Main purpose of job:

The UK is a global leader on science and technology. Canada is one of the UK’s closest partners and collaborators, as we both try to push technological boundaries to fight climate change, drive economic growth and provide global public goods.

The British Consulate General in Vancouver is looking for a dynamic individual to join the UK’s global Science & Innovation Network (SIN) as the Head of Science and Innovation in British Columbia. This is a stretching role that provides a bridge between the UK and Canada’s science and technology ecosystems. You will help ensure that the UK continues to be the partner of choice on science and innovation for Canada and catalyse research collaborations on areas critical to the UK’s future. These areas include responsible development of emerging technologies such as AI, quantum and bioengineering, as well as science and technology for climate action – but your focus will evolve in response to opportunities, Government policies and priorities, and the state of the art in science and technology. Similarly, you may be required to engage on policy issues relating to science and technology such as climate policy, biodiversity or global health. A taste for variety and the agility to switch between fields and quickly work out how to add value will be more useful than a specialism in any particular field.

You will spot connections and opportunities; contribute to the UK Government policy-making process; conceive, lead and deliver projects and events; convene and build networks in both countries; organise and oversee high-level visits from UK VIPs; represent the Consulate General and the UK Government; all to strengthen UK-Canada relationships between Governments, regulators, research institutions, funders, accelerators, Indigenous partners and private-sector innovators.

You will report directly to the Consul General in Vancouver and work with the small Vancouver Consulate General team, including collaborating with colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade and Media & Public Affairs team. You will also be part of the wider virtual SIN team across Canada, with colleagues based in Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

The core objective of this position is to represent the UK’s science and innovation interests across British Columbia.

The objectives of the UK Government’s Science and Innovation Network are to:

• Connect the UK and Canadian science and technology ecosystems;
• Inform UK government policy related to science and innovation, based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges in Canada;
• Stimulate strategic science collaborations that benefit both the UK and Canada while delivering wider policy goals;
• Communicate and demonstrate UK leadership in science and technology;
• Harness international technology partnerships, science collaboration and investment to the benefit of UK, Canadian and global prosperity.

You will work in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats and country-based staff operating across the “UK in Canada” network. This network provides a platform for multiple UK Government departments and agencies to conduct their work here. As part of the small Vancouver Consulate team, you will also be expected to support the wider priorities, working culture and corporate management of the Consulate.

The UK in Canada Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, benefits package and a strong learning and development offer. It also promotes a culture of flexibility, which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working and flexible hours, where business needs allow. You will be expected to attend the Consulate in person at least 3 days per week, and the role involves occasionally attending events outside normal working hours as well as occasional travel.

Roles and responsibilities: 

• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and ambitious working culture.
• Cultivate a strong understanding of science and innovation strengths, policies and networks across British Columbia. Provide accurate and detailed information to inform the UK government and other partners.
• Proactively seek and stimulate opportunities for high-value collaboration to benefit the UK. Engage on policy issues related to science and technology from time to time, as required.
• Influence locally to promote UK interests as they pertain to a broad range of science and innovation sectors and topics across British Columbia. Priority areas currently include: emerging technologies such as next generation AI, Quantum tech, and synthetic biology; climate science, energy research and cleantech.
• Provide pan-Canada leadership on a priority science and technology file, developing action plans with colleagues across Canada. Support other colleagues’ leadership and action plans in return.
• Compile and contribute to reports and briefings for UK stakeholders, including: Senior UK scientists, UK policy makers, Government Ministers and Parliament.
• Manage projects, visits and events (virtual and physical) relating to science and innovation. This may include organising meetings and visits for Government ministers, senior Departmental officials, representatives from science/innovation funding agencies, universities.
• Contribute to broader British Consulate-General and SIN Canada initiatives and programmes in support of UK interests, such as being part of the Consulate’s response to a crisis affecting British Nationals. Seek areas of overlap where science and innovation work can support others’ priorities too.

Resources managed:

You will be encouraged and expected to develop project proposals with budgets in the CA$10,000s This role does not currently have line management responsibilities.

Essential on arrival:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build and maintain senior, diverse networks and influence others, including members of the public, science community, and senior government officials;
• Able to broker and inspire partnerships and collaborations;
• Committed and enthusiastic about the role of science in policymaking, science diplomacy, and its increasing role in international affairs.
• Scientifically and technologically literate, analytically capable, and able to range across a variety of topics;
• Consistent and positive contributor to team culture who includes and invests in those around you; and
• Committed to your own learning and development and relish new challenges and variety.
• A self-starter who brings people along with them, adapting direction as needed.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience. Fewer years of experience would be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional experience.

Must have the legal status to live and work in Canada.