UK Science and Innovation Officer at British High Commission (BHC)

The British High Commission is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to deliver highest possible standards of service by selecting experienced and professional staff to fill the position of:

Job Title: UK Science and Innovation Officer

Vacancy Notice No.: 15/15 LOS
Location: Lagos
Section: British Deputy High Commission
Grade : C4 (L)
Position type: Full time/Permanent

Purpose

• The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is the British Government’s organisation for international science diplomacy. It is jointly funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). SIN has 80+ staff based in 40 different locations in 28 countries and territories worldwide.
• As a result of a recent restructuring of the network, the British High Commission Abuja is recruiting a Science & Innovation Officer to be based at the British Deputy High Commission Lagos. The role will provide the opportunity for leadership, relationship building both within and outside the mission, strategic thinking and project management.
• The officer will be part of the UK’s Africa Science and Innovation Network, which from January 2016 will have its main hub at the British High Commission in Pretoria.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsibility for developing bilateral science and innovation collaboration between the UK and Nigeria, with a regional watching brief over West Africa.
• Promoting collaboration and inform UK policy development in science and innovation.

In practical terms this will include:

• Leading on UK Government science and innovation strategy, briefing and reporting for Nigeria.
• Managing the UK relationship with key Nigerian research, innovation and funding bodies;
• Providing support to senior UK Government staff and the UK research base regarding the Nigerian/West African science and innovation environment; supporting VIP visits;
• Acting as the first point of contact for UK Government lobbying on research, scientific and technology policy issues, and working closely with BHC Abuja staff to deliver messages to the Nigerian government;
• Working closely with prosperity staff in other HMG offices in West Africa, to explore and develop international research collaboration opportunities for UK scientists within the region;
• Developing high quality and sustainable UK/Nigeria science and innovation partnerships that focus on UK and Nigerian priorities; Identifying opportunities and developing and managing bilateral projects (these might be regional in nature) in order to increase collaboration opportunities for the UK science base;
• Working with UK partners - FCO, UK Trade and Industry (UKTI), DFID, British Council and others to deliver wider UK prosperity objectives, including higher education linkages. Working with UKTI to identify and match opportunities to UK firms.
• Developing and maintaining a network of senior level contacts across the UK and Nigeria re-search landscape; in time building up a network across the West Africa region.

Essential Requirements

• A first Degree in a Scientific/Technological discipline.
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Good presentation, interpersonal and representational skills;
• The ability to initiate and maintain a wide range of working relationships;
• Strong organisational skills and project management experience;
• The ability to work quickly and reliably with attention to detail and with limited supervision;

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience of working with Nigerian scientific research organisations and an understanding of research funding in Nigeria;
• An understanding of the UK science and innovation landscape;
• Experience of working with UK research organisations.

Key Competences required

• The British government recruits staff by assessing them against a selection of common competencies. As part of the assessment process, candidates will be expected to demonstrate their ability to deliver these competencies, reinforcing this with practical examples. The competencies against which candidates for this position will be assessed are:
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Leading & Communicating
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Collaborating & Partnering
  • Delivering at Pace

Information on the Civil Service Competency Framework, including detail on these competencies and the indicators of effective behavior, can be found at: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Civil-Service-Competency-Framework-July-2012.pdf Candidates for this position will be expected to show evidence of "Level 3" indicators of effective behaviour for the above competencies.

Training and travel

• Training and support will be provided. Please note that this position will involve occasional travel within Nigeria and West Africa, and to the UK. It will also involve representational duties including out of hour’s commitments (networking, receptions, and seminars).

Remuneration and Employment

• This is a full time position, with core working hours between 8am - 4:00pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am - 1.00pm on Friday - but you will need to be flexible about your hours when the need arises.
• A competitive salary will be offered based on skills and experience

Language Requirements

• Excellent spoken and written English, with evidence of technical literacy

Application Closing Date
9th November, 2015.

Method of Application
Please read these notes carefully to ensure that your application is received and processed. All candidates should use the following subject line for their email: 15/15 LOS, UK Science & Innovation Officer. Please send your attachments using either of the following formats .doc, .docx, pdf. Applications will only be accepted by email.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV (2 page maximum), contact details of two professional references, and the completed application form, in English, by email to: Recruitment.Africa4@fco.gov.uk

Application Form
Science and Innovation Network Officer, Lagos

Section 1 - Introduction:

• To help us determine if you have the necessary skills and experience for the job we would like you to give examples of when you have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and experience in the key areas for selection.
• For each competency, you must demonstrate what you have achieved, and how you did so. You may draw on personal as well as professional experience where it is appropriate.

You should:

• Provide examples which best demonstrate your achievements;
• Ensure that your examples clearly describe your role, i.e. what you did, how you applied your skills and abilities - and the outcome; not include unnecessary details;

Sections 2 - Personal Details:

• Title
• Forename(s)
• Surname
• Address
• Telephone numbers (including mobile, if appropriate) 2.6 e-mail address

Personal Statement:

• Please indicate briefly (no more than 400 words) why you are applying for this job. You should highlight here any particular skills and previous experience you have that you feel makes you a strong candidate.
• When doing so, you should remind yourself of the key knowledge and skills required for the job as detailed in the job description.

Note

• All applicants must be legally able to work in Nigeria with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• The British Deputy High Commission in Lagos is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusive, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
• Employees recruited locally by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
• If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.