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.

• 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.