View Vacancy - Deputy Head Science, Climate and Energy Team

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Science and Innovation

Main purpose of job: 

The British High Commission in Ottawa is recruiting for the role of Deputy Head Science, Climate and Energy Team. This position is full-time on an initially 2-year contract, starting as soon as possible.

The job holder will be responsible for aspects of the promotion of UK science and innovation interests and policy in Canada and for growing and deepening the UK-Canada bilateral science and innovation relationship, facilitating the exchange of knowledge between policymakers and the science community in line with the UK’s recently published Integrated Review of foreign, development and defence policy. They will manage the Science and Innovation Network, based in Ottawa and at British Consulates across Canada.

The job holder will also lead on aspects of climate and energy policy, including following up on commitments made at COP26 in Glasgow, and ensuring the closest possible co-ordination between UK and Canadian policy makers.

Responsibilities include:

  • Managing the network in building science and innovation partnerships and collaborations between the UK and provincial and municipal governments.  In particular, engaging influential stakeholders in government, academia and industry to deliver high-impact projects and commercial wins for the UK.  Also through the management of the delivery of a suite of projects by the Science and Innovation Network.
  • Working closely with the Head of Team to deepen the strategic science and innovation relationship between the UK and Canadian federal government.
  • Further developing the close collaboration between UK and Canadian policymakers, academics and private sector on climate policy. Sharing and learning from best practice, and working to set the wider international agenda on decarbonisation.
  • Supporting the wider work of the UK in Canada network in setting the policy conditions for economic growth and encouraging innovation. Seeking to make best use of technology cooperation and investment to grow UK innovation potential.
  • This is an exciting opportunity that requires a mix of people and project management, policy analysis and strategic stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Head of Science, Climate and Energy Team at the High Commission in Ottawa, the candidate will work collaboratively with other policy groups within the British High Commission, the Canada network of Consulates General, British government departments, and the UK’s global Science and Innovation Network (SIN).
  • The successful candidate will be required to travel within Canada and internationally.  There will be some out-of-hours work, including attendance at evening events.

 The main responsibilities of the successful applicant are as follows:

  • Manage the Science and Innovation network across Canada, and the Global Partnership Fund Canada programme.
  • Provide policy analysis and lobby to support UK government priorities in Canada on science, climate and energy.
  • Develop and maintain contacts in the economic, science and innovation community including government, NGOs, think-tanks and universities.
  • Seek opportunities to promote UK economic growth and R&D potential, in collaboration with the UK Department for International Trade.

Essential on arrival:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 6+ year’s professional experience ideally in public policy related to science or climate. Masters degree in science or climate would be considered an asset.
  • Experience and expertise in lieu of a degree will also be considered
  • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with ability to interact effectively with senior government officials, business leaders, scientists, and the public. A proven ability to manage teams, with experience managing remotely an asset.
  • Proven ability to work independently, multitask, and feel at ease networking at mid- to senior-level.
  • Excellent presentation skills with ability to produce clear, concise written reports and a knack for talking to range of expert and non-subject expert audiences.
  • Fluency in the English language

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of government, policy, climate, science and innovation in Canada.
  • Knowledge of the UK, including government, policy, and the science and innovation and climate landscape would be an asset.
  • French language skills
28 November 2021
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
37.5
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Canada
Ottawa
British High Commission
1
CAD
$97,696.88
4 January 2022
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.
Must have the legal status to live and work in Canada.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.