View Vacancy - Science and Innovation Officer: Climate Change/ Communications - B3, New Delhi

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

"Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and competency questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’’

Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative, subject to normal business of British High Commission. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications, we will progress the recruitment process as swiftly as possible and continue to review all applications, monitor progress and developments. We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application, however given the circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response and please reach out to if you have any further questions.

Main purpose of the job: 

We are looking for a talented person to join our dynamic and inclusive team in a stretching role that will feature a blend of diplomacy, policy, strategy and communications focussed work related to science and innovation. The successful candidate will have the chance to travel domestically and internationally. You'll be building and managing relationships with influencers and decision makers across a range of science and innovation related international organisations, Government Departments and academic institutions across the world, to help deliver the UK Government's science, innovation and foreign policy priorities in the arena of climate change and the environment.  

You’ll be part of an exciting global community of science diplomats: The UK Government’s Science and Innovation (SIN) network comprises of over 100 officers around the globe in 40 different locations. The SIN India team is one of the largest of its kind; and aims to build a UK-India science and innovation partnership that is internationally recognised as an unparalleled force for global good. 

The successful candidate will help develop a future facing science and innovation partnership between the UK and India, which generates tangible solutions to tackling climate change, and provides routes to propel pioneering ideas into the marketplace. 

Roles and responsibilities:

We are looking for candidates with strong communication skills and a track record of delivery in the diplomatic, international and / or programme management context. If you thrive in a fast paced working environment with a very diverse range of stakeholders, we would welcome your application. 

As part of the SIN team, you’ll work to create a living bridge between science and innovation policy makers, doers and thinkers in the UK and India. You’ll support SIN’s Climate Change and Environment Senior Advisor in developing and managing relationships with key officials in Central and regional Governments, and horizon scan for the latest exciting developments in both countries. You’ll also work with the senior SIN management team to develop campaigns to tell interesting stories about the scientists and innovators you connect, and the positive impact this brings. 

You will manage a junior team member, and join a team of 13 talented and enthusiastic people to deliver a portfolio centered around four main workstreams: 

1. Communications: Developing internal and communications strategies and campaigns to promote the vibrant, creative and ambitious UK-India science and innovation partnership to a wide range of target audiences;

2. Project Management: Leading a range of climate change and environment focussed initiatives which bring the finest scientists and innovators in both countries together for pioneering collaborations.

3. Horizon Scanning: Sharing insights with our key stakeholders on that “next big thing” in key sectors and regions across the UK and India; to foster new ideas and partnerships.

4. Visits and Events: Curating events with a range of high level, diverse thought leaders and influencers to promote and celebrate how scientists and innovators in India and the UK are tackling the issue of climate change.  

There is real opportunity in this role to boost the UK and India's science and innovation partnerships on the global stage and to work with a wide range of international and domestic partners across Government and industry. We are a supportive, diverse and flexible team, with an exciting and evolving programme of work, so there will be opportunities to get involved in / lead on additional work in the wider team related to other sectors and / or activities.

Learning and development opportunities:

In the Science and Innovation Network, we promote diversity and inclusion across our agenda, encouraging our partners to do the same. We furthermore value our people, are committed to their development and ensure they have challenging and interesting roles. 

Learning and development is highly valued by our team. The postholder will have access to a vast range of opportunities aligned with their development needs and the main subject matter anchors of the role. They will be able to navigate their development journey through a range of avenues, including site visits, role relevant training, shadowing of senior leaders, mentoring/ reverse mentoring, crisis response/ first aid/ mental health first aid training and a large number of Embassy networks to build their skills and knowledge. 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure)

1 junior (A2) staff member post on-boarding. 

Approximately £10,000 project related budget.

Working patterns: 

We are a busy, but friendly, flexible and supportive team, with a range of working patterns. We welcome all applicants - please do get in touch if you have any questions.

This role requires moderate levels of domestic and international travel and candidates must be willing to undertake this.

Language requirements: 

Language: English.

Level of language required: Fluent.

Other skills / experience / qualifications: 

Essential on arrival:

- 1-2 years’ experience of high level international stakeholder engagement;

- Science/ innovation or communications related education/ qualifications;

- Events management experience;

- Track record of delivering complex projects with multiple stakeholders in an international setting, to time and quality.

Desirable:

- Track record of delivering communications campaigns and strategies, preferably in the international context;

- Working knowledge of climate change/ environmental issues;

- Experience working with Embassies or international organisations;

- Management of small teams or projects.

12 April 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
South Asia & Afghanistan
India
New Delhi
British High Commission
1
INR
INR 62,826 plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Superannuation Fund per month.
20 May 2020

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Local Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply. 

For other than BHC candidates, salary will be INR 62,826 per month plus 12% provident fund and 6% superannuation fund. 

Additionally the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with Rs. 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family.   

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.   

Around half of our work force is women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.  

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best.

To Apply:

Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.

a) Complete the Online Job Application Form.

b) Complete the motivation segment in the Online Application Form and the competency questions.

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable). They should also inform their current line managers, and check for the eligibility, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by ­­“12th April 2020” midnight. 

  • Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with.
  • The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, educational and professional. 

‘’Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission.‘’

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexible.

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.