View Vacancy - Programmes and Communications Lead (Science, Innovation and Tech Team), Grade EO, 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, experience segment and the behaviour based 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.


Main purpose of job:

We are looking for a talented person to join our dynamic and inclusive team, in stretching programme, people and communications focussed role that will feature a blend of diplomacy, programme and budget management, strategy and storytelling.

 The Science, Innovation, Tech and Health teams create a living bridge between policymakers, researchers and innovators in the UK and India. We are focussed on shaping a fourth industrial revolution that improves citizen’s health, wellbeing and prosperity, based on the principles of democracy, openness and peace in both countries. Drawing on a range of project management tools, you’ll be responsible for keeping the projects and programmes that enable this on track and within budget; liaising regularly with Health, Tech and Climate Change team leaders.

 The UK-India relationship is thriving and dynamic, with Ministers, senior officials and high profile science, innovation and tech figures regularly visiting both countries to boost and celebrate our work. You’ll be responsible for coordinating a portfolio of inward and outward visits throughout the year, working closely with a wide range of colleagues across the India Network to deliver smooth programmes and high quality, diverse content that truly reflects a vibrant and exciting Science and Tech Superpower relationship.

Using a range of targeted channels, the SINT team tells stories about how the UK India relationship is made stronger through the scientists, policymakers and innovators we connect, and the impact this has. You’ll lead this engagement; connecting creatively with our target audiences through a range of channels to develop and boost the UK-India science and tech superpower story. You’ll work closely with the High Commission’s communications team, a diverse range of colleagues across the BHC India network and key UK and Indian Government departments to make high quality products that resonate, sharing insights on “what works” along the way.

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.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

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 help to create a living bridge between science and innovation policy makers, doers and thinkers in the UK and India.

You will manage a junior team member, and join a team of 16 talented and enthusiastic people to deliver a portfolio centered around three main workstreams:

1.       Communications: Working closely with the BHC Comms team to develop communications strategies, campaigns and high quality products to promote the vibrant, creative and ambitious UK-India science, tech, health and innovation partnership to a wide range of target audiences;

2.       Project Management: Drawing on a range of tools to ensure that our programme of pilots and engagement across health, climate and environment, tech and innovation sectors remain on track, and within budget;   

3.       Visits and Events: Coordinating visits of high profile scientists, innovators and senior officials to the UK and India (at least 5 a year) to take our science superpower relationship to the next level.

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. 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

You’ll oversee the team’s programme and budget of around £2 million, with line management of a junior staff member.

Essential on arrival:

  • Bachelor’s degree;
  • Minimum three years of relevant work experience;
  • Proven interest/experience in science, innovation, tech and or/ health matters.

  • A programme management or communications related qualification;
  • Experience of working in an international organisation or Government, and/or with science/research organisations in the UK or India;
  • Communications and science/tech programme management experience, working with multiple stakeholders including businesses, incubators, government and academics to deliver projects/ programmes.

Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
18 December 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
40
12 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
India
New Delhi
British High Commission
1
INR
INR 68508 per month plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance
2 January 2023

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

For other than BHC candidates, salary will be ­­­­­­INR 68,508 with 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance.

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

Please note - BHC does not deduct tax at source and employees are required to ensure that any requirements of local income-tax law are complied with in full. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.    

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-days 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 FCDO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best.

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience segment and the behaviour based 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.’’

To Apply: 

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

A.    Complete the Online Application Form

B.    Complete the Experience and Behaviour based Segment in the Online Application Form

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

We will accept only online applications by 18 December 2022 (latest by 23:55 hours IST).

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

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount. 

Please note - Provident Fund Transfer in and out from EPFO is not possible as BHC PF is managed by a private PF trust governed by Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The staff still has the option to transfer out and in from a privately held PF trust which are not governed by EPFO.

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, medical, educational and professional.

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 flexibly.

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.