Main purpose of job:

FCDO plays an important role in the delivery of the UK Prime Minister’s ambition for the UK to be a global science leader and innovation nation as set out in the Integrated Review. FCDO supports this vision by facilitating research collaboration to bolster national prosperity, security, and resilience by connecting UK academia, business, and other government departments to international partners to tackle global challenges and support HMG’s wider geo-political priorities. We work in partnership with the local science, technology and innovation (ST&I) community in support of UK policy overseas, leading to mutual benefits for the UK and the host country.

The global science network in the FCDO’s Research and Evidence Directorate (RED) is a unique component of the UK’s overseas footprint with 152 officers in 67 locations around the world providing ST&I expertise. Our global science network in Africa comprises eighteen colleagues in four locations. The network develops bilateral and regional ST&I relationships supporting UK diplomacy and development objectives. The network is composed of the Science and Innovation Network (SIN) and FCDO Research and Innovation Hubs (Hubs).

The post holder will join an international network, working with teams in East, West and Southern Africa to shape the portfolio of programmes aimed at accelerating the impact of promising new technologies and innovation in target countries across East Africa. He/She will support efforts to promote visibility and UK Government coherence on science, technology, research and innovation.  The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing new and strengthening existing science partnerships including strengthening technology and innovation systems in partner countries for development impact and diplomatic influence in the region.

The role will involve working flexibly across the Research and Evidence Directorate (RED) Hub network alongside the country offices across East Africa. You will bring exceptional technical and partnership skills and experience developing coherence and impact working with a broad spectrum of stakeholders within FCDO, across UK Government Departments and UK research institutions, and with our international science partners and Governments.

The postholder will be expected to work with country offices across the region to understand their evidence requirements and deliver research, evidence, and analysis to drive effective delivery in meeting HMG objectives in the region. The successful candidate will also be responsible for developing new and strengthening existing science partnerships including strengthening research and innovation systems in partner countries for development impact and diplomatic influence in the region.

1. Proven knowledge and experience of the role science, technology, research, and innovation can play in African development, particularly for East Africa. This may include understanding and experience in a technical area or more widely across development policy.
2. Practical experience of commissioning research and knowledge of research synthesis. Knowledge and experience of research and analytical methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative approaches. Experience of undertaking and applying research to address programme & policy questions.
3. Can engage internationally and across government on a cross-cutting agenda to help deliver UK Government objectives in the wider UK and international context and in developing productive relationships with other government departments and external partners to help deliver UK objectives.
4. Experience of working across stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including national and international partners.
5. Good communication skills and the ability to work with others to ensure complex ideas can be communicated to different audiences.
6. Experience of programme and/or project management and delivery.