View Vacancy - Ecosystem Manager, UK-India Tech Partnership, UK Trade Economics and Prosperity - Bangalore & Mumbai

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.
Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
Technology, Information and Digital Transformation

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Main purpose of the job:

In April 2018 Prime Ministers Modi and May declared a strategic UK-India Tech Partnership.  This is a world first, and we are putting a team together to turn their vision into a reality that supports jobs, innovation and growth in both the UK and India.

As an initial strand of work, the UK had dedicated £9m to nurturing new ‘tech clusters’ in India by promoting links with international counterparts and centres of excellence, including the UK.  We are starting with the AI/Data Science cluster in Karnataka, and the Future Mobility cluster in Maharashtra, and we’ll be nurturing them in three ways: 

  • Offering Innovative Challenge Funds to consortia of Indian and international researchers which address tech research and development gaps in the sector.
  • Enhancing Cluster Connectivity by facilitating missions of researchers and business leaders to India, and from India to the UK, promoting formal academic exchanges, and providing intra-cluster support services.
  • Building Business Growth by setting-up landing pads abroad for Indian start-ups and spin-out companies; facilitating thematic roundtables on market challenges and opportunities; offering supported, tailored exchange;  showcasing Indian innovation; and providing opportunities to win investment. 

It will be the role of the Eco-system manager to support the design, prioritisation and implementation of these plans.   We need one manager in Bangalore specialising in AI/Data Sciences, and one in Mumbai specialising in Future Mobility.  The project is for 2.5 years and we hire all project staff on a one-year-renewable basis.

Your skills and knowledge

As the Eco-system manager in either Bangalore or Mumbai, you will put these plans into action by drawing on your knowledge of the sector and local eco-system (AI/Data in Karnataka OR Future Mobility/ Maharashtra). You will maintain an informed picture of the barriers to sector growth and the weaknesses in the eco-system through your network of relevant businesses leaders, investors, tech incubators, academics and thought leaders, government representatives and regulators, and use your creativity and interpersonal skills to build problem-solving partnerships and initiatives.  You will also use your first class communications skills to promote the Tech Partnership initiative, selling the UK-Indian tech collaboration as a match made in heaven. 

How the role fits in to the rest of team

You will be working to a senior Eco-system Head of Development who will also be a specialist in the sector, and alongside a dedicated programme manager who looks after the budget and reporting, ensuring activities are hitting milestones and outcomes, and guiding you and your boss on complementarity with other activities under the Tech Partnership.  While much of your daily interaction will be with others working on UK-India trade in your office in Bangalore or Mumbai, you will also take direction from the Head of the Tech Partnership in Delhi and her deputy, as well the senior programme manager (also Delhi).  Some knowledge sharing with your equivalent in Bangalore or Mumbai would also be appropriate. 

An ability to work as part of a network team, to collaborate with a range of colleagues, and to find synergy rather than duplication or competition with others is therefore essential.

Roles and responsibilities:

The programme is in ‘start up’ phase and as such there is a high degree of responsibility and opportunity to shape one of the new Tech Clusters projects in India.  The job is suited to a post-graduate degree holder, with a few years of genuine experience in the sector, looking to broaden out their career with a role that focuses on improving the business environment.  A strong interest in ‘tech for good’ is also important.

Tech Cluster Management

You will support one of the pilot Clusters, based in either Mumbai or Bangalore. This will include:

  • Ensuring successful delivery of the Tech Cluster project and development of the cluster; informed understanding of the barriers to cluster growth will be the key to making expert and evidence-based proposals for projects and initatives.
  • Support the Innovation Challenge Fund, such as maintaining contact with the Expert Panel who set the problem statements and sift the bids, running the peer review and due diligence processes, remaining alert to any issues which may delay the research team’s delivery, championing research excellence throughout the project;
  • Generating ideas for further activities, which encourage more scale-ups and start-ups to form international partnerships, including with the UK, either in terms of selling their products and services, attracting foreign investment, or collaborating on R&D.  This might include setting up international workshops, delegations to conferences, pitch sessions, market access seminars, hackathons or rocket-ship type competitions,
  • Developing your understanding on how innovations in AI and Data Science/ Future Mobility can change the lives of the poor, and other marginalised groups, and suggesting ways the UK Government can support the trend with Indian partners.
  • Carrying out horizon-scanning activities which help the team maintain a understanding of the latest trends and opportunities appearing throughout the wider tech ecosystem;
  • Acting as ad-hoc specialist consultant, providing day to day advice on the sector and eco-system to British government teams working on connected initiatives.
  • Working collaboratively with other teams across the Tech Partnership and wider UK-India Tech Network to ensure that country-level strategies are implemented effectively, and that the Tech Clusters programme aligns with wider HMG objectives;
  • Ensuring the Tech Clusters programme is in line with the Prosperity Fund’s strategic objectives and ODA guidelines, including actively supporting the Prosperity Fund’s ambitions on women’s economic opportunities, inclusive growth and poverty-reduction;

Stakeholder Management

You will facilitate cross-sector participation and broaden the Tech Cluster local networks by:

  • Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the tech ecosystem.  This will be in service of the clusters, but also so others working on the Tech Partnership can access the knowledge, skills and resources of researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, mentors, universities, corporations, service providers and industry promoters to deliver their part of the initiative.
  • Working with British High Commission colleagues to engage and influence stakeholders, including government and regulations, (Government of Maharashtra for the Future Mobility Cluster and Government of Karnataka for the AI/Data Cluster) in support of the development of the local cluster, helping to mitigate issues emerging for start-ups and SMEs.
  • Supporting the design and implementation of the Tech Cluster landing pads in order to provide real opportunities for start-ups and scale-ups to learn from established companies and industry experts, including how to navigate local regulations and business culture, negotiate access to investment, access third-party services, and refine their marketing approach.

Communications

You will raise the profile of the Tech Clusters and enhance their impact by:

  • Collaborating with communications and marketing colleagues and teams in the wider UK-India Tech Network to organise a coherent message about the Tech Partnership and UK tech around your events.
  • Alongside the Tech Cluster Programme Manager, delivering proactive and timely communication of results to internal customers and external stakeholders.
  • Drafting impact stories and other communications products matched to audience:  diplomatic telegrams, letters to senior stakeholders, press releases, social media stories, which showcase the programme’s success.

Wider Team contribution

As with all officers in our nine high commission offices across India, the job holder will be expected to contribute to cross-cutting projects and events, for example visits by British Ministers and other VIPs.  

The Eco-system manager in Mumbai will need to travel regularly to Pune. Both job-holders will need to travel occasionally to Delhi and potentially the UK.

Broader context

UK-India Tech Partnership: The partnership is designed to bring together some of the best minds in India and the UK working in tech to unlock its future potential and deliver high-skilled jobs and economic growth in both countries. The Tech Partnership will:

  • present the UK and India as global thought leaders on tech
  • pair businesses, universities and others from different regions in the UK with States in India
  • focus on fast growing sectors including: cyber security, AI/data, future mobility, digital manufacturing and  healthcare
  • provide access routes for British and Indian entrepreneurs and SMEs to each other’s markets
  • encourage broader innovation and productivity by helping businesses in the UK and India to develop mentoring relationships, collaborate and exchange staff.

Prosperity Fund

Funding behind the Tech Clusters initiative: The cross-government Prosperity Fund (PF) was established under the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) with the primary aim of supporting growth in recipient countries and thereby reducing poverty. As such, it represents a key component of the prosperity pillar of the UK Aid Strategy. But the Fund uniquely focuses on promoting growth in ODA-eligible middle income countries, which are home to nearly 70% of the world’s poor and where the development challenges remain significant, but at the same time are important business partners and drivers of prosperity. By delivering high impact, strategic multi-year programmes, across high opportunity countries, regions and sectors, the Fund will help create opportunities for international business, including UK companies. As the UK leaves the EU, an even more outward-looking global Britain investing and trading with the fastest growing markets will become increasingly important. 

Around 25 multi-year programmes have so far been endorsed by the Ministerial Board. These cover trade, anti-corruption, infrastructure, business environment, health, future cities, education, financial services, energy and outward investment. For more information, see the Prosperity Fund Annual Report 2017/18.

Learning and development opportunities:  

We place a strong emphasis on learning and development.  You will be encouraged to undertake developmental training and get involved in corporate activities.  This role provides an excellent opportunity to build up programme knowledge and expertise and gain exposure to working across government.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Extensive

Pune Only

Language: Marathi,

Level of language required: Understanding

Level of Requirement: Desirable

Other skills / experience / qualifications:  

Essential on arrival:

  • Post-graduate degree in relevant subject;
  • At least two years of experience of working in the relevant tech sectors in India (Future mobility OR AI and Data Science) either in academia, industry or in government supported growth initiatives.
  • Experience of working with third party delivery partners;
  • Ability to work autonomously and proactively.

Desirable:

  • Experience of working in the international development field;
  • Experience of managing research grants
27 October 2019
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
40
12 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
India
Bangalore, Mumbai
British Deputy High Commission
2
INR
INR 102,429 per month together with a 12% provident fund and 6% Special Allowance
10 September 2019

This is a Fixed Term position with possibility of renewal.

For BHC candidates, the Local BHC Terms & Conditions will apply. For other than BHC candidates, Basic Salary will be INR 102,429 per month together with a 12% provident fund and 6% Special Allowance.

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-day 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 forces are 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 FCO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best. 

Any other information:  

In your role as Senior Programme Manager, you are required to ensure Gender Equality Act compliance and support PF ambitions on women’s economic opportunities, inclusive growth and poverty reduction through your department / team.

To Apply: 

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

A.     Complete the Online Application Form

B.     Attach a detailed CV

C.    Complete the Motivation 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 application will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 27th October 2019 midnight.

Please Note:

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.