View Vacancy - Science and Innovation Adviser (NOR611)

The British Embassy in Oslo is part of the United Kingdom’s world-wide diplomatic network, and represents British political, economic and consular interests in Norway and is now looking to recruit a Science and Innovation Adviser for the Political Department.

Main purpose of the job:

For the duration of the UK negotiations to leave the EU build and develop bilateral relationships between Norway and UK Ministries, academic institutions and organisations with an interest in science and innovation. Provide insight into Norway’s reaction to UK science related exit objectives.

To contribute to ongoing UK economic growth and a strong post-negotiation bilateral relationship by initiating mutually beneficial science and innovation collaboration between the UK and Norway. Focus sectors for this position will include horizon scanning for opportunities within the blue (marine) economy; green (low-carbon) economy; and smart cities (urban innovation). Other areas of work will link with UK policy initiatives such as the Industrial Strategy and Clean Growth Strategy.

Roles and responsibilities:

Bilateral

• In the context of Brexit, understand and interpret key Norwegian stakeholders’ positions on the future of science collaboration to ensure stakeholders have the data to engage and influence negotiations.
• Monitor and respond to developments in science and innovation policies and programmes in Norway. Horizon scan for new collaboration opportunities. Provide timely and concise reports on key developments to UK government departments and other stakeholders.
• Support Ministerial and senior official visits to Norway relating to bilateral science and innovation issues.
• Support regional thematic leads on the development and delivery of projects involving Norway.

Multilateral

• Develop, deliver and contribute to a programme of projects, visits, events and other activities aimed at facilitating collaboration between the UK and Norway and enhancing UK innovation capacity. Support Regional Manager and engage country officers as necessary to aid delivery, ensure compliance and timely reporting.

Influence

• Develop a wide range of contacts in government, business, universities and public research organisations in the UK and Norway to support the Science and Innovation Nordic/Baltic Network’s overarching objectives. Support senior embassy staff including the ambassador to engage with stakeholders and project UK influence.

Corporate Responsibility

• Support the wider work in the Embassy including providing surge capacity and engaging in corporate activities.

• Good communication in English and Norwegian languages both oral and written (independent user);
• University degree in Science, Engineering or related field, and/or relevant experience in science, innovation or government policy
• A self-starter, with the ability to organise self and work effectively;   
• Ability to work effectively and supportively on shared objectives with colleagues;
• Networking skills;
• Understand and focus on customer needs;