View Vacancy - NZW - Science and Innovation Officer, B3 (L)
Applications are invited for the role of Science and Innovation Officer at the British High Commission in Wellington.
The successful candidate will be a key member of the New Zealand network, working in support of the British High Commission’s trade and prosperity objectives. They will lead on developing relationships within the New Zealand government, senior business stakeholders and the science and innovation community in order to generate opportunities for UK-New Zealand cooperation and trade and investment wins. It will be necessary to build a strong understanding of potential obstacles to a future bilateral trading relationship and create strategies to influence and overcome them, including by building effective joint research programmes with New Zealand.
The successful applicant will bring an extensive knowledge of New Zealand science and innovation policy and will have the opportunity to build a detailed understanding of the UK’s position. They will be able to hone networking, influencing and project management skills. The British High Commission actively promotes continuous personal development and the job holder will have access to a full range of learning and development opportunities including through the UK’s recently established Diplomatic Academy.
- A proven ability to deliver results with strong strategic awareness, excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to develop productive relationships, including at senior levels
- Experience in New Zealand and/or international science policy, cooperation or R&D projects and understanding of the drivers of innovation and the science/policy interface. This experience might have been developed in an industry, academic or government context
- Understanding of and interest in other areas of government policy or New Zealand politics and the ability to embrace new areas
- Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to explain scientific issues to non-scientists
- The ability to think creatively about how to achieve science and innovation objectives and spot opportunities for UK business
- A team player who is willing to work as a full member of the British High Commission, organising Ministerial visits or providing surge capacity on other priorities for short periods as necessary
- A comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
The salary is up to NZD$80,449 per annum dependent on skills and experience plus up to 5% superannuation subsidy on a $ for $ basis.
The British Government supports flexible working practices.
Appointment is subject to achieving and maintaining a clean New Zealand Police records check and UK security clearance.
Appointment is subject to a 90 day trial period pursuant to section 67A of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
Open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in New Zealand. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Candidates must have or be able to obtain work authorisation for New Zealand in order to apply.
Staff recruited locally by the High Commission is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local New Zealand employment law.
For more information on the work of the British High Commission, visit our website
http://www.gov.uk/government/world/new-zealand, and follow the High Commissioner on Twitter @jwrsinclair.
All applications must be received before 23:55 (NZDT), 21 June 2017.
Applications must address experience against the competences required in a cover letter and also include a current CV.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.
Interviews for this position will commence during the week of 03 July 2017.
This opportunity is closed to applications.