Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, high-performing team with strong senior-level importance within the British Consulate Guangzhou and across the HMG China Network. This role sits within the China Science and Technology Network (STN) led from Beijing, and is part of a global network. The STN is comprised of 130 staff in over 65 locations and promotes UK scientific leadership, shapes global standards, and provides high quality insight to inform UK policy. STN focuses on strengthening economic growth through S&T, supporting responsible development of frontier technologies, driving clean energy and climate transitions, advancing global health and life sciences collaboration whilst reinforcing UK research and economic security. Its work helps ensure the UK can access cutting edge research, attract investment, and remain a trusted and influential global S&T partner. 

The UK Government is taking a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. The China Network is at the centre of improving the UK’s capability to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses.

We co-operate with China on issues such as climate, science, health, and as permanent members of the UN Security Council. This includes supporting UK business to engage with the second largest economy in the world while being open-eyed to risks and ensuring security and resilience. We compete with China in areas where we have different interests; and we challenge China’s activity where we must, to protect our national security and values. 

We are looking for someone with a passion for science, technology, and innovation who thrives in a rapidly changing environment. The jobholder will play a vital role in building a network in priority HMG areas across the Greater Bay Area innovation ecosystem, a dynamic cluster home to world-leading Tech firms including Huawei, Tencent, BYD, and important research institutes. You will work with leading universities, research institutes, and industry to shape engagement in support of UK science and technology objectives. You will horizon scan and manage relationships proactively, proposing opportunities for engagement for China Network seniors and STN colleagues across the China Network. You will work closely with Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Political and Outreach colleagues in support of high-profile visits. This is a new role, and a priority will be delivering impactful engagement, building and maintain networks, and reporting on the local S&T landscape. 

The British Consulate-General Guangzhou covers six provinces in South China, one of China’s most dynamic and strategically important regions, including the Greater Bay Area, ranked the world’s leading S&T cluster in 2025. The role involves regional travel to engage stakeholders and support delivery of STN priorities. As a key role in the STN China Network it also involves travel to Beijing.

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

The job holder will spend 80% of their time on STN priorities. We recognise the wider work of the Consulate and anticipate that the job holder will spend around 20% of their time on more regional Consulate priorities.

Science & Technology Reporting and Engagement Support (35%)

Support the UK-based STN officer in maintaining a strong network of contacts across universities, research institutes, government bodies, and industry in South China. Support engagement with these stakeholders to help promote UK strengths in science, technology, and innovation. Contribute to the production of clear, timely reporting and analysis on the South China S&T landscape, monitoring developments and identifying relevance for UK interests across areas including Climate, Healthcare, Biodiversity, and emerging technologies.

Stakeholder and Relationship Support (25%)

Support the day-to-day management of stakeholder relationships, helping to maintain regular contact with key partners and identify opportunities for engagement. Provide administrative and coordination support to ensure effective communication and follow-up with external contacts.

Visits, Dialogues and Engagement Support (20%)

Support the organisation and delivery of S&T-related visits, meetings, and dialogues. This includes contributing to briefing materials, coordinating logistics, and supporting post visit follow-up and reporting to ensure alignment with STN and China Network priorities.

Consulate Events and Corporate Support (15%)

Support the delivery of the British Consulate-General Guangzhou’s corporate and representational objectives, including assisting with major events such as the King’s Birthday Party and other high-profile engagements. Contribute to cross-Consulate activity, including support to senior visits with S&T elements.

Wider Consulate and Team Support (5%)

Provide flexible support to wider Consulate priorities, contributing to regional objectives and working collaboratively across teams.

Language requirements: 

English and Chinese (expert in written, spoken and listening)

•Fluent English and Chinese language skills. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in both languages. The jobholder must be capable of producing clear, accurate and engaging briefings. 
•Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate complex technical information into insight. 
•Ability to produce clear, concise, high-quality written reporting that is structured, balanced, and actionable. 
•Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines in a fast-moving environment. 
•Ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders, including technical experts, academics, and policy officials, and to communicate confidently across different professional and cultural contexts. 
•Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage own workload effectively while contributing to wider team objectives.