View Vacancy - Head of Science and Innovation

Main purpose of job:

To influence how the British government invests in the Newton Caldas Fund, a British government initiative that aims to assist Colombia in areas of social welfare and  economic development through programmes focused on research and innovation.  This will involve generating new, influential relationships in Colombia, securing Colombian matched funding and facilitating agreements between British delivery partner organisations, through whom UK funds will flow, and Colombian counterparts. 

Working at a strategic level co-ordinating  all science and innovation activity in the Embassy. Identifying and  developing opportunities for S&I activity to support delivery of the UK’s broader objectives in Colombia, in collaboration with the Embassy’s Economic Diplomacy, Commercial and Political teams.

Roles and responsibilities:

This is an exciting, rewarding and responsible position.  You will be expected to represent the UK to Colombian partners in sectors of government,  business and academia and secure interest and co-financing for the Newton Caldas research and innovation fund, currently worth £60m over seven years.  This will involve building strong relationships with Colombian colleagues ranging from the Presidency to regional governments.  You will regularly engage with the Ambassador and participate in his meetings with senior Colombian partners.

You will develop a deep understanding of the British government’s objective to achieve development assistance through science and innovation, being able to speak on behalf of a wide range of Newton Fund delivery partners.  This will involve negotiating political and administrative challenges on the UK side and having a clear vision of how the programme in Colombia fits into the global Newton effort.

You will become an expert on the Embassy’s important Colombian partners, developing deep and lasting relationships between them, the Embassy and delivery partners based in the UK.  You will develop a strong understanding of  Colombian needs and sensitivities and be able to represent these to London and delivery partners.  Ensuring stability of the Newton Caldas programme into the new Colombian presidential term in 2018 will be an important part of this.  Your efforts on Newton Caldas will ensure that only effective, high impact programmes are prioritised for investment.

More broadly, you will act as the Embassy’s expert on science and innovation (S&I) work, including future cities, agritech, and big data, funded by other British government programmes.  You will be familiar with S&I opportunities  across Colombia’s 32 departments and be a key facilitator for British universities and experts wishing to work with Colombian partners across the country.  You will liaise with  the Commercial and Economic Diplomacy team to promote economic development in Colombia through science and innovation; and with the political team to identify how the Newton-Caldas Fund can complement other UK development programmes focused on Colombia, post peace agreement.

On communications, you will oversee an effective digital outreach strategy to promote interest in the Fund and broadcast  its impacts to government and the scientific community, co-ordinating this with other high profile embassy events and press teams in London and the embassy.   You will also represent the Embassy at meetings and events, occasionally speaking in public and to the media to promote the Newton Caldas Fund and UK expertise in S&I.

Managing staff is an important part of the role, ensuring that personnel have sufficient opportunity to develop professionally and contributing to an effective and efficient team.  You will act as line manager for the Embassy’s officer in Medellin, whose work covers all portfolios, providing experience, guidance and support.  Occasionally you will be required to deputise for the Head of Economic Diplomacy.