View Vacancy - Science and Technology Officer, British Embassy Paris (FRA25.192)

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Science and Innovation

The British Embassy in Paris is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic, consular and prosperity interests in France. We are now looking for a Science and Technology Officer to join the Embassy as part of the UK Science and Technology Network. The applicant should be able to start work around September 2025. 

The UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN) is at the forefront of fostering global science partnerships and advancing science diplomacy. STN plays a pivotal role in maintaining the UK's leadership in science, technology, and innovation through international collaboration. It supports the UK's scientific base, enhances the competitive edge of our innovative businesses, and addresses shared global challenges.

STN comprises approximately 130 staff members located in over 65 countries worldwide. Our team builds partnerships and collaborations in science, technology, and innovation, working closely with local organizations to support UK policies abroad, benefiting both the UK and host countries.

This position is based at the British Embassy in Paris and is part of the broader science and technology team for Europe, reporting to the STN France Manager based in Paris. The successful candidate will lead on science, innovation, and technology policy areas for the Embassy, aiming to strengthen bilateral engagement between the UK and France. This includes exploring opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, and technology.

Key Objectives:

  • Projecting UK science, technology and innovation excellence and leadership globally;
  • Actively building and facilitating science, technology and innovation collaborations of value to the UK;
  • Providing insights and intelligence.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Embassy’s Economic and Political, Foreign Policy and Commercial sections, stakeholders across the French government, research organisations, agencies and other sectors as well as colleagues in the UK government and at the UK Delegations to the OECD and UNESCO.

What will you be expected to achieve?

  • You will shape and deliver the Science & Technology Network and Embassy’s science, technology, and innovation objectives for France. The role focuses on engagement, delivery, and insight, with responsibilities that may evolve over time:
  • Network Building: Establish and maintain a network of contacts in government, research organisations, universities and businesses in the UK and France to support STN and Embassy objectives.
  • Reporting and Intelligence: Pro-actively monitor and share regular reports and insights on technology policies and programmes, and investments, with the STN and key contacts in UK Government to inform UK international engagement
  • Driving S&T collaborations: Identifying and realising opportunities for S&T collaboration through implementing the STN delivery plan, working collaboratively across teams to share expertise and contribute to the delivery of Embassy priorities.
  • Visit Coordination: Contribute to a programme of visits and support ministerial and senior official visits by identifying contacts, coordinating meetings, and providing briefings.
  • Support the Ambassador: Assist the British Ambassador in their French engagement on science and technology with high-level stakeholders.
  • Programme Delivery: Manage bilateral projects, visits, events, and activities, including project finances, to enhance the visibility of UK science excellence and innovation.

Essential on arrival:      

  • Proficiency in English and French, both written and spoken (minimum of C1 CEFR framework level language*);
  • Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team;
  • Strong inter-personal and communication (oral and written) skills;
  • Ability to produce concise, timely and thorough reporting upon request;
  • Ability to manage and engage a network of stakeholders in both the UK and France;
  • A university bachelor's degree or a keen interest in scientific and technological issues across a range of sectors; 
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

Desirable:      

  • Experience of working within science, innovation or technology policy within government, academia or private industry;
  • Understanding of the UK’s and France’s research and innovation and higher education landscapes;
  • Experience of working in embassies or other international or multilateral organisations;
  • Enthusiasm for science and technology sector.
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together
22 June 2025
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
35 hours/week
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
France
Paris
British Embassy
1
EUR
4,698.00 gross
monthly
15 September 2025

This is a full time, permanent contract. The position is based on a 35/H week. This role requires occasional work outside regular office hours to support events and activities. Candidates should be prepared to work flexibly in line with Embassy needs.

All appointments are subject to professional background check satisfactory security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of his/her passport or national identity card for all nationalities held, an up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence (which can be obtained online at https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/b3/eje20), two written proofs of address (utility invoices and/or bank statements) and two references.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in France are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local French employment law and FCDO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.

Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:

  • Your application must be sent in English only.
  • Your application must clearly indicate all nationalities you hold.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

The start date mentioned in the advert is just an expected start date. The appointment can start earlier or later depending on several factors.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in France and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

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

Learning and Development opportunities: The France Network puts a very strong emphasis on L&D and the jobholder will be able to benefit from opportunities offered by the International Academy and civil service learning, as well as informal opportunities within the Embassy on topics.

The British Embassy in Paris has a strong ethos of Learning and Development. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to an STN-specific induction programme and access to the the Civil Service-Learning platform which gives access to training to improve job specific skills.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the British Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s through the France network and supporting the British Embassy’s positive working environment.

Working Pattern: The position is based on a 35- hour working week.

This is a full-time position. Our team works flexibly, including some time working remotely. However, in line with current policy, the job holder will be expected to be in the office at least 60% of the week – and more often when required e.g. during events or when filming is required.

Equal employment
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The FCDO France Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Further information
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.

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.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

The British Embassy Paris wants to create a diverse, inclusive and friendly environment in which people can perform at their best because they feel supported; are able to be themselves in the workplace; and have opportunities to develop and grow. We want all our colleagues, regardless of grade, background or experience, to share our strong sense of purpose and ambition to deliver the best possible outcomes.  

We know that diversity of background, experience and thought will help us achieve our goals. We actively encourage applications from colleagues from Minority Ethnic and underrepresented backgrounds and from groups with protected characteristics. 

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.