View Vacancy - US Regional Director- Science and Innovation

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

The US East Coast Regional Director, Science and Innovation (S&I) is based at the British Consulate-General, Boston, and is part of the a network of S&I officers throughout the US, led by the Head of Science and Innovation in the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. Globally, the UK S&I network comprises 90 officers in 46 cities around the world.

The objectives of the global network are:

  • Influence science and innovation policies of governments, industry and academia to benefit the UK
  • Improve UK policy based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges
  • Stimulate strategic science collaborations to benefit the UK and deliver wider policy goals
  • Harness international technology partnerships and investment to grow UK

 

The core objective of this highly stimulating, fast-paced position is to lead a team working across the eastern US to deliver on their objectives, managing S&I Officers in the Boston, Atlanta and Chicago Consulate districts. The position will also serve as the Head of S&I for the Boston region (including New England and New York).

 

The Regional Director reports to the Head of S&I in Washington DC and will take a leadership role within the US S&I network on core cross-cutting issues. The Regional Director will work closely with fellow S&I officers across the US and the Americas, Consul Generals in Boston and New York, as well as colleagues from other British Government departments such as the Department for International Trade (DIT), Politics, Press & Public Affairs (PPPA) and UK funding bodies.

 

Duties include:

  • Engaging with senior leaders across S&I fields to promote UK interests and identify opportunities;
  • Contributing to the strategy, development and leadership of the US S&I network;
  • Playing a significant role in shaping UK S&I engagement with US;
  • Advising UK stakeholders on S&I policies, programmes and initiatives in the northeastern US;
  • Compiling and contributing to reports for senior UK scientists, learned societies, UK policy makers, Ministers and Parliament.
  • Supporting visits from senior government officials, ministers, and university leadership relating to science and innovation;
  • Horizon-scanning developments in science, technology and policy;
  • Managing projects to successful delivery and follow-up;
  • Contributing to broader Consulate and UK initiatives in support of UK prosperity, innovation and economic growth.

The successful candidate will:

  • Have a strong background in, and understanding of, science and innovation      landscape in the eastern US;
  • Demonstrate an enthusiasm for science, science policy and the internationalisation of science;
  • Be a proven leader with a history of building and motivating teams in a fast-paced environment;
  • Be confident developing, and working with, a wide range of high-level contacts within industry, academia, and research bodies;
  • Be adept spotting emerging technologies that align with UK priorities and bring about technology partnerships, research collaborations, etc.;
  • Have the ability to build coalitions to deliver projects in support of S&I objectives;
  • Have strong, proven communication skills, including written and oral/presentation skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders;
  • Be a committed team player.

 

  • Strong academic (PhD preferred, but not essential) or corporate background in science and innovation, with 8-10 years experience (or equivalent);
  • Good understanding of the science and innovation base in the Consulate district (New England & New York);
  • Strong interpersonal skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, science community, and senior government officials;
  • Excellent (and demonstrable) writing and communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences;
  • Highly motivated, organised, and resourceful;
  • Self-starter capable of working independently with limited guidance and oversight;
  • Effective team player with strong management and proven leadership skills;
  • Reliable, positive and flexible to new situations and ways of working;
  • Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy Network may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy.  Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.  All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance. 

 

*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts.  The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas.

6 November 2016
Grade 7 (G7)
Full-time
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Boston
British Consulate General
1
USD
80,080
2 January 2016

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted by 6 November 2016. Internal candidates should inform their Head of Team before applying. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

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This opportunity is closed to applications.