View Vacancy - Senior Policy Advisor, Science and Innovation Network

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

The British Government’s Embassy in Washington, DC has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the Science & Innovation Network as Senior Policy Advisor. Working with government, academia and business to increase UK-US collaboration on science and innovation, this is a rewarding role that supports and further develops the special relationship between the two nations, working at the forefront of international diplomacy.

Directly contributing to the way in which both governments collaborate and negotiate on science & innovation, the post holder will play a core role in UK Science & Innovation engagement and delivery in Washington DC and the broader region (including Maryland and Virginia), representing the UK’s interests in science and innovation with Washington DC policy-makers, government departments and agencies, Capitol Hill, universities, policy institutes, think tanks and foundations. The role holder will lead work across a range of sectors and topics – e.g. AI, quantum, synthetic biology, semiconductors, space – identifying the areas of most potential for UK- US collaboration. The Senior Policy Advisor is also responsible for building relationships with universities and other research institutes in DC and surrounding areas to identify and shape opportunities for US-UK collaboration.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, organised, and resourceful with evidenced interest and knowledge of the policy area. Strong communication (oral and written) and influencing skills are key to this role. The job holder needs to be capable of effectively interacting with senior US and UK government officials as well as members of the science community from across policy, academia and industry. This includes excellent writing and presentation skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present advice effectively to a range of audiences. The ability to work collaboratively with other British Government departments such as UK Research & Innovation, the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), Politics, Press & Public Affairs (PPPA) and UK funding bodies is also essential. Other important attributes include a strong understanding of the science and innovation landscape in Washington DC, ideally with experience in a relevant sector or field within government, a think tank, academia or a business. Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is desirable but not essential. Management experience is also desirable as the role manages one Science Policy Advisor in the Embassy.

Working at the British Embassy, Washington DC

The British Embassy’s US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme.  It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats, and other country based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

 

Key Roles and responsibilities:

Policy and Outreach

  • Promoting and influencing UK science and innovation interests in US federal science and innovation policy with a diverse range of contacts across US government, legislature, think tanks, business and academia
  • Providing the UK government with insights on US plans and priorities in science, emerging technology and policy
  • Facilitating direct UK-US government engagement and influencing policy to support UK’s policy interests
  • Communicating UK science and innovation policy to US policymakers and other key stakeholders in the DC community
  • Conducting outreach with universities and other research/innovation institutes in Washington DC and surrounding areas to identify and shape opportunities for UK-US collaboration, prioritising relationships that offer the greatest potential for the UK
  • Providing high-quality support to incoming UK visitors (Government ministers, senior Departmental officials, representatives from science/innovation funding agencies and universities)
  • Contributing to broader Embassy initiatives and programmes in support of UK prosperity, innovation and economic growth

Project and People Management

·         Providing management and direction to a SIN Policy Advisor and supporting the DC team’s objectives by setting priorities, direction and driving delivery as part of a wider team

·         Contributing to the operation and development of the SIN team in the US, supporting continual refresh of the team’s pipeline of projects and opportunities

·         Participating in team development activities with the potential to take on additional corporate leadership roles in the team

 

Resources managed

Line Management of a Science and Innovation Policy Advisor

 

 

·         Strong relationship building and influencing skills, capable of effectively interacting with senior figures from across industry, government, academia, and the broader science and innovation community

·         Excellent (and demonstrable) written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences

·         A demonstrable ability to source and analyse complex information and to translate it into clear policy advice for senior stakeholders

·         A thorough understanding of US science and innovation policy, including an appreciation of the government and congressional landscape

·         A track record of working in multi-site, multi-disciplinary teams and delivering results through team work and collaboration

·         Highly motivated, organised, and resourceful

·         An entrepreneurial and self-starting attitude, with the ability to work flexibly and proactively when new opportunities arise and team priorities change

·         Effective team player with strong management and proven leadership skills

·         A strong background in science and innovation, with experience working in government, industry, academia, or a think tank or other relevant civil society organisation

·         Experience working in and around the Washington DC area within the science and innovation ecosystem

·         Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus

·         Experience line managing staff and covering senior colleagues where required.

Seeing the Big Picture, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
26 October 2023
Grade 7 (G7)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Washington
British Embassy
1
USD
111,900
18 December 2023

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

Working patterns:

Able to accommodate a varied working pattern within reason but external facing aspects require a presence during core hours.

This role is 40 hours a week, but does not require set working hours each day.

The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working.  We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly. 


Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. • A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate. 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. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed. The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
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.