View Vacancy - Head of Science and Innovation

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

Background:
The Head of Science and Innovation (S&I), based at the British Consulate-General, San Francisco, is part of a network of S&I officers throughout the US co-ordinated by the British Embassy in Washington, DC.
The objectives of the global S&I network are:

• Influence science and innovation policies of governments, industry and academia to benefit the UK
• Improve UK policy based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges
• Stimulate strategic science collaborations to benefit the UK and deliver wider policy goals
• Harness international technology partnerships and investment to support UK growth

The main purpose of this job is to represent UK science and innovation interests in the San Francisco Consulate-General district (Northern California and Pacific Northwest). The ideal candidate will have a strong background and understanding of research and development in this region of the US.

This position will also liaise closely with the Department for International Trade (DIT), and Press & Public Affairs (PPA) team within the Consulate General.

Duties include:
• Develop a wide range of high-level contacts within industry, academia, and research bodies
• Identify emerging technologies in the US that align with UK priorities and bring about technology partnerships, research collaborations, and opportunities for British companies.
• Provide information on S&I policy and best practice for UK stakeholders and report on S&I policy development in the Consulate-General's area
• Support high-level visits relating to science and innovation
• Initiate and implement public diplomacy activities, in collaboration with Press & Public Affairs teams, to promote UK science and innovation
• Provide management and guidance for the S&I Officer
• Supporting broader Consulate and UK initiatives in support of UK prosperity

• Strong academic (PhD or Masters preferred) or corporate background in science and innovation, with a good understanding of the research and development base in the Consulate district(s)
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, science community, and senior government officials
• Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences
• Self-starter capable of working independently with little guidance and oversight
• Effective team player with strong management skills
• Reliable, positive and open to new ways of working
• Able to meet agreed objectives and deadlines
• 6-8 years relevant experience

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts.

  • Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus 
29 May 2017
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
San Francisco
British Consulate General
1
USD
$75,296
10 July 2017

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

Individuals who are not US taxpaying citizens will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local US employment law.

Resume and cover letter should be submitted by 29 May 2017. Internal candidates must address their resumes through the Head of Group before applying.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

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.