An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Science and Innovation Network for the Baltic States, at the British Embassy in Tallinn.

Science and innovation are at the heart of the UK Government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. The UK is already a global leader in science and innovation. Within this, international partnership is essential to maintaining our excellence, our reputation and our global competitiveness. The three Baltic states are important EU partners for the UK in Europe.

The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) aims to strengthen the UK’s global leadership position on science and innovation and ensure we reap the benefits from this for the UK’s security and prosperity. We have approximately 100 officers in over 40 countries and territories around the world building partnerships and collaborations.

The jobholder is part of the UK presence in the three Baltic countries, and are responsible for building and developing the bilateral relationships between Estonia (33%), Latvia (33%) and Lithuania (33%) and the UK Ministries, academic institutions and organisations with an interest in science and innovation. 

The jobholder will provide insight into Baltic nations’ reactions to UK science related UK-EU relations objectives and react on request on Baltic science objectives related to the cooperation with the UK.  
Contribute to the UK’s security and prosperity and the bilateral relationship with the Baltic States by initiating mutually beneficial science and innovation collaboration on climate, science and the global health agenda.  

Roles and responsibilities:

You will work to shape and deliver the Science & Innovation Network and Embassy’s science, technology and innovation objectives for the Baltic States. 

The role is centred on engagement, delivery and insight, as per the key and additional responsibilities which follow, but the work is also varied and as such the day to day responsibilities may change over time:

• Build and maintain a wide network of contacts in government, research organisations, universities, businesses and think tanks in the UK and Baltics to support SIN and Embassy objectives and identify opportunities for engagement and bilateral cooperation;
• Share regular reporting and intelligence with the SIN, Baltic Network and key contacts in Whitehall;
• Support and drive work of the three British Ambassadors in the region, to embed Baltic engagement on science and innovation with key high-level stakeholders;
• Supporting the delivery of the UK’s International Technology Strategy across the Baltics and bilaterial partnerships such as the UK-Estonia Digital and Technology Partnership.
• Support Ministerial and other senior official visits to the Baltics relating to bilateral science and innovation issues, through identifying suitable contacts, coordinating meetings and providing relevant briefing;
• Working with other Embassy teams including political and Department of Business and Trade colleagues to deliver a one-HMG approach in meeting Embassy objectives.
• Lead in delivering a bilateral programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at enhancing the visibility of the UK’s science excellence and innovation capability and helping researchers achieve the full potential of scientific collaboration between the UK and the Baltics;
• Lead on business plans, ensuring they are strategic and fit for purpose;
• Show visible leadership within the SIN Nordic-Baltic Network and wider SIN Europe team, championing a thematic priority, identifying and creating opportunities for regional and international work as well as learning and development;
• Oversee delivery of business plan objectives throughout the year;
• Oversee SIN Baltic’s budget allocation and ensure good financial management;
• Inform UK international engagement with insight and analysis by proactively monitoring and regularly reporting key developments in Baltic science and innovation policies, programmes and investments, and preparing thorough, timely and concise reports;
• Be proactive in identifying opportunities for the work of the SIN to contribute to the delivery of wider Embassies and Baltic Network priorities;
• Conduct independent research in response to requests from UK stakeholders for concise reports on specific aspects of science & innovation policies and programmes in the Baltics. Proactively communicate SIN priorities and activities to senior leadership and colleagues, ensuring the Baltic Network is engaged and updated.
  

• Proficient level of written and spoken English (C1*);
• Master’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or similar;
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in science, innovation, technology and/or government policy;
• A self-starter, with the ability to organise self and work effectively;
• Ability to work effectively and supportively on shared objectives with colleagues;
• Networking skills;
• Understand and focus on customer needs;