View Vacancy - AUH/ DXB - Science and Innovation Adviser B3(L)

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

The British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a vacancy for a Science and Innovation Adviser under the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN).

The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is the British Government’s organisation leading on international science diplomacy, using the UK’s excellence in science and innovation to develop partnerships and collaborations that support UK prosperity and help tackle global challenges.

SIN is jointly funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) with around 100 staff based in over 40 countries and territories worldwide. The Science and Innovation Adviser must work as part of the wider SIN team, ensuring they continue to promote the UK as the best place in the world for science and innovation, particularly as we exit the European Union.

The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain) are investing heavily in research capacity as they seek to diversify and build their knowledge based economies. SIN Gulf has already identified significant opportunities for the UK research base to engage beneficially with Gulf research institutions and government departments in priority research sectors (digital economy, food security, energy, water, health and social sciences) and is looking to further develop our engagement in the GCC.

The UAE is working to develop its research capacity and capability and become a global leader in a number of areas, so this is an exciting time to join the SIN network. Additionally, Dubai Expo will also present an opportunity to further showcase UK expertise while developing our international partnerships and the SIN network will be key to supporting and delivering on UK objectives during this global event.

The job can be based in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai with an expectation of some travel between the two Embassies as per work demands.


Duties and responsibilities:

  • Implement the UK Government’s science and innovation strategy for the Gulf with direct responsibility for the UAE.
  • Manage planning and delivery of programme funded activities and support regional delivery of activity where required.
  • Manage the UK relationship with UAE research, innovation, and funding bodies.
  • Report on UAE trends, policy, and funding in the areas of research, science and innovation.
  • Provide support to senior UK Government staff and the UK research base regarding the UAE’s science and innovation environment.
  • Act as the first point of contact for UK Government lobbying on research, scientific and technology policy issues.
  • Work with UAE partners on the development of common science and innovation policies.
  • Develop high quality and sustainable science and innovation partnerships that focus on UK and Gulf priorities.
  • Work with UK partners - UK Department for International Trade (DIT), Prosperity Team, British Council and others to deliver wider UK prosperity objectives.
  • Develop and maintain a network of senior level contacts across the UK and Gulf research landscape.
  • Leverage Gulf research funds to tackle pressing global challenges.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis affecting UK citizens.


Key competencies required:

  • Collaborating and Partnering - Creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information, and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Delivering business objectives through creating an inclusive environment, encouraging collaboration and building effective partnerships.
  • Delivering at Pace - Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
  • Managing a Quality Service - Being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. Effectively planning, organising, and managing time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support service delivery.
  • Engaging Internationally - Leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives. Understanding UK Government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives. Being aware of cultural sensitivities in your area of responsibility and adapting your approach while still promoting UK values.
  • BSc or BA in a relevant field
  • Ability to plan strategically, assimilate information from a range of sources, and to see the bigger picture to spot opportunities.
  • Flexible, resilient under pressure, and decisive, with a proven track record of managing competing demands and delivering results regularly within tight deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and to take the initiative as well as being able to work well with others to deliver results.
  • Collaborative approach to colleagues and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to develop and maintain a range of contacts to build effective working relationships.
  • A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Able to tailor approach to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely to different audiences.
  • Very good level of IT skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
  • Holds a current and valid UK security clearance. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide evidence that they hold a current and valid UK security clearance.
  • A scientific background: experience working with the research, academic, or commercial scientific community of the Gulf region, and an understanding of the UK science and innovation landscape is highly desirable.
  • Project management experience.
  • Good spoken/ written Arabic language skills.
22 September 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Middle East & North Africa
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, Dubai
British Embassy
1
AED
16,492
1 November 2020

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including: 25 days of leave per annum, on-site swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities.

Salary is at AED 16,492 per month.

There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Standard working hours are from 07:30 to 15:06, including a lunch break of 36 minutes, from Sunday to Thursday. There may be occasional requirement to work outside office hours (evenings/ weekends) for meetings, seminars, events, and receptions.

Flexible working arrangements between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be considered, but regular travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is required for this role. You must also be available for occasional travel within the Gulf region and to the UK for official/ business purposes.

The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy's sponsorship.

How to apply:

Interested candidates must attach 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and 2) a covering letter stating how you meet the requirements of the role.

Your application must also include examples of when you have demonstrated the required competencies in the Competence-Based Questions section of the online application form.

Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is at 11:55 PM UAE local time on 22 September 2020.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.


Process:

The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only those shortlisted for the next step of the recruitment process will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.



The British Embassies in the UAE are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

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This opportunity is closed to applications.