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: