View Vacancy - Science and Innovation Officer (TUR23.017)

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 (Programme Roles)
Science and Innovation

The British Consulate General in Istanbul and British Embassy in Ankara are part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic, consular and prosperity interests overseas and is now looking for a Science and Innovation Officer in Turkey. 

The UK is a global leader in science and innovation. International collaboration is essential to maintaining the excellence of the UK’s research base. The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) has approximately 100 officers in over 40 countries/territories around the world, engaging with the local science and innovation community in support of UK policy overseas and creating strategic relationships to build partnerships and collaborations on science and innovation.

The Science & Innovation Network (SIN) Officer in Turkey will support the delivery of the UK Government’s Science & Innovation (S&I) priorities for Turkey, leading on critical and emerging technologies, climate and environment policy and global health, and supporting SIN Turkey priorities on S&I policy, the bilateral S&I relationship more generally.


Roles and responsibilities:

This a very varied role and as such the day to day responsibilities may change over time. However, responsibilities will include:

  • Contribute to a programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at facilitating scientific and innovation collaboration between the UK and Turkey and enhancing visibility of UK’s science excellence and innovation capability.

  • Leading on delivery of SIN priorities for critical and emerging technologies and climate change and health, proactively monitoring and reporting key developments, identifying opportunities for collaboration, building and maintaining a network of key contacts, initiating and faciliating UK-Turkey engagement

  • Pro-actively monitor and report key developments in Turkish science and innovation policies, programmes and investments, preparing thorough, timely and concise reports, to inform UK international engagement

  • Conduct independent research in response to requests from UK stakeholders for concise reports on specific aspects of science & innovation policies and programmes in Turkey.

  • Manage a network of contacts in government, research organisations and universities in the UK and Turkey to support SIN and Turkey Network objectives.

  • Support Ministerial and other senior official visits (including virtual) to Turkey relating to bilateral science and innovation issues, through identifying suitable contacts, coordinating meetings and providing relevant briefing.

  • Support senior diplomatic engagement on science and innovation with key Turkish high-level stakeholders.

  • Work collaboratively across teams to share expertise and contribute to the delivery of Turkey Network priorities, in particular in the commercial space.

  • Manage project delivery, including project finances, for small local projects.

  • Fluency at C1 level in English and Turkish, according to the Common European Framework, or equivalent

  • Strong inter-personal and communication (oral and written) skills

  • Flexibility, self-starter, strong self-management, and time management skills

  • Ability to work independently, as well as part of an international team

  • Strong inter-personal and communication (oral and written) skills

  • Ability to multi-task, plan ahead, and prioritise

  • Ability to produce concise, timely and thorough reporting upon request

  • Ability to manage and engage a network of stakeholders in both the UK and Turkey

  • A minimum of a university master’s degree and a keen interest in scientific and technological issues across a range of sectors

  • Proficiency in MS Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)


  • Understanding of UK and Turkish research and innovation and higher education landscapes

  • A demonstrated interest or experience in emerging technologies and/or climate change and health policy and research

  • A demonstrated interest or experience in international science and innovation policy and collaboration

  • Excellent project management skills

  • Experience of working in a research organisation or in embassies or other international or multilateral organisations


Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
29 March 2023
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Temporary
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Turkiye
Ankara
British Embassy
1
USD
2,649.25
1 May 2023

This is a full-time contract to cover for a maternity/paternity leave for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week, with a duration of 9 months.

The monthly salary for this position is 2,649.25 USD gross EO level. Please note that staff members are responsible for paying any income tax required by local law.

We will consider applications to be based in either Ankara (with the British Embassy) or in Istanbul (with the British Consulate General). Please indicate your preference clearly in your job application. Please note there will be an expectation for the successful candidate to travel regularly between the cities, in order to engage government, university, and commercial stakeholders

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Turkey. The British Embassy in Ankara and the British Consulate General in Istanbul do not sponsor for work permits.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance and a probation period of 2 months.

Staff recruited locally by The British Embassy in Ankara/ British Consulate General in Istanbul is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Turkish employment law.

British Diplomatic Missions are equal opportunities employers, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. We are committed to developing a learning organisation that enhances business performance, maximises our staff’s potential and encourages staff innovation and development.

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 advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.

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.