View Vacancy - Science and Innovation Network (SIN) officer, B3 Sofia (BGR18.112)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Science and Innovation

The British Embassy in Bulgaria is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Science and Innovation Network (SIN) officer.

For the duration of UK EU exit negotiations, the main purpose of the job is to build and develop bilateral relationships between Bulgaria and UK Ministries, academic institutions and organisations with an interest in science and innovation (S&I). Provide insight into Bulgarian reaction to UK science related exit objectives. In cooperation with local British Council, Department of International Trade and the British Embassy in Sofia, support and build similar engagement with Bulgaria. Upcoming EU Presidencies will be a focus in both countries and also to contribute to ongoing UK economic growth and strong post-negotiation bilateral relationships with both Romania and Bulgaria by initiating mutually beneficial S&I collaboration with the UK.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Building Influence

  • Undertake a comprehensive stakeholder / sectoral mapping exercise to build a wide network of contacts in government, business, universities and public research organisations in Romania / Bulgaria, establishing the UK as a favoured science and innovation partner to support the Science & Innovation Network’s overarching objectives.

Influence

  • Develop a wide range of contacts in government, business, universities and public research organisations in the UK, Romania and Bulgaria to support Science and Innovation Network Central & Eastern Europe team overarching objectives. Be an active and informed SIN link to British Council and Department for International Trade (DIT) in Sofia, helping to harness their existing S&I contact networks in support of Her Majesty's Government S&I goals.

Corporate Responsibility

  • Support the wider work in the Embassy and SIN CEN Regional Manager including providing surge capacity and engaging in corporate activities.

Thematic, cross-cutting and programme delivery

  • Develop, deliver and contribute to a programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at facilitating collaboration in specific/generic policy area between the UK and Romania, or UK and Bulgaria, and enhancing UK innovation capacity. Support Regional Manager of Central and Eastern Europe team and engage country officers as necessary to aid delivery, ensure compliance and timely reporting.
  • Masters degree, or equivalent, preferably in science or engineering.
  • Relevant work experience in an international environment.
  • Enthusiastic about science and knowledgeable about key Romanian and Bulgarian science and innovation sectors.
  • Good understanding of innovation, and links between business and research.
  • A solid understanding of policy making and how governments work, including the EU.
  • A self-starter, with the ability to organise self and work effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; confidence in dealing with senior contacts and colleagues, and in handling customers.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Fluent oral and written English and Bulgarian.
  • Good IT skills.
27 March 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
36
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Bulgaria
Sofia
British Embassy
1
BGN
2427.56
15 April 2018

This is a full-time position of 5 days (36 hours net per week) for a fixed term contract of 2 years.

Monthly salary is 2427.56 BGN gross paid 13 times a year, staff are entitled to a 13th month salary pro rata and may receive a performance related bonus at year end.

The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background check and security clearance, and satisfactory completion of a probationary period.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to terms and conditions service according to Bulgarian employment law.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Bulgaria. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.