View Vacancy - JPN - Science and Innovation Officer A2(L)
Main purpose of job:
The goal of the Science & Innovation team is to contribute to maintaining and improving the quality and impact of UK science and innovation. The purpose of this role is to increase UK-Japan scientific and innovation collaboration (including access to Japanese expertise and equipment), support UK technology based trade and investment, and learn from Japan’s science and innovation policies to improve UK policy. The specific scientific topics at any point will vary depending on UK priorities, but cover the full spectrum of natural, life, physical and social sciences. You will support the team to deliver projects, promote investment and trade, provide research, undertake team administration and support the wider Japan Network.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
50% - Increase UK-Japan scientific and innovation collaboration in priority scientific fields by supporting the Senior Science and Innovation Officer to engage with UK and Japanese stakeholders, develop plans and deliver projects, including workshops and seminars. This will include providing support for major events and senior UK visitors. You will work effectively with a wide range of key stakeholders in Japanese ministries, funding agencies, institutions and the wider scientific community.
10% - Support UK technology based trade and investment by working as part of a team with Department of International Trade (DIT) to identify opportunities for UK technology-based exports to Japan and promote the UK as an investment destination based on scientific excellence. You will support the Senior Science and Innovation Officer to secure practical export and investment outcomes in collaboration with DIT colleagues.
20% - Provide research on Japan’s scientific and innovation developments, actively gathering information on Japan’s science and innovation policies and technological development, translating where needed, to report developments, opportunities and lessons for the UK.
10% - Contribute to the wider work of the Japan network, including taking an active role in the crisis response plan and participating in crisis exercises. Providing support to the wider Science team particularly during events, and accompanying major visits to the UK where appropriate.
10% - Team administration including tasks such as updating social media outlets, budget management, procurement duties and logistical support necessary for day-to-day business.
- Fluent Japanese language skills (JLPT level 1 or equivalent).
- Fluent or Business level English (IELTS band 7 or TOEIC 875 points or above or equivalent), with experience of working in an English speaking environment.
- Ability to complete tasks independently and develop and deliver plans.
- Experience of working in an international environment and/or with senior figures.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Interest in learning about the UK.
- Willingness to develop working knowledge across a number of technological fields.
- Ability to handle technical (e.g. scientific / financial) information.
- Work experience in a Japanese organisation.
- Experience of government or policy
- Experience of project management
- Communications experience
- Experience in science policy
- Report writing skills
- 1 month salary bonus equivalents payable in June and December
- (Note: Salary may be reduced due to tax status)
- Commuting allowance of up to JPY35,000 per month (paid on an actual cost basis)
- 24 days paid annual leave (calculated pro rata)
- Health Insurance and Employee pension (kenko hoken/kosei nenkin)
- Employment Insurance (koyou hoken)
- Alongside a number of Embassy-specific courses that will need to be completed on arrival, the Embassy is supportive of learning and development. We offer five development days per year, and regular opportunities for learning and development delivered both within the mission and regionally in Asia. We also focus on using coaching and a buddying system to support new arrivals.
The applicant must have work authorisation for Japan however if a foreign national, the British Embassy/Consulate General will support a visa application if required.
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.
The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative 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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
