Head of Science and Innovation

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

**Main purpose of job**:
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) promotes the United Kingdom’s interests overseas, supporting our citizens and businesses around the globe. The British Embassy in Santiago leads on diplomatic relations with Chile. This role is based within the Science and Innovation Network (SIN) and within the Prosperity Team in the Embassy in Chile, which also covers Trade Policy, Economic Diplomacy and Climate Change and Critical Minerals within the Embassy. The role reports to two Ministries in the UK, the FCDO and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The Science & Innovation Network has approximately 100 officers in over 40 countries around the world building partnerships and collaborations on science and innovation with the UK. The role will work with the local science and innovation community in support of UK policy overseas, leading to mutual benefits to the UK and Chile. The role will be the sole SIN officer based in Chile, with no permanent direct line management responsibilities, although there may be an opportunity to hire and manage a science and innovation intern at certain times of the year.
- As the Head of Science and Innovation, the job holder will be in charge of developing and implementing the SIN country business plan and work to the following global objectives:
- Prosperity: enhancing UK growth and exports; connecting innovative UK industries and scientific expertise with international opportunities;
- Security: delivering solutions to global challenges such as anti-microbial resistance (AMR), health, energy, the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, and enhancing resilience to natural disasters;
- Influence: strengthening the UK’s foreign policy influence through science and innovation;
- Development: supporting international development goals and matching UK expertise to international need.

Specifically in Chile, the role will lead on building upon the strong relationships the current role holder has established with Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologia, Conocimiento e Innovation and also work with other relevant Ministries such as the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, building upon the UK-Chile Government Partnership for Science.

This work will include supporting the use of expertise and evidence-based policy-making between the two countries and building science, innovation and technology collaborations between the UK and Chile. You will support knowledge sharing and the establishment of the Chile Natural Capital Committee and UK-Chile collaboration on nature-based solutions and management of oceans and peatlands. In addition, you will maintain a strong network of science and innovation stakeholders and contribute to the strengthening of research links and the development of innovative technologies, linked to strategic areas such as green hydrogen and critical minerals and working closely with colleagues at the Embassy within the Department of Business and Trade (DBT).

The successful applicant will be based in the British Embassy, Santiago and report to the First Secretary, Economic and Trade.

**The priorities for the role are**:

- 1. Strategic Direction (25%)- Design and implement the SIN Country Business Plan, aligned with and contributing to the Embassy-wide country plan. Work closely with the First Secretary, Economic and Trade and the Science and Innovation Network Regional Manager, based in Brazil, and keep up to date with the latest policy direction and initiatives from the FCDO and DSIT for the global network. React to emerging priorities, such as pandemic response, artificial intelligence and/or COP and net zero implementation strategies.
- 2. Capacity Building (25%)- As the lead for science and innovation in Chile, you will be the main point of contact for the UK and Chilean government and science stakeholders. On the UK side, this will include working with DBT, DEFRA, Go-Science, UK Research and Innovation and colleagues working on climate change and critical minerals (within the Embassy and in London). You will develop and nurture links, including continuing the work of the UK-Chile Government Partnership for Science.
- 3. Project Management (20%)- You will manage a Science and Innovation Network budget (c. £25,000), working closely with the Economic Diplomacy Programme Manager to deliver value for the UK and Chile. There will be an opportunity to bid for further funding and to participate in regional initiatives. There will be flexibility as to how to deploy this funding, based around the four SIN priorities of prosperity, security, influence and development. You will keep forecasts accurate and up-to-date and aim for 100% spending of allocated funding.
- 4. Regional capacity building (10%)- You will contribute to regional Latin America Science and Innovation Network, working closely with colleagues based in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. This may inv