Main purpose of job:

The British Consulate-General in Toronto has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the UK’s global Science & Innovation Network (SIN) as the Head of Science and Innovation for Ontario in Toronto. This is a rewarding role that supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and Canada, ensuring the UK continues to be the partner of choice on science and innovation for Canada, and catalysing research collaborations on three areas critical to UK and international prosperity and security: responsible development of emerging technologies, biosecurity and global health, and science and technology geared to enabling climate action.

The Prime Minister has set the goal for the UK to be a science and technology superpower by 2030, building on the UK’s scientific excellence and leading innovative edge. Collaboration with Canada, one of our closest partners, is a key element in achieving this goal. This role is part of a network of SIN officers throughout Canada coordinated by the British High Commission in Ottawa. You would report directly to the Consul General for Toronto, working with colleagues locally in the Department for Business and Trade, and Media & Public Affairs team. You will be part of the wider virtual SIN team across Canada, to identify and create opportunities for UK science and innovation.

The core objective of this position is to represent the UK’s science and innovation interests across Ontario. This is one of the most vibrant Science and Tech ecosystems in North America with the Toronto-Waterloo corridor second only to Silicon Valley in the number of tech start-ups. The area has world-leading capabilities in AI, Quantum, life sciences and advanced manufacturing; as well as a global top 20 University of Toronto. 

The objectives of the UK Government’s S&I network are to:

• Influence the science and innovation policies of Canadian government bodies, industry and academia to benefit the UK;
• Inform UK government policy related to science and innovation, based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges in Canada;
• Stimulate strategic science collaborations to benefit the UK and deliver wider policy goals;
• Harness international technology partnerships and investment to the benefit of UK and global prosperity.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have proven research and analytical experience, capable of ranging across a variety of topics;
• Demonstrate the ability to broker/catalyse partnerships and collaborations;
• Show strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Be committed and enthusiastic about the role of science in policymaking, science diplomacy, and its increasing role in international affairs.

In this role, you would be working 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. 

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, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Cultivating a strong understanding of S&I strengths across Ontario in order to proactively seek and stimulate opportunities for high-value collaboration to benefit the UK.
• Responsibility for influencing and promoting UK interests as they pertain to a broad range of S&I sectors and topics across Ontario, with particular regard for SIN’s priority areas: emerging technologies such as next generation AI, Quantum tech, and synthetic biology; climate science, energy research and cleantech; and Global Health.
• Providing accurate and detailed information on policy, best practice and horizon-scanning in science, technology and innovation to inform the UK government and other partners;
• Compiling and contributing to reports and briefs for UK stakeholders, including: Senior UK scientists, learned societies, UK policy makers, Government Ministers and Parliament;
• Managing projects, visits and events (virtual and physical) relating to science and innovation (including organising meetings and visits for Government ministers, senior Departmental officials, representatives from science/innovation funding agencies, universities);
• Contributing to broader British Consulate-General and SIN Canada initiatives and programmes in support of UK interests.

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. 

• Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, science community, and senior government officials;
• Strong evidence based analytical approach to thinking;
• Excellent (and demonstrable) written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences;
• Thorough understanding of Canadian science and innovation policy, including an appreciation of the government and constitutional landscape.
• Highly motivated, organised, and resourceful;
• Effective team player with leadership skills;
• Reliable, positive and flexible to new situations and ways of working;
• A self-starter who brings people along with them, learning and adapting direction as needed.
• At least 3 years of experience in a science, innovation, or related field from an academic, government, or corporate background. Fewer years of experience would be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional, relevant experience.

Applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Canada

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent