and technology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief senior staff
• Stakeholder management skills/experience and ability to influence

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent spoken and written