View Vacancy - Science and Innovation Officer (RUS19.668)

The British Embassy in Moscow is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a permanent Science and Innovation Officer to join the Science and Innovation Network (SIN).

The Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is based in over 50 countries/territories around the world. We engage with the local science & innovation community in support of UK policy overseas and create strategic relationships to harness the value of science & innovation discoveries and investments overseas, leading to mutual UK and host-country benefits.

The successful jobholder will support the Science and Innovation Network (SIN) Russia Manager to meet the objectives described in the SIN Country Business Plan including organising events, visit programmes and projects. He/she will also report on activity and outcomes in areas of responsibility such as the Health and Life Sciences sector and work with SIN Europe thematic leads to ensure that key information is passed between UK and Russian counterparts. Furthermore, to support delivery of the team’s communications both externally and internally.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Monitor and respond to developments in science and innovation policies and programmes in areas of responsibility, including the team’s priority thematic areas. Provide timely and concise reports on key developments to the head of the team and, on request, the Regional Manager;

• Support Ministerial and senior official visits to Russia relating to bilateral science and innovation issues;

• Contribute to a programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at facilitating collaboration between the UK and Russia and enhancing visibility of UK’s science excellence and innovation capacity. Support head of team and engage regional teams, as necessary, to aid delivery, ensure value for money and timely reporting;

• Support planning and delivery of the team’s external and internal communications, both digital and traditional channels, to help raise the team’s profile and visibility;

• Support head of team, and where necessary SIN regional thematic leads, on the development and delivery of projects under the team’s SIN thematic priorities involving Russia;

• Develop knowledge of thematic areas of responsibility and proactively develop a wide range of contacts in government, business, universities, and public research organisations in the UK and Russia to support the SIN country business plan;

• Support the wider work in the Embassy including providing surge capacity and engaging in corporate activities.

• Clear understanding of Russia’s higher education, science landscape and Health and Life Sciences sector;

• Excellent communication skills with previous experience in writing reports and some experience in delivering external and internal communications – preferentially in the area of Science;

• Minimum 3 years of previous experience in programme management (preferably in the Health and Life Sciences sector);

• At least a University degree;

• Proficiency in both Russian and English language skills (spoken and written);

• At least 6 months of experience in delivering projects and providing administrative support;

• Some previous experience in delivering events and visits;

• IT literate with Microsoft Office package;

• Excellent organisational and time management skills;

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and independently;

• Ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of contacts;

• Proactive, polite and professional with strong attention to detail.