British High Commission Jobs in Pretoria - SA - Science and Innovation Officer Vacancies
British High Commission Jobs in Pretoria - SA - Science and Innovation Officer Vacancies
Job Category Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory
Science and Innovation
Main purpose of Job:
The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is the British Government’s organisation for international science diplomacy.
It is jointly funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
SIN has 80+ staff based in 40 different locations in 28 countries and territories worldwide.
The role is to identify and support opportunities to develop bilateral science and innovation collaboration between the UK and South Africa, with a regional watching brief over Southern Africa, with an increasing focus on both innovation and support for commercial wins.
The role will also promote UK science and innovation excellence to the SA audience and inform the UK of relevant policy and priority developments in South Africa’s science and innovation landscape.
Science and Research collaboration between UK and SA is strong both through the UK-SA Newton Fund (ODA support) and growing interest building on traditional links around research excellence and innovation, but with the potential to build significantly.
With the SIN network expanding in Africa (into Kenya and Nigeria), the British High Commission in Pretoria is recruiting a new slot to strengthen our ability to identify and build new opportunities with Government and also key national research stakeholders in Gauteng, as well as exploring opportunities and engagement in other parts of SA (notably Western Cape). The role will provide the opportunity for leadership, relationship building both within and outside the mission, strategic thinking and project management.
The officer will be part of the UK’s Africa Science and Innovation Network, and work to the Regional Head, also based in Pretoria.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Responsibility for developing bilateral science and innovation collaboration between the UK and South Africa, with a regional watching brief over Southern Africa.
Promoting collaboration and informing UK policy developlment in science and innovation
In practical terms this will include:
Country lead on delivering UK Government science and innovation strategy in specific sectors (to be agreed with line manager), briefing and reporting for South Africa.
Developing and expanding the UK relationship with South African research, innovation and funding bodies;
Providing support to senior UK Government staff and the UK research base regarding the South Africa science and innovation environment; supporting VIP visits;
SA lead on managing Global Partnership Fund projects ensuring targetted and full spend with delivery against objectives set.
Developing high quality and sustainable UK/SA science and innovation partnerships that focus on UK and South African priorities; Identifying opportunities and developing and managing bilateral projects (these might be regional in nature) in order to increase collaboration opportunities for the
UK science base;
Within sectors that the position leads on, work with UK partners – FCO, UK Trade and Industry (UKTI), DFID, British Council and others to deliver wider UK prosperity objectives, including higher education linkages.
Working with UKTI to identify and match opportunities to UK firms.
Developing and maintaining a network of senior level contacts across the UK and South Africa research landscape.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
A first degree in a scientific/technological discipline.
Excellent written and spoken English.
Good presentation, interpersonal and representational skills.
The ability to initiate and maintain a wide range of working relationships.
Strong organisational skills and project management experience.
The ability to work quickly and reliably with attention to detail and with limited supervision.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Experience of working with SA scientific research organisations and an understanding of research funding in South Africa.
An understanding of the UK science and innovation landscape.
Experience of working with UK or SA research organisations.
Required Competencies
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace
Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment
Learning and development opportunities:
Training and support will be provided.
Please note that this position will involve occasional travel within South Africa, and to the UK.
It will also involve representational duties including out of hour’s commitments (networking, receptions, and seminars).
How to Apply
Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Pretoria are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
All applicants must be legally able to work in the country of application with the correct visa/status or work permit.
Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Reference and security clearances checks will be conducted.
Any questions you may have about this position will be answered during the interview, should you be invited.
Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework
Successful candidates not resident in South Africa will be personally liable for costs and arrangements to relocate, including accommodation and work permits.
Complete the application form in full as the information provided will be used for screening purposes.
Check your application and attachments before you submit your application, as you will not be able to make any changes once submitted.
The British High Commission will never ask you to pay a fee or money to apply for a position
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by 20th March 2019
For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission Jobs in Pretoria - SA - Science and Innovation Officer Vacancies
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