View Vacancy - CQ - Senior Science & Innovation Officer, B3(L)

The jobholder will be the sole Science & Innovation Network representative in South-West China (covering the Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan region). The jobholder will also act as lead for the Future Manufacturing sector within the Science & Innovation Network.

The role requires a number of skills and the jobholder will need to be proactive and able to work autonomously (the line manager is based in Shanghai). The successful candidate will have experience in/knowledge of the advanced manufacturing sector and be good at working as part of a team and in building partnerships with key stakeholders (e.g. academia, innovators, business) and colleagues in the UK government, based in both the UK and China. Tasks will include; using sector expertise and knowledge of UK and Chinese government priorities to design and deliver science and innovation projects which have impact, building relationships with key stakeholders, managing project budgets of approx £50,000, conducting research and writing reports and other communications (e.g. case studies, blogs, briefing for Ministers).

As such, the successful candidate should have experience in project and budget management. An understanding of the UK/Chinese science and innovation landscape and in particular of the manufacturing sector will be advantageous.

[The ‘Future Manufacturing’ sector includes areas where innovation is being used to improve manufacturing capability. This includes new materials (e.g. graphene), processes (e.g. 3D printing or additive manufacturing) or greater use of automation and new technologies. Future Manufacturing also includes the manufacturing of complex or high value products such as automobiles, aerospace and robotics.]

Project Management

As lead for the Future Manufacturing sector, working with others, you will use your specialist knowledge to advise on where the UK should focus its efforts to build the most productive relationships and links between the UK and Chinese manufacturing sector and to design and deliver effective projects to advance and deepen these areas of co-operation. Typically, projects include planning events or delegations of experts, participating in conferences and working with industry or Chinese government to ensure maximum impact for both sides. All projects build towards UK science and innovation objectives of delivering R&D partnerships and commercial outcomes and of supporting UK science policy aims.

Tasks will include identifying and building connections with key stakeholders, project planning and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and to budget whilst achieving their agreed goals. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, good team-working skills and project management experience are required. Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint is required).

Science and Innovation lead for South-West China

As the only member of the Science and Innovation Network based within the Chongqing Consulate, the role-holder will be expected to work effectively to build synergies with other teams. They will represent the team in Heads of Sections meetings and keep the Consul-General and Deputy Consul-General informed of major activities, utilising their expertise. You may also be required to provide ad hoc support for major British government activities in the region (e.g. Ministerial visits, major events).

The job holder will represent the British Government in meetings and at events, so must be fluent in English and confident in interacting with senior stakeholders and occasionally undertake public speaking engagements. They will build a network of science stakeholders in the region, including with government science and technology departments.

Communications and reporting

Working with the communications team and lead for science and innovation communications in Beijing to write occasional social media posts or articles (e.g. for UK government website). Advise on strategic direction, provide briefs for senior officials, report on project activities. Undertake desk research and report on activities in the region or within the manufacturing sector.

Managing finances and admin tasks

Tracking project and admin budgets throughout the year. Become familiar with FCO Hyperion system to forecast project spending. Accounting for all expenses on Prism system, processing invoices, working with vendors, general financial enquiries. Booking own travel through FCO supplier.

• Must be fluent in English and Chinese
• Project management experience, including management of budgets
• Basic Microsoft Office skills, including Word and Excel
• Experience in the future manufacturing sector or closely related relevant experience
• Educated to at least degree level with at least 5 years’ work experience