tendersglobal.net
View Vacancy – SRR – Science and Innovation Adviser (EO)
/*generated inline style */
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
/*generated inline style */
Science and Innovation
/*generated inline style */
The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Science and Innovation Adviser, job grade Executive Officer (EO) under the Science and Technology Network, on a fixed term contract of one (1) year with possibility of renewal.
The UK Science and Technology Network (STN) is the British Government’s organisation for international science diplomacy, using the UK’s excellence in science and innovation to develop partnerships and collaborations that support UK prosperity and help tackle global challenges. STN is jointly funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) with more than 130 staff based in over 65 locations worldwide, including the STN Gulf team.
The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain) are investing heavily in research capacity as they seek to diversify and build their knowledge based economies. In addition to British Embassy and wider FCDO/DSIT objectives, the STN Gulf team has already identified significant opportunities for the UK research base to engage beneficially with Gulf research institutions in priority research sectors and is looking to extend its coverage both in the region, and with UK institutes and businesses. The Science and Technology Adviser in Saudi Arabia must work as part of the wider STN Gulf team, ensuring they continue to promote the UK as the partner of choice for research, development and innovation across Saudi Arabia.
The role will encompass the following:
- Support the UK relationship with Saudi research, development and innovation bodies, while taking specific responsibility for key sectors.
- Support the coordination, planning and delivery of programme funded scientific focused initiatives in Saudi Arabia, including working with project implementers to track progress against reporting requirements and performance indicators.
- Report on Saudi trends, policy and funding in the areas of research, science and innovation.
- Lead on delivery of science & technology workshops, conferences and receptions.
- Work with UK partners; UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Office for Life Sciences (OLS), British Council and others to deliver wider UK growth and prosperity objectives.
- Lead on KSA and STN Gulf regional communications to promote our vibrant, creative and ambitious science and innovation partnerships to a wide range of target audiences.
- Support STN Country Lead to deliver bilateral visits e.g. UK government officials, scientists etc.
- Support VIP visits – Work with STN Country Lead to help curate programmes that incorporate engagement with a range of high level, diverse thought leaders and influencers to promote our bilateral scientific partnership.
- Provide regional logistical support to STN Country Leads in the region for key visits and events.
- Support wider embassy corporate objectives, including (but not limited to) active participation on internal committees.
- STN in Saudi Arabia manage a mix of programme budgets, including International Strategic Programme Funding, Gulf Strategy Fund, Tactical Fund, and Seed Fund. Annual budgets can exceed £2m. This role must work with the STN Country Lead and Regional Manger to ensure successful implementation and delivery.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, which would be at the discretion of the line manager or STN regional manager. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.
Key behaviours required:
- Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
- Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
- Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
- Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
/*generated inline style */
- BSc, BA or BEng in a relevant field.
- Experience working with finances and budgets.
- The ability to plan strategically and to see the bigger picture.
- The ability to deliver results under pressure.
- The ability to work quickly and reliably with attention to detail and with limited supervision.
- The ability to initiate and maintain a wide range of working relationships.
- The ability to work as part of a larger team.
- Strong presentation, communication, interpersonal and representational skills.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Strong IT computer skills – Understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
/*generated inline style */
- A scientific background, experience working with the research, academic or commercial scientific community of the Gulf region and/or UK, along with an understanding of the UK science and innovation landscape.
- Experience in project management and/or events management.
- Good spoken/written Arabic.
/*generated inline style */
Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
/*generated inline style */
20 May 2026
/*generated inline style */
Executive Officer (EO)
/*generated inline style */
Full-time, Fixed Term
/*generated inline style */
35
/*generated inline style */
12 months
/*generated inline style */
Middle East & North Africa
/*generated inline style */
Saudi Arabia
/*generated inline style */
Riyadh
/*generated inline style */
British Embassy
/*generated inline style */
1
/*generated inline style */
SAR
/*generated inline style */
12,656.00
/*generated inline style */
monthly
/*generated inline style */
2 August 2026
/*generated inline style */
Eligibility:
The position is available to Saudi nationals and to current holders of valid Saudi residence permits or transferable iqama. If you already have the right to work and reside in Saudi (iqama), you will be required to transfer your visa under the Embassy’s sponsorship.
Working hours and remuneration:
The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role.
Monthly salary details:
- Base Salary – SAR 9,725.00
- Housing Allowance – SAR 2,431.00 (subject to eligibility) *
- Travel Allowance – SAR 500.00 (subject to eligibility) *
- Total – SAR 12,656.00
*Allowances are not payable to staff who receive official provision for such expenditure in some other form. Spouses/ Dependants of UKBS officers working at the Embassy are not eligible to Housing or Travel Allowance.
No accommodation nor relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
This position is for a fixed term contract of one (1) year. The British Embassy Riyadh employs Country Based Staff in line with Saudi Labour Law.
This position is full-time, based on 35 hours per week. Normal working hours for the Embassy are from 08:00 to 15:00 from Sunday to Thursday, with core working hours from 10:00-15:00. Core working hours is the period of the day that employees are required to be at work. The working day outside of the core hours is a flexible period, which allows employees to choose when they work, subject to operational needs.
Please note that this position will involve travel within the Gulf region and to the UK. It will also involve representational duties including out of hour’s commitments (networking, receptions, and seminars).
The jobholder will be required to be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will be dictated by operational needs and may involve working out of hours (evening/ weekend) during visits and events. Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on operational requirements and agreement with the line manager, and in line with FCDO and Embassy policies.
Learning and development will include a mandatory induction visit to the UK.
The successful candidate will be subject to a 90-day probationary period.
The successful candidate will be required to transfer their iqama under the Embassy’s sponsorship.
/*generated inline style */
How to apply:
Interested candidates must include to their online application form 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV); 2) motivation essay, in the relevant sections of the online application form, stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and 3) specific examples, in the relevant sections of the online application form, of how you meet the key behaviours and skills required.
Applications that do not include this information will not be considered.
The closing date for applications is at 23:55 KSA local time on 20 May 2026.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Internal candidates (i.e., those who are currently employed by the British Embassy Riyadh/ British Consulate General Jeddah) applying for this position should consider informing their current line manager upon submission of their application.
Process:
The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around 2-3 months. The security clearance process includes checks available in country and in the UK, dependant on the security level required for the role and the candidate’s profile and UK footprint. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful at interview may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of six (6) months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
The start date mentioned in the advert is tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.
The FCDO operates an agile approach to delivery. To facilitate an agile workforce, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require. The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Saudi Arabia employment law.
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
To apply please copy and paste this link: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/candidate/jobboard/vacancy/1/adv/
To help us track our recruitment effort, please specify on the application form/indicate in your cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.
