Main Purpose of Job:

The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is a network of over 120 officers based at more than 60 locations around the world. At the British Embassy Tokyo, the SIN team sits in the Science, Innovation and Digital team, within the Economic Diplomacy Directorate and collaborates widely across the British Embassy Tokyo and the British Consulate-General Osaka. The goal of the Japan SIN team is to help the UK to become a Science & Tech Superpower by 2030.

This position is a leadership role at the forefront of the work of the British Embassy to facilitate UK-Japan science, innovation and tech collaboration. The specific science or technology topics at any point will vary depending on UK Government priorities, and can cover the full spectrum of natural, life, medical, physical and social sciences and their technology applications. Our current priority science and technology areas of focus are set out in the UK Science and Technology Framework. 

This role promotes science and innovation collaboration between the UK and Japan, requiring leadership and management skills, knowledge of the UK and Japan ecosystems to advise government and academics in line with UK policy, competence and creativity in planning and delivering key projects and events, and communication skills in briefing UK Representatives and Ministers. The successful candidate will represent the UK at meetings and events, build relationships with external stakeholders, and proactively seek out collaborations with other organisations to support the UK Government’s objectives on science and technology.

What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:

Facilitate UK-Japan science and innovation collaboration in priority research and technology fields

• Lead the development and management of relationships with government ministries, agencies and research performing organisations in the UK and Japan.
• Coordinate visit programmes and briefing packs for UK Ministers and representatives.
• Develop and regularly update the annual SIN Japan Delivery Plan in collaboration with other teams, keeping it in line with current priorities for FCDO and UK Government.
• Ensure that all activity is in line with our delivery plan, the UK-Japan Joint Committee on Science and Technology, UK national R&D strategies, and multilateral engagement requirements.

Collaborate widely to deliver joint objectives on small business innovation and tech investment

• Negotiate with UK Government Departments and Japanese Ministries and organisations to deliver impactful joint business-innovation activity.
• Facilitate opportunities for information sharing, relating to UK technology-based exports to Japan, and promote the UK as a highly innovative destination based on scientific excellence and technological expertise.

Coordinate regular information sharing and reporting

• Respond to regular central commissions and ensure the team can effectively analyse Japan’s policies and news to identify and highlight opportunities and lessons.

Contribute to the wider work of the Japan network and the SIN Network

• Take an active role in the Embassy’s crisis response plan and in crisis exercises.
• Dedicate time to a corporate role in the Embassy to support the smooth running of the workplace community and its corporate functions.
• Participate in the regional SIN network community to facilitate information-sharing and collaboration across SIN in the Asia-Pacific region.

Team leadership

• Line manage a team of least three Science and Innovation Officers, motivating and supporting their development and performance.
• Engender a dynamic team culture centred on knowledge, confidence and clarity of direction empower others to operate effectively in delivering a high volume of visits, events and meetings.
• Oversee the efficient spend of all allocated budgets and generate proposals for additional funding in line with business plans.

Resources Managed (Staff and Expenditure):

• The role will directly line manage at least one member of staff, with responsibility for a team of at least three members of staff. This role will have access to programme funding to support specific projects; expenditure will be bid for on a case-by-case basis.

• Motivation, creativity and adaptability to respond to changes in government and business context
• Ability to set, communicate and deliver strategic direction
• At least two years’ experience in leading and managing teams
• Experience handling technical (e.g. scientific / financial) information
• At least two years’ experience working with either UK or Japanese ministries, funding agencies, or research-related organisations
• At least two years’ experience in international or inter-governmental relations
• Strong written and spoken communication skills
• Proficient computer literacy
• Evidenced interest in science, innovation and technology and international cooperation

Language Requirements: 

• English fluency
• Level of language required: Fluent English (IELTS band 7 or TOEIC 875 points or above or equivalent), with experience of working in an English speaking environment