Website British High Commission
Main purpose of job:
We are looking for a talented person to join our dynamic and inclusive team, in stretching science, innovation and climate focussed role that will feature a blend of diplomacy, project management, talent spotting and storytelling.
The Science, Innovation, Tech and Health teams create a living bridge between policymakers, researchers and innovators in the UK and India. We are focussed on shaping a fourth industrial revolution that improves citizen’s health, wellbeing and prosperity, based on the principles of democracy, openness and peace in both countries.
The UK-India 2030 Roadmap, agreed by both Prime Ministers in May 2021, has an entire pillar dedicated to bilateral engagement on health; demonstrating the importance attached to the health team’s work at the highest levels. From brokering the manufacturing of over 2 billion Oxford-Astrazenca COVISHIELD vaccines in India, to launching the first joint clinical trial between the two countries – the health team’s work is impactful, ambitious and fast paced. You’ll work closely with our trade, investment and regional teams to cultivate an ambitious, pioneering and genuinely impactful set of UK-India science and innovation partnerships on anti-microbial resistance, one health, behavioural insights, and emerging health tech – bringing the brightest minds together in both countries to keep our citizens healthy as we advance into the fourth industrial revolution.
The UK-India relationship is thriving and dynamic, with Ministers, senior officials and high-profile science, innovation and tech figures regularly visiting both countries to boost and celebrate our work. You’ll contribute to a portfolio of inward and outward visits promoting health elements of the UK and India science and tech superpower story throughout the year, working closely with a wide range of colleagues across the India Network to deliver smooth programmes and high quality, diverse content.
The successful candidate will have the chance to travel domestically and internationally, pandemic restrictions permitting. You’ll be part of an exciting global community of science diplomats: The UK Government’s Science and Innovation (SIN) network comprises of over 140 officers around the globe in 40 different locations. The SIN India team is the largest of its kind; and aims to build a UK-India science and innovation partnership that is internationally recognised as an unparalleled force for global good.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
We are looking for candidates with strong communication skills and a track record of delivery in the diplomatic, international and / or health policy context. If you thrive in a fast-paced working environment with a very diverse range of stakeholders, we would welcome your application.
You will join a team of 18 talented and enthusiastic people to deliver a portfolio centred around three main workstreams:
1. AMR/ One Health: Building and coordinating the £1 m UK-India Fleming Fund partnership launched by the UK and Indian Prime Ministers in June 2021 in-country, deepening and broadening the UK-India One Health Hub through twinning of laboratories and creation of a UK – India One Health Hub.
2. Behavioural Insights: Managing the partnership going from strength to strength between the UK Behavioural Insights and the National Health Authority, seeking opportunities to replicate the model to generate mutual benefits at regional/State Government level in India;
3. Health Policy Hub: As Hub manager, coordinating across Whitehall/cross Network Virtual Teams on health policy and vaccines alongside routine calls with Government of India. Coordinating and programme managing the suite of health partnerships to ensure that UK-India Roadmap delivery remains on track.
4. Em Tech: Generating foresights to inform UK Government decision making on bilateral health engagement; scoping and launching pilots to enhance UK-India engagement on prevention and treatment of chronic and neurological diseases, brain-computer inter-phase, cell and gene therapy, biotherapeutics (including bio-manufacturing), smart bio-sensors and bio-electronics, biomaterials and bio-fabrication.
5. Developing communication strategies and campaigns to promote the vibrant, creative and ambitious UK-India health partnerships to a wide range of target audiences
There is real opportunity in this role to boost the UK and India’s science, tech and innovation partnerships on the global stage and to work with a wide range of international and domestic partners across Government and industry. We are a supportive, diverse and flexible team, with an exciting and evolving programme of work, so there will be opportunities to get involved in / lead on additional work in the wider team related to other sectors and / or activities.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
You’ll be responsible for managing a seed funding portfolio of up to £500,000, with task management of junior staff members as the opportunity arises.
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Excellent command over the English language, both oral and written.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
Learning and development is highly valued by SINT officers and managers and is embedded into our team culture. The jobholder will have access to a vast range of opportunities aligned with their development needs and the main subject matter anchors of the role. They will be able to navigate their development journey through a range of avenues, including site visits, role relevant training, shadowing of senior leaders, mentoring/ reverse mentoring, crisis response/ first aid/ mental health first aid training and a large number of Embassy networks to build their skills and knowledge. We embrace and encourage creative ways of growing a positive and fulfilling career trajectory, with staff wellbeing being central to all we do.
We are a supportive, diverse and flexible team, with an exciting and evolving programme of work, with stretching development opportunities and responsibility devolved wherever possible. There will be opportunities to get involved in / lead on additional work in the wider team related to other sectors and / or activities.
Working patterns: Full time Mon-Fri, with in-office attendance. With Line Manager agreement, the job holder will have the option of working flexibly.
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
The job may require some travel in-country and to the UK.
To apply for this job please visit www.linkedin.com.
