View Vacancy – QAT – Science and Innovation Country Lead (HEO)

The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Science and Innovation Country Lead, job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) under the UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN).

The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is the British Government’s organisation for international science diplomacy, using the UK’s excellence in science and innovation to develop partnerships and collaborations that support UK prosperity and help tackle global challenges.  SIN is jointly funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) with more than 130 staff based in over 65 locations worldwide, including the SIN Gulf team, led from Doha.

The six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain) are investing heavily in research capacity as they seek to diversify and build their knowledge based economies. In addition to British Embassy and wider FCDO/DSIT objectives, the SIN Gulf team has already identified significant opportunities for the UK research base to engage beneficially with Gulf research institutions in priority research sectors and is looking to extend its coverage both in the region, and with UK institutes and businesses. The SIN Country Lead must assume responsibility for business and programme delivery in Qatar along with supporting activities across the wider Gulf region.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Implement the UK Government’s science and innovation strategy for the Gulf with direct responsibility for Qatar.
• Responsible for planning and delivery of programme funded scientific focused initiatives.
• Manage the UK relationship with Qatar research, innovation and funding bodies.
• Report on Qatar trends, policy and funding in the areas of research, science and innovation.
• Develop communications strategies and campaigns to promote the vibrant, creative and ambitious UK-Qatar science and innovation partnerships to a wide range of target audiences.
• Provide support to senior UK Government staff and the UK research base regarding the science and innovation environment in Qatar.
• Act as the first point of contact for UK Government lobbying on research, scientific and technology policy issues in Qatar.
• Collaborate with Qatar partners on the development of common science and innovation policies.
• Work with UK partners – UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), British Council and others to deliver wider UK prosperity objectives.
• Develop and maintain a network of senior level contacts across the UK and Gulf research landscape.
• Support UK entities to leverage Gulf research funds and tackle pressing global challenges.
• Support VIP visits – Curate events with a range of high level, diverse thought leaders and influencers to promote our bilateral scientific partnership.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future and this would be at the discretion of the line manager or head of section. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.

The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following Key Behaviours and Diversity & Inclusion during the interview:

Key Behaviours

• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The British Embassy Doha has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and is fully committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all.

We are committed to valuing diversity and to equality of opportunity. Our aim is to create and promote an environment in which all staff are treated fairly and with respect and feel able to contribute to the best of their abilities.

• Excellent communication skills in English both verbal and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• Holds a BSc, BA or BEng in a relevant field.
• A scientific background, experience working with the research, academic or commercial scientific community of the Gulf region and/or UK, along with an understanding of the UK science and innovation landscape.
• The ability to plan strategically and to see the bigger picture.
• The ability to deliver results under pressure.
• The ability to work quickly and reliably with attention to detail and with limited supervision.
• The ability to initiate and maintain a wide range of working relationships.
• The ability to work as part of a larger team.
• Strong presentation, communication, interpersonal and representational skills.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Strong IT computer skills – Understanding of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.