British High Commissioner Science & Innovation (SIN) Officer HEO Jobs in South Africa

British High Commissioner Science & Innovation (SIN) Officer HEO Jobs in South Africa

Main Purpose of job:

The global science network is a unique component of the UK’s overseas footprint with 152 officers in 67 locations around the world providing science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) expertise. Our global science network in Africa comprises nineteen people, in four locations.

The network develops bilateral and regional science, technology and innovation relationships for UK advantage, impact, and influence. The network is composed of the Science and Innovation Network (SIN) and FCDO Research and Innovation Hubs (Hubs).

The Global Science Department (GSD) sits within the Research and Evidence Directorate (RED) under Charlotte Watts as Chief Scientific Advisor. SIN is jointly funded and led by RED GSD and DSIT’s Global Research & Innovation (GRI) Team.

FCDO and DSIT play an important role in the delivery of the Prime Minister’s ambition for the UK to be an influential global science and tech leader and innovation nation as set out in the Integrated Review.

The network supports this vision by facilitating research collaboration to bolster national prosperity, security, and resilience by connecting UK academia, business, and other government departments to international partners to tackle global challenges and support HMG’s wider geo-political priorities.

We work in partnership with the local ST&I community in support of UK policy overseas, leading to mutual benefits for the UK and the host country.

The United Kingdom and South Africa have a well established, strong relationship collaborating on Science, Technology and Innovation. This was strengthened further during the state visit to the UK by President Ramaphosa where a refreshed science memorandum of understanding was signed.

This role is critical for developing new, and maintaining established strong connections with a range of stakeholders in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors across South Africa.

Working across the UK Government’s wider science and technology agenda, the successful candidate will work closely with the FCDO’s Global Science Department and specialists working on climate, health, space, digital development, communications and innovation at Post.

You will identify how the UK’s capabilities as a world leading science nation can partner with South Africa’s vision for developing Science, Technology and Innovation, be involved in oversight and management of local, joint UK-SA priority research and innovation projects as well as recognising opportunities to strengthen commercial links between the two countries.

Roles and responsibilities:

Responsible for strengthening and broadening bilateral science and innovation collaboration between the UK and South Africa. To promote collaboration, diplomacy, people to people links and inform UK policy development in science and innovation. You will:

Support the development of high quality and sustainable science and innovation partnerships that focus on UK and South African priorities, including developing and maintaining a network of working level contacts across the UK and South Africa research landscape;

Part of the

focal team for delivering UK Government science and innovation strategy; manage information on science and innovation work and contribute to science briefing and reporting for South Africa.

Develop and expand the UK relationship with South African research, innovation and funding bodies;

Work closely with UK government departments and communications specialists to leverage and amplify the UK’s research investment and partnerships, promoting evidence-based policy making and the development of South Africa’s research landscape and partnerships.

Support wider UK prosperity objectives, including higher education and linkages in the digital sector. Spot and work with Department for Business and Trade to match opportunities to UK firms.

Contribute to the team’s support to UK Government departments and officials and the UK research base regarding the South Africa science and innovation environment including supporting VIP visits.

Work with colleagues to identify opportunities to develop and manage bilateral projects (these might be regional in nature) in order to increase collaboration opportunities for the UK science base.

Support efforts to promote visibility and HMG coherence on science technology and innovation, including supporting cross-mission meetings of science-focused specialists.

Support and facilitate UK, global and South African science partners in delivering objectives on Open Science; Science and Media; and other cross cutting priorities.

Support UK science and innovation projects and programmes, working with the funding agencies, to ensure monitoring, advice, networking and communication.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Degree in a scientific / technological discipline or significant (5 years) work experience in a science / innovation role

Be able to work quickly and reliably with attention to detail and with limited supervision

Excellent written and spoken English

Strong IT computer skills including MS Word and Excel

Good presentation, interpersonal and representational skills

Good communications skills - amplifying and landing targeted messages to key stakeholders

The ability to initiate, maintain and exploit a wide range of working relationships

Strong organisational skills

The ability to deliver results under pressure
Project management experience

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Experience of working with South African scientific research organisations and/or an understanding of research funding in South Africa

An understanding of the UK science and innovation landscape

Experience of working with UK research organisations

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; British High Commissioner Science & Innovation (SIN) Officer HEO Jobs in South Africa

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