View Vacancy - Science and Innovation Officer (FIN21.585)

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

The British Embassy in Helsinki is part of a world-wide diplomatic network, representing British political, economic, and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is looking for a Science and Innovation Officer

The UK is a major science and technology power with the second highest number of Nobel Prize laureates, and ranking fourth in the Global Innovation Index (2021).  The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) has approximately 100 officers in over 40 countries/territories around the world, engaging with the local science and innovation community in support of UK policy overseas.

The work of the UK S&I Network is guided by the following objectives:

  • Stimulate strategic science and technology collaborations in areas of key interest for the UK.

  • Harness international science and technology partnerships and investment to grow UK innovation capability.

  • Improve UK policy based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges.

  • Influence science and innovation policies and approaches of governments, industry and academia in line with UK interests by building and maintaining a network of key S&I stakeholders.

More information on the UK Science & Innovation Network is available here

Role details

This is a fantastic opportunity to build the UK’s partnership with Finland across key areas of our shared interests and strengths in science, innovation and tech. You will lead delivery of the UK Government’s Science & Innovation interests in Finland as part of a SIN Europe team, working closely with colleagues across the British Embassy Helsinki.

Key areas of shared interest that you are likely to work on include:

  • Digital and emerging technologies (e.g. AI, quantum, 5G/6G).

  • Strengthening UK-Finland cooperation on climate change and the Arctic, under the UK COP26 presidency.

  • Science elements of Covid-19 and future pandemic preparedness.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a motivated, self-starting and collaborative new colleague to join a friendly and high performing Embassy team and Science and Innovation network. You will be able to make and maintain a wide range of contacts in Finland and the UK, spotting opportunities to advance UK science and tech interests and build a long-term mutually beneficial relationship with Finland.

You won’t be an expert in all of the areas you cover, but you will have the ability to read your way into new policy areas quickly. You will be given the time and space to build your contacts and understanding of the science and innovation landscape. However, you will bring a focus on delivery and making real world change and an ability to prioritise.

We are looking for someone who has professional experience in science or technology, whether in government, business or academia. We are looking for someone who shares our values- Respect, Expertise and Courage.

This a very varied role and as such the day-to-day responsibilities may change over time. Responsibilities will include:

  • Understand and monitor Finnish science and innovation policy, programmes and investments, to inform UK engagement with Finland.

  • Respond to requests from UK ministries for insights into Finland’s approach to specific areas of science and innovation policy to inform the UK approach.

  • Manage a network of contacts in government, research organisations and universities in the UK and Finland to support SIN and Embassy objectives.

  • Contribute to a programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at facilitating scientific and innovation collaboration between the UK and Finland and enhancing visibility of the UK’s science excellence and innovation capability.

  • Support ministerial and other senior official visits to Finland relating to bilateral science and innovation issues, through identifying suitable contacts, coordinating meetings and providing relevant briefings.

  • Support the British Ambassador to Finland’s engagement on science and innovation with key high-level stakeholders. 

  • Work collaboratively across Embassy teams to share expertise and contribute to the delivery of shared priorities, in particular on digital and emerging technologies, climate change and the Arctic, and the circular economy.

  • Manage project delivery, including project finances, for a small number of science and innovation focussed projects.

  • Support the science elements of the Embassy’s work related to COVID-19 and future pandemic preparedness, including monitoring and reporting on scientific advice to Government.

  • Flexibility, self-starter, strong self-management, and time management skills;

  • Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team;

  • Strong inter-personal and communication (oral and written) skills;

  • Ability to multi-task, plan ahead, and prioritise;

  • Ability to produce concise, timely and thorough reporting upon request;

  • Ability to manage and engage a network of stakeholders in both the UK and Finland;

  • A minimum of a university Master’s degree or equivalent work experience and a keen interest in scientific and technological issues across a range of sectors; 

  • Proficiency in MS Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

  • Strong communication skills, both written and oral, in Finnish and English (minimum C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages*).

  • A demonstrated interest or experience in international science & innovation policy and collaboration, particularly in the Embassy priority areas of  digital and emerging technologies, climate change and the Arctic, and the circular economy.

  • Understanding of the UK and Finland’s research and innovation landscapes.

  • Excellent project management skills.

  • Experience of working in embassies or other international or multilateral organisations.

6 February 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Finland
Helsinki
British Embassy
1
EUR
€ 4115.19 ( monthly gross)
1 April 2022

This is a full-time permanent contract of 36.25 hours per week. Working hours are Monday – Friday (9.00- 16.45).

The appointment is subject to professional background check, security clearance and the successful completion of a probationary period.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Finland are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Finnish employment law and FCDO guidance for Country Based Staff.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Finland and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

The British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please refer to the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”. We are looking for a C1 level or equivalent. For more information, please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.

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.