Who are we

The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is now looking for a Science and Technology Officer, based in Berlin.

We aim to be a diverse and inclusive employer, welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The senior leadership is committed to ensuring that we are a supportive and fair place to work. The Germany Network values are kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility. These values guide how we work on a daily basis, and all staff must adhere to them. 

Main purpose of job:

The UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN) is at the forefront of fostering global science partnerships and advancing science through diplomacy.  The Science and Technology Network in Germany aims to facilitate and strengthen science and technology collaboration between the UK and Germany across governmental, academic and industry levels. The role starts at an exciting time, coming soon after the signing of a historic Bilateral Treaty between the UK and Germany. 

The postholder will spearhead our work in strategic policy domains, such as AI, quantum and semiconductors, while helping drive forward our mission across all priority areas with the team across Germany. The postholder will also work as Deputy Head of STN Germany, working closely with the Regional Manager  for Germany, Austria, Czechia and Switzerland, to lead the approach to our diverse calendar of events. They will also play a key role in engaging with funding opportunities and supporting in the delivery of our key government to government agreements.

Key Objectives:

• Deliver insights and analysis on emerging trends and opportunities for the UK in science, technology, and innovation;
• Recommend and advise the UK Government, senior embassy officials and London on how to capitalise on these opportunities for the benefit of the UK and UK citizens;
• Play a pivotal role in advancing priority policy areas under the UK-Germany Kensington Treaty;
• Lead the UK’s approach to select policy areas for Germany.

Roles and responsibilities: 

• Driving S&T collaborations: Identifying and realising opportunities for S&T collaboration through implementing the UK’s International Technology Strategy in Germany and the UK-Germany Strategic S&T Partnership.
• Deputy Team Leader: Line manage one staff member, play a key role in annual strategic business planning, bid for and effectively utilise strategic funding opportunities to further our S&T aims and help to ensure the successful delivery of key G2G agreements.
• Support the British Ambassador: Assist the British Ambassador in their engagement on science and technology with high-level stakeholders across Germany.
  Network Building: Establish and maintain contacts in government, research organisations, universities and businesses in the UK and Germany to support STN and Network objectives.
• Reporting and analysis: Share regular reports and insights on German science and technology policies, programmes and investments with the STN and Germany networks and key contacts in UK Headquarters.
  Cross Germany Network collaboration: Build productive partnerships with teams across the Network on priority areas for the UK.
• Visit Coordination: Support ministerial and senior official visits to Berlin and surrounding areas by identifying contacts, coordinating meetings, and providing briefings.
• Programme Leadership: Lead bilateral projects, visits, events, and activities to enhance the visibility of UK science excellence and innovation.
• Business Planning: Support annual strategic business plans.
• Commercial Insight and Support: Provide commercial insights and policy advice to DBT, DSIT and other UK government teams to help shape trade and investment strategies in science and technology sectors.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*)
• Experience of working with policy delivery
• Demonstrable interest in science and technology
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a strong and reliable network of external contacts
• Self-Starter – ability to work well on own initiative and to deliver to deadlines, both individually and as part of a team
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills
• Very good IT skills, especially MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel