Senior Science and Innovation Policy Advisor
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View Vacancy - Senior Science and Innovation Policy Advisor
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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Job Category
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory
Science and Innovation
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Main purpose of job:The British Embassy in Washington, DC is seeking a dynamic Senior Policy Advisor to join the UK's Science & Innovation Network. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, enhancing UK-US collaboration in science innovation and technology, working at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.
The Senior Policy Advisor, as part of the British diplomatic mission to the United States, will play a pivotal role in advancing UK research and innovation partnerships in the US. Representing UK interests, the advisor will engage with US policymakers, government agencies, Capitol Hill, universities, think tanks, and foundations, driving growth in research collaboration in key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, synthetic biology, semiconductors, and space. The advisor will also cultivate partnerships with universities and research institutions to strengthen US-UK cooperation, support UK economic growth, and provide effective reporting on the science and innovation ecosystem to inform policy making in the UK.
The ideal candidate is motivated, organized, and has expertise in science and innovation policy. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, as is the ability to engage with senior officials and the science community. The role requires clear, concise writing, effective presentation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other British Government departments (including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation and the Department for Business and Trade). Familiarity with the US and Washington, DC science and innovation landscape and experience in government, think tanks, academia, or business is preferred. The role manages one Science Policy Advisor.
Working at the British Embassy, Washington DC
The British Embassy's US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats, and other staff operating across the British Government's network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Science and Innovation Policy
• Advocate for UK science and innovation interests in US federal policy through engagement with US government, legislature, think tanks, business, and academia.
• Provide insights to the UK government on US science, innovation, and policy priorities.
• Facilitate UK-US government engagement to influence policies aligned with UK objectives.
• Communicate UK science and innovation policy to US policymakers and key stakeholders in the DC area.
• Engage with universities and research institutes in Washington, DC, and surrounding regions to identify and foster high-potential UK-US collaborations.
• Provide support for UK visitors, including government ministers and officials, and representatives from funding agencies and universities.
• Contribute to broader Embassy initiatives promoting UK prosperity, innovation, and economic growth.
• Work with British Embassy Technology Policy team on aligning UK science, innovation and technology priorities underneath the UK's Science and Technology Framework.
• External engagement and representation on UK science and innovation priorities.
Project and People Management
• Manage and direct a Policy Advisor, setting priorities and driving the team's objectives as part of the broader Embassy team.
• Support the development of SIN's project pipeline, ensuring a dynamic and refreshed portfolio.
• Participate in team development with opportunities for corporate leadership roles.
Resources managed:
Line management of one Science and Innovation Policy Advisor. Management of targeted science & innovation programme funds.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Essential:
• Proven ability to align projects and initiatives with broader foreign policy objectives to drive diplomatic and economic outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leaders across industry, government, academia, and the science and innovation sectors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and timely reports; deliver effective presentations and reporting to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to analyze complex information and provide clear policy advice to senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of US science and innovation policy, including government and congressional dynamics.
• Experience working in multi-site, multidisciplinary teams, with a track record of collaboration and delivering results.
• Highly motivated, organized, and resourceful.
• Highly flexible, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and seize new opportunities.
• Effective team player with strong leadership and management skills.
• Able to deploy IT tools including MS Teams and Salesforce.
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent English
Please note: Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.
You may refer to our website for additional information: .
Candidate must hold one of the following passports: US, UK, Canada, Australia and/or New Zealand.
This role requires UK security clearance SC (Overseas). Permanent employment is subject to successfully receiving clearance.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Desirable:
• Background in science and innovation, particularly experience in or with government, but also with industry, academia, or a relevant organization.
• Familiarity with the Washington, DC science and innovation ecosystem.
• Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths is a plus.
• Experience managing staff and providing coverage for senior colleagues.
Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture
Application deadline
6 November 2024
Grade
Grade 7 (G7)
Type of Position
Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week
40
Region
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Country/Territory
United States
Location (City)
Washington
Type of Post
British Embassy
Number of vacancies
1
Salary Currency
USD
Salary
$116,364 yearly
Type of Salary
yearly
Start Date
6 January 2025
Other benefits and conditions of employment
Working Patterns:
This role is full time at 40 hours per week, but does not require set working hours each day.
The British Embassy and its US Network supports hybrid working. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.
Working with colleagues across US and UK time zones will sometimes require a degree of flexibility.
There is an expectation to host and attend events outside of normal working hours, on occasion.
The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly
Please note: The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee's ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Additional information
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a 'reserve list'. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, e.g. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
The FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.
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.