View Vacancy - Newton-Khalidi Fund Manager

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

The British Embassy, Amman is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Newton-Khalidi Fund Manager, Grade – C4 (L).

 

Purpose of the job:

The British Embassy in Amman is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and is now recruiting for the position of Newton-Khalidi Fund Manager.

The Newton Fund is a £750 million fund, managed by the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that builds research and innovation partnerships between the UK and 17 partner countries, to support economic development and social welfare and develop research and innovation capacity for long-term sustainable growth. The Newton Fund in Jordan, named the Newton-Khalidi Fund, was established in November 2017.     

We seek an energetic, strategic professional who understands science and innovation in the UK and Jordan and, has experience working with senior stakeholders.

Main Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities will include:

 

Strategy (10%)

Shape the current and future Newton-Khalidi Fund science and innovation agenda. Design a proactive strategy for engaging with Jordanian policymakers and scientific institutions.  Ensure this is aligned with the high-level policy priorities of Jordan and the UK.  

Programme delivery (50%)

Oversee a portfolio of sustainable and match-funded activity developed during the 1st phase of the Newton-Khalidi Fund (2017-2021). Work closely with UK and Jordanian delivery partners to maintain broad cooperation in both established and new areas. Drive delivery of new programmes based on science and innovation priorities for Jordan and areas of UK interest/expertise, such as the commercialization of science, knowledge transfer, industry-academia-society linkages, and cutting-edge research. Support rigorous financial management and monitoring and evaluation of the portfolio.

Line Management (20%)

Line manage and support B3 Newton-Khalidi Fund Programme Officer with the programme delivery, communications, and administration remit of their role. Mentor and signpost relevant learning and development opportunities for growth. Build a strong working relationship as the Newton In-Country team for Jordan.

Representation/network (10%)

Engage regularly and proactively with a wide range of high-level contacts in the Jordanian public, academic and private sectors. Also ensure strong networks with other parts of the British Embassy (e.g. Department for International Development); the British Council and across Science and Innovation teams at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Explore regional collaboration with the other Newton countries in MENA. Ensure portfolio successes are highlighted and communicated both in Jordan and the UK.

Policy (10%)

Use a deep knowledge of science and innovation to influence UK and Jordanian science policy, to magnify the impact of the Newton Fund.  Keep abreast of science policy developments, ensuring that UK and Jordanian positions are close and coherent and supporting a strong scientific ecosystem in both countries.  Advise the Ambassador on key policy issues.  Regularly report back to UK Government Departments in London on the evolving science policy framework in Jordan.

 

Resources managed:

  • Line management of 1 B3 Programme Officer
  • Newton In-Country Team budget (approx £60,000 inc salaries)
  • Oversight of approximately £6.5 million portfolio of programmes (but not financial management of said programmes)

Key Competencies and Required Skills:

  • Seeing the Big Picture - Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.
  • Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
  • Engaging Internationally - Effectiveness in this area is about leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives.
  • Leading and Communicating - Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.

Essential:

  • Fluent communication skills in English language (both written and spoken, this will be tested).
  • Minimum 5 years of experience working on programmes or projects with an international dimension in public, academic or private sectors
  • Educated to Degree level or above in the fields of Public Policy/International Relations/ Sciences/Humanities.
  • Knowledge of Jordanian science and innovation landscape.
  • Be a flexible and creative problem-solver, able to come up with innovative solutions to problems and, create coherent and compelling programmes and projects.
  • Be resilient and resourceful: you will need to provide direction on this agenda against an evolving backdrop.
  • A self-starter, ability to work autonomously as lead for Newton Fund in Jordan.
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Office packages.

Desirable:

  • Fluent spoken and written Arabic.
  • Knowledge of UK science and innovation landscape.
  • Research experience.
  • Knowledge of the economy and policy priorities of Jordan.
9 July 2020
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Fixed Term
37
6 months
Middle East & North Africa
Jordan
Amman
British Embassy
1
JOD
2423
2 August 2020

Working Hours and Remuneration: 

The position is full-time, at 37 hours a week with considerations of flexibility depending on circumstances.

Pay is on the Embassy C4 (L) scale, with a salary of JOD 2423 per month depending on the candidate’s skills and experience. The package includes a good level of health insurance and a friendly, English-speaking work environment. We offer opportunities to develop professional skills through our Learning & Development offer. Leave entitlement is 25 days (on pro rata basis) plus 14 public holidays.

Eligibility: 

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

  • Receive the appropriate level of standard security clearance;
  • Have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Jordan. Candidate's residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility.

To Apply: 

Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.

  • An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A (600 words) covering letter/statement of suitability outlining the competence and experience required.

** (Applications that do not include the above stated information will be rejected).

 

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Local Time) on 09 July 2020.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

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.

Interviews may be held remotely via Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Telephone. Due to the large amount of applications, we receive only those shortlisted for assessment will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local labour law.

 

The British Embassy Amman is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

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.