Job Opportunity for Technology and Digital Adviser at British High Commission in Multiple Locations

Main purpose of job:

We are looking for two talented people to join our dynamic and inclusive team, in stretching tech and digital focussed roles that will feature a blend of diplomacy, programme and budget management, strategy and communications work.

As a Technology Adviser, you will be responsible for providing regular expert advice on developments in India’s tech landscape, spotting opportunities for mutually beneficial UK-India collaboration on tech between governments, institutions, incubators and start ups. You will work closely with the Head of Tech and Digital, alongside a diverse range of teams across the British High Commission India network and key UK Government departments.

You will also lead on engaging with regional tech stakeholders for the network, deputising for the Head of Tech and Digital. You will be expected to support the design, delivery and evaluation of early stage, seed funded partnerships in tech sectors that both roles lead, which will cover Telecoms, Semiconductors, AI, Data, Fintech and VR/ Metaverse as a priority.

You’ll also lead work to forge and promote the best routes for UK and India’s innovators to propel pioneering ideas into the marketplace, boosting the number of tangible solutions to tackle global challenges with emerging technology.

This is an exciting role working at the interface of tech, research, business and government in a fast moving policy area. The role will require significant independent working so candidates must be comfortable leading projects independently.  

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

We are looking for candidates with demonstrated interest and experience working in tech and digital with strong communication skills and a track record of delivery in an international context. If you thrive in a fast paced working environment with a very diverse range of stakeholders, we would welcome your application.

As part of the SINT India team, you’ll work to create a living bridge between technology and innovation policy makers, doers and thinkers in the UK and India. You will join a team of 14 talented and enthusiastic people to help deliver the UK and Indian Prime Minister’s 2030 Roadmap and be part of a dynamic tech team driving forward UK-India tech collaboration.

1. Tech Expertise, Reporting and Delivering UK-India Collaboration (35%): You will be sector lead for a number of priority tech sectors and lead on reporting developments in India on these sectors back to  to UK Government policymakers and colleagues across the BHC India network. You will also lead on scoping opportunities for UK-India collaboration in these sectors to contribute to the delivery of the UK’s forward looking and ambitious R&I relationship with India.

2. Strategic Relationship Management (25%): You will build a network of influential tech and digital stakeholders in India in business, state governments and institutions. You will support senior official engagement with senior leaders and interlocutors. You will use your organisational skills to maintain a variety of strategic engagement tools and respond in a timely manner to queries.

3. Programme Management (20%): In order to boost UK-India science and tech superpower engagement, you will formulate ideas for and deliver small seed funded programmes to create and nurture a pipeline of cutting edge innovations. Alongside drawing on project management skills to make sure the programme runs smoothly, to time and budget, you’ll manage relevant in-country events and provide strategic guidance to keep activities aligned with UK Government policy objectives.

4. Visits and High Level Meetings (15%): You’ll play a key role in supporting visits and engagements between Ministers and senior Government officials leading on tech in the UK and India; helping shape and deliver programmes, site visits, announcements and associated communications to a global audience.

5. Communications (5%): You will work closely with communication teams and relevant teams across UK Government and the BHC India network, demonstrating the impact of interventions and strong UK-India tech relationship.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

You’ll manage small programme budgets up to £250,000 to support priority tech and digital objectives and will be given opportunities to task manage junior members of staff on an ad-hoc basis.

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.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

•    Bachelor’s degree.

•    Minimum three years of work experience.

•    Proven interest/experience in tech and digital.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Excellent command over the English language, both oral and written.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  Desirable:

• A technology/science qualification at masters level.
• Experience of working in technology field and understanding of the techno-business landscape in India.
• Experience of working an international organisation or Government, and/or with science/research organisations in the innovation space.
• Communications and tech programme management experience, working with multiple stakeholders including businesses, incubators, government and academics to deliver projects/ programmes. 
• Required behaviours  Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together

Application deadline  11 December 2022
Grade  Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Type of Position  Fixed Term, Full-time
Working hours per week  40
Duration of Post  24 months
Region  South Asia & Afghanistan
Country/Territory  India
Location (City)  Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai
Type of Post  British Deputy High Commission
Number of vacancies  2
Salary Currency  INR
Salary  INR 110,484 per month plus 12% provident fund and 6% special allowances
Start Date  1 February 2022

Other benefits and conditions of employment  For BHC candidates, the Local BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC candidates, Basic Salary will be INR 110,484 per month together with a 12% provident fund and 6% Special Allowance

Additionally the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with INR 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family.

No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided.

Please note – BHC does not deduct tax at source and employees are required to ensure that any requirements of local income-tax law are complied with in full. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.    

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

Around half of our work forces are women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best.