View Vacancy - Science and Innovation Officer (SIN) (RUS20.417)

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

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Moscow is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic, consular and prosperity interests overseas and is now looking for a new Science and Innovation Officer.

The UK is a global leader in science and innovation. The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is based in over 40 countries/territories around the world, engaging with the local science and innovation community in support of UK policy overseas and creating strategic relationships to harness the value of science and innovation discoveries and investments overseas.

As part of SIN , and sitting within the Embassy’s Climate, Science and Economics Section, the successful candidate will work on some of the Embassy’s key priorities in Russia.

The job-holder will lead on work in the area of health and life sciences, monitoring developments in Russia and working to expand the Embassy’s network of health and life science contacts. They will work closely with others in the Embassy and the wider SIN network, including the SIN Europe Thematic Lead for Health & Life Sciences, to deliver priority objectives in this area – including, in the immediate term, working to support the Embassy’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The job-holder will have a key part in delivering the SIN country business plan for Russia, and will take a leading role in organizing events, visit programmes and projects, as well as working to support delivery of the SIN Russia team’s communications.

The successful candidate should be: able to quickly develop in-depth knowledge of the area, building on their existing expertise; an efficient self-starter able to meet tight deadlines and take initiative, with strong attention to detail; prepared to work flexibly as priorities shift depending on current situation and needs; and also be prepared to travel domestically and internationally when it is safe and permitted to do so.

Main responsibilities

  • Lead on monitoring the areas of health and life sciences, responding to key developments in science and innovation policies and programmes, preparing thorough, timely and concise reports;
  • Deepen knowledge of thematic areas of responsibility and proactively expand network of contacts in government, business, universities, and public research organisations in the UK and Russia to support SIN and Embassy objectives. Particular focus is on expanding an already existing network in health and life sciences;
  • Work collaboratively across teams to share expertise and contribute to delivery of key Embassy priorities – including, in the immediate term, supporting the Embassy’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic;
  • Contribute to a programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at facilitating scientific collaboration between the UK and Russia and enhancing visibility of UK’s science excellence and innovation capacity. Support head of SIN Russia team in delivering this work and engage SIN regional teams, as necessary, to aid delivery, ensure value for money and timely reporting;
  • Support head of SIN Russia team, and where necessary, SIN regional thematic lead on Health and Life Sciences, on the development and delivery of projects under the SIN team’s thematic priorities involving Russia;
  • Support Ministerial and senior official visits to Russia relating to bilateral science and innovation issues. Currently, these may be virtual rather than in-person visits;
  • Support planning and delivery of the SIN team’s external and internal communications, both digital and traditional channels, to help raise the team’s profile and visibility;
  • Support the wider work in the Embassy including providing surge capacity as necessary and engaging in corporate activities – sometimes outside normal work hours.

  • Full professional proficiency in Russian and English, including excellent writing skills*  -  (C1-Effective operational proficiency or higher - according to CEFR Framework);
  • At least a university Master’s degree;
  • Ability to showcase in-depth understanding of Russia’s Health and Life Sciences sector as well as Russia’s higher education and science landscape;
  • Ability to spot and pro-actively act on opportunities for collaboration and funding and engage relevant UK & Russia stakeholders;
  • Excellent communication skills - fluent in spoken and written English and Russian;
  • Strong experience of writing with impact and some experience in delivering communications, including digital, –in the area of science;
  • Ability to shift mentally between reactive and proactive work and preparedness to re-shift priorities at short notice;
  • Ability to produce concise, timely and thorough reporting upon request;
  • Ability to generate, develop and deliver projects, including administrative support, such as logistical arrangements, event management.
  • Life Sciences background and/or existing network of contacts in the health and life sciences sector;
  • Understanding of UK’s higher education, research and innovation landscape;
  • Working knowledge of Power Point, Excel, Word and Outlook.
6 December 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time
35
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Russia
Moscow
British Embassy
1
RUB
RUB 102,263
1 February 2021

This is a permanent contract full time position (35 hours per week). Monthly salary for this grade is RUB 102,263, paid 13 times per year.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance.

All applicants should have a pre-existing legal status to live and work in Russia. The British Embassy does not facilitate/sponsor visa applications and work permits.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Russia are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Russian employment law.

We also offer:

  • An interesting and varied job in an open, modern management culture
  • Performance related pay scheme
  • Comprehensive learning and development opportunities
  • Excellent working environment in central location with on-site facilities including cafeteria, bar, gym, tennis court, squash court and swimming pool
  • Private medical cover including dentistry

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Diplomatic Missions will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

Additional Information (due to COVID 19):

  • You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption;
  • Interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action;
  • Starting date may be delayed depending on circumstances at the time and it will be agreed with the selected candidate.
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.