View Vacancy - Head of Science and Innovation - Chile

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

Main purpose of job: 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) promotes the United Kingdom’s interests overseas, supporting our citizens and businesses around the globe. The British Embassy in Santiago leads on diplomatic relations with Chile. This role is based within the Science and Innovation Network (SIN) and within the Prosperity Team in the Embassy in Chile, which also covers Trade Policy, Economic Diplomacy and Climate Change and Critical Minerals within the Embassy. The role reports to two Ministries in the UK, the FCDO and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). 

The Science & Innovation Network has approximately 100 officers in over 40 countries around the world building partnerships and collaborations on science and innovation with the UK. The role will work with the local science and innovation community in support of UK policy overseas, leading to mutual benefits to the UK and Chile. The role will be the sole SIN officer based in Chile, with no permanent direct line management responsibilities, although there may be an opportunity to hire and manage a science and innovation intern at certain times of the year. 

As the Head of Science and Innovation, the job holder will be in charge of developing and implementing the SIN country business plan and work to the following global objectives:
-    Prosperity: enhancing UK growth and exports; connecting innovative UK industries and scientific expertise with international opportunities;
-    Security: delivering solutions to global challenges such as anti-microbial resistance (AMR), health, energy, the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, and enhancing resilience to natural disasters;
-    Influence: strengthening the UK’s foreign policy influence through science and innovation;
-    Development: supporting international development goals and matching UK expertise to international need.

Specifically in Chile, the role will lead on building upon the strong relationships the current role holder has established with Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia, Conocimiento e Innovation and also work with other relevant Ministries such as the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, building upon the UK-Chile Government Partnership for Science. 

This work will include supporting the use of expertise and evidence-based policy-making between the two countries and building science, innovation and technology collaborations between the UK and Chile. You will support knowledge sharing and the establishment of the Chile Natural Capital Committee and UK-Chile collaboration on nature-based solutions and management of oceans and peatlands. In addition, you will maintain a strong network of science and innovation stakeholders and contribute to the strengthening of research links and the development of innovative technologies, linked to strategic areas such as green hydrogen and critical minerals and working closely with colleagues at the Embassy within the Department of Business and Trade (DBT).

The successful applicant will be based in the British Embassy, Santiago and report to the First Secretary, Economic and Trade.

The priorities for the role are:

1. Strategic Direction (25%)
•    Design and implement the SIN Country Business Plan, aligned with and contributing to the Embassy-wide country plan. Work closely with the First Secretary, Economic and Trade and the Science and Innovation Network Regional Manager, based in Brazil, and keep up to date with the latest policy direction and initiatives from the FCDO and DSIT for the global network. React to emerging priorities, such as pandemic response, artificial intelligence and/or COP and net zero implementation strategies.

2. Capacity Building (25%)
•    As the lead for science and innovation in Chile, you will be the main point of contact for the UK and Chilean government and science stakeholders. On the UK side, this will include working with DBT, DEFRA, Go-Science, UK Research and Innovation and colleagues working on climate change and critical minerals (within the Embassy and in London). You will develop and nurture links, including continuing the work of the UK-Chile Government Partnership for Science. 

3. Project Management (20%)
•    You will manage a Science and Innovation Network budget (c. £25,000), working closely with the Economic Diplomacy Programme Manager to deliver value for the UK and Chile. There will be an opportunity to bid for further funding and to participate in regional initiatives. There will be flexibility as to how to deploy this funding, based around the four SIN priorities of prosperity, security, influence and development. You will keep forecasts accurate and up-to-date and aim for 100% spending of allocated funding.

4. Regional capacity building (10%)
•    You will contribute to regional Latin America Science and Innovation Network, working closely with colleagues based in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. This may involve running joint-project or regional activities, such as the project last year with the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology or other regional work related to areas such as comms, finances or strategy.

5. Commercial outcomes (10%)
•    Working closely with the Department for International Trade team at the Embassy, you will use the research and innovation links generated to support the generation of commercial contracts and investment for UK research institutions and companies. This could be in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, life sciences or agri-tech, or by enabling an environment where new technologies can enter the market and intellectual property is well protected.

6. Ad-hoc reporting (10%)
•    Throughout the year, headquarters will commission various reports to inform UK ministries about the global science and innovation landscape. In addition, you will maintain the SIN Country Snapshot and write case-studies and reports based on ongoing work in Chile. Contribute to Embassy-wide reporting, on science and innovation-related topics. 

You will work closely with other colleagues and teams in the Embassy on these goals, including the rest of the Prosperity Team, Department for Business and Trade and Political and Comms Team. You will work closely with the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador too and be comfortable working with high-profile stakeholders (Ministers, CEOs, eminent scientists, etc.) and on high profile events such as the Congreso Futuro in Chile.

A science background would be an advantage for any candidate, however the role will be working across a range of sectors and areas and so will not be a specialist in all these fields. The main purpose of the role is to connect, develop and influence relationships, so knowledge of how government/science policy-making works and to work creatively with a wide range of contacts is more desirable than specific expertise in one area of science.

Resources managed: 

•    Science and Innovation Intern

Funding managed: Approximately £25,000 core science and innovation funding plus with the opportunity to bid for other funding (e.g. SIN Tactical Fund, Embassy funding, GREAT funding).


  • At least 3 years of relevant work experience in science, innovation or government policy.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (in English and Spanish) and a firm grasp of project management and managing budgets.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills with the ability to lead projects and communicate with high-level stakeholders.
  • Language requirements: For Spanish, native-level Spanish or if non-native then to C2 level under the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). For English, to at least C1 level under the CEFR.  
  • Relevant degree-level qualification in science subject (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science)
  • Experience of working with the Chilean government or in multinational organisations
  • Knowledge of UK and UK domestic science and innovation policies
Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Working Together
3 April 2023
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
36
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Chile
Santiago
British Embassy
1
CLP
CLP$ 2,570,501 gross monthly
8 May 2023
7 November 2023

Induction process for Science and Innovation Network ‘SINduction’ in UK. There will be further opportunities to travel to the UK and regionally to establish strong contacts with UK stakeholders. Mentoring and job-shadowing opportunities available within the Embassy and wider FCDO network based on successful candidates’ development needs.

Working pattern:  

Monday – Thursday: 0900 – 1730, Friday: 0900 - 1300

There is scope for flexible working patterns – remote technology will enable role holder to work from home on certain days, but the candidate will be expected to be in the office for three days per week and be available to be at the Embassy/Ambassador’s Residence for important meetings and face-to-face meetings with key contacts.

Opportunity to work in a diverse and multicultural work environment. Net working hours are 36 per week i.e. Mon-Thu 09:00–17:30 (with a half-hour lunch break) and Fri 09:00-13.00, allowing for a good work/life balance. Some flexibility will be required during periods of exceptional workload.

The British Embassy is committed to the ongoing training and development of its staff and training will be provided as appropriate.

Must have the legal status to live and work in Chile.

The post holder will receive a monthly meal allowance of CLP $120,000.- and transport allowance CLP $55,000.- in addition to the monthly salary.

If initial 6 month contract is renewed, the position currently has funding confirmed until the end of March 2025. This may be renewable.

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, 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.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities

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.