View Vacancy - CGZ - Science & Innovation Officer, A2 (L)

Main purpose of job:

In line with the Science and Innovation Network overall objectives, the A2 Science and Innovation officer will be expected to support the Head of Science and Innovation Network in administrative tasks, general research, event support, and project management. You will also act as the enquiry point for the team for internal and external contacts and coordinate with other teams as required to ensure smooth day to day running of team and sector activities.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve

From high-speed trains to inflatable incubators, shaking hands with robots and learning the latest science and technology development, a job in the UK Government’s global Science and Innovation Network is never dull. Made up of 100 staff based in British Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, the network helps build research and innovation partnerships with more than 40 countries around the world.

The successful applicant will need to be a good self-starter, not afraid to deal with some senior UK and Chinese academics and able to work with limited supervision. We will expect the candidate to travel within the consulate region and possibly to UK. While we will give on the job training, we do not expect the applicant to necessarily have a science background, but good inter-personal skills and a methodical, 'can do' approach to completing work to agreed standards and timetables are preferable.

The main roles of this job would be:

Desk based research and information management. (25%)

• Prepare, for a non-specialist UK audience, concise reports and briefings on recent science & innovation policy and technological developments in the region;
• Help to build knowledge of trends and developments in Science and Innovation (S&I) in South China, companies, technology, financial and policy developments in the region. And keep sector overview materials and team contact database refreshed and up-to-date;

Maintaining contact with internal and external stakeholders. (20%)

• As directed by line manager, help to identify and arrange opportunities for the team to build relationships with key players in China and the UK, including Government departments, universities/research organizations and high-tech companies in order to understand their intentions and needs.
• Develop an understanding of the work of other parts of the network and/or Consulate, and how this might help to support your team’s objectives.

Monitoring project work and collecting feedback (25%)

• Devise, oversee and implement the S&I related projects in South China that follows recognised best practice, including supporting project activities, monitoring each project finance and collecting the feedback
• Engage in Team Communication Plan and raise visibility of UK-South China S&I excellence and opportunities/projects.

Planning and managing logistics and practicalities of specific events, visits (inward and outward) and activities (30%)

• Provide the administrative support to allow the team to progress targeted business opportunities, including planning and practical arrangements for events and meetings to promote UK S&I expertise and opportunities, budget management and PRISM reporting.
• Contribute to planning, management, and follow up of high level visits, missions, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree and above is preferred but not essential
• Good IT skills, knowledge of MS Office applications
• Excellent written and spoken English is a key requirement