Job Posting – Head of Science & Innovation Network for Germany, Austria and Switzerland (SIN DACH)(DEU23.068)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Why should you apply?

Science and innovation are at the heart of the UK Government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. The UK is already a global leader in science and innovation. Within this, international partnership is essential to maintaining our excellence, our reputation and our global competitiveness. Germany is a major global research power and a vital partner for the UK in Europe and globally (the UK and Germany are each other’s second most important research collaborator globally after the US).

The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) aims to strengthen the UK’s global leadership position on science and innovation and ensure we reap the benefits from this for the UK’s security and prosperity. We have approximately 100 officers in over 40 countries and territories around the world building partnerships and collaborations.

The jobholder is part of the UK Government’s presence in Germany, supported and fostered by this network. Based in Berlin, the job holder is responsible for delivering the Prime Minister’s vision of the UK as a “science superpower”, as set out in the Integrated Review and Innovation Strategy, across Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The jobholder is required to work with a broad range of stakeholders to deliver this, both locally and across BEIS, FCDO and the wider science and research community in the UK. Currently, we are looking for a Head of Science & Innovation Network for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The jobholders supports staff in their team in developing and delivering business plans for their region, liaising with Embassies, host governments, science communities, and key London stakeholders. The role will contribute in particular to engagement with Germany, developing relationships at a senior level with relevant government and non-government stakeholders, visibly championing UK excellence in local science communities, and providing advice to the Embassy leadership.

The jobholder is one of five Regional Managers (RMs) within SIN Europe who coordinate and oversee country work and contribute to effective leadership. The role has a high level of autonomy and management responsibility, including engagement with FCDO and BEIS senior leadership (e.g. Ambassadors at SIN posts).

What you will be expected to achieve?

The jobholder is required to lead effective delivery of the bilateral HMG Science & Innovation (S&I) agenda across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (SIN DACH):  

• Lead effective delivery of the bilateral HMG S&I agenda across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (SIN DACH), measured by strong research, policy and prosperity outcomes
• Manage and lead effectively a diverse team across five posts (Berlin, Munich, Vienna and Berne) and three countries, setting strategic direction and getting the best from others
• Pay particular attention to strengthen the UK-Germany bilateral relationship on S&I, strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors
• Enhance the reputation and reach of UK S&I in Germany and across the DACH region, line-managing and coaching a team of five staff in four cities (Berlin, Munich, Berne, Vienna)
• Be part of SIN Europe’s senior management board (one Regional Director plus 5 Regional Managers) as the Regional Manager (RM) for SIN DACH, contributing to the future direction of the team across the whole of Europe

Some more specific responsibilities and priorities are as follows:

Leadership and management

• Agenda setting for bilateral S&I work in Germany in the context of the UK’s EU exit, with oversight for Switzerland and Austria
• Line-management of five officers across Berlin, Munich, Vienna and Berne and management of devolved project funds
• Membership of the SIN Europe Regional Management Board with a role in agenda setting and network management for the full region of 34 staff

Policy reporting and analysis

• Maintaining and further developing existing strong contact networks across core policy and research organisations (e.g. the BMBF, HQs for Max-Planck, Helmholtz, Fraunhofer etc…), at both senior and working level. 
• Broader stakeholder outreach in priority thematic areas for SIN Germany (currently Future Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Life Science and Global Health, Future Cities and Oceans)
• Harnessing networks to deliver information gathering, influencing, and high-impact projects

Project delivery

• Lead and manage SIN Germany in design and delivery of high-impact science and innovation projects which enhance UK reputation in Germany, strengthen the UK-Germany bilateral relationship, and create other policy, research or commercial outcomes
• Guide or oversee project work in Switzerland and Austria

Learning and development (L&D) and corporate contribution

• Get actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the Embassy’s positive working environment

The position currently manages the SIN Germany team (consisting of 3 x EO and 1 x AO) and Austria (1 x EO) and Switzerland (1 x EO) teams. In addition the jobholder oversees significant programme spent £150,000 +) and is required to leverage funding for projects from the BEIS Tactical and International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF).