Head of Science and Innovation Policy – Ontario (British Consulate-General Toronto)

Job title:

Head of Science and Innovation Policy – Ontario (British Consulate-General Toronto)

Company

HM Government

Job description

Main purpose of job:The British Consulate-General in Toronto has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to join the UK’s global Science & Innovation Network (SIN) as the Head of Science and Innovation Policy for Ontario in Toronto. This is a rewarding role that supports and further develops the close relationship between the UK and Canada, ensuring the UK continues to be the partner of choice on science and innovation for Canada, and catalysing research collaborations on three areas critical to UK and international prosperity and security: responsible development of emerging technologies, biosecurity and global health, and science and technology geared to enabling climate action. The role holder will develop and implement policies and projects to strengthen the UK’s relationship with both Canada and specifically in Ontario.The UK is a global leader on science and technology. Collaboration with Canada, one of our closest partners, is a key component of taking this to the next level. This role is part of a network of SIN officers throughout Canada coordinated by the British High Commission in Ottawa. You would report directly to the Consul General for Toronto, working with colleagues locally in the Department for Business and Trade, and Media & Public Affairs team. You will be part of the wider virtual SIN team across Canada, to identify and create opportunities for UK science and innovation.The core objective of this position is to represent the UK’s science and innovation interests across Ontario. This is one of the most vibrant Science and Tech ecosystems in North America with the Toronto-Waterloo corridor second only to Silicon Valley in the number of tech start-ups. The area has world-leading capabilities in AI, Quantum, life sciences and advanced manufacturing; as well as a global top 20 University of Toronto.The objectives of the UK Government’s S&I network are to:

• Influence the science and innovation policies of Canadian government bodies, industry and academia to benefit the UK.
• Inform UK government policy related to science and innovation, based on international experience and emerging opportunities and challenges in Canada.
• Stimulate strategic science collaborations to benefit the UK and deliver wider policy goals.
• Harness international technology partnerships and investment to the benefit of UK and global prosperity.

The ideal candidate will:

• Exhibit policy development and implementation experience.
• Have proven research and analytical experience, capable of ranging across a variety of topics.
• Demonstrate the ability to broker/catalyse partnerships and collaborations.
• Show strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Be committed and enthusiastic about the role of science in policymaking, science diplomacy, and its increasing role in international affairs.

In this role, you would be working in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats, and country-based staff operating across the “UK in Canada” network. This network provides a platform for multiple UK Government departments and agencies to conduct their work here.The UK in Canada Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, benefits package and a strong learning and development offer. It also promotes a culture of flexibility, which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.Roles and responsibilities:

• Cultivating a strong understanding of S&I strengths across Ontario in order to proactively seek and stimulate opportunities for high-value collaboration to benefit the UK.
• Responsibility for influencing and promoting UK interests as they pertain to a broad range of S&I sectors and topics across Ontario, with particular regard for SIN’s priority areas: emerging technologies such as next generation AI, Quantum tech, and synthetic biology; climate science, energy research and cleantech; and Global Health.
• Providing pan-Canada leadership on a priority S&T file developing action plans across Canada.
• Providing accurate and detailed information on policy, best practice and horizon-scanning in science, technology and innovation to inform the UK government and other partners.
• Compiling and contributing to reports and briefs for UK stakeholders, including Senior UK scientists, learned societies, UK policy makers, Government Ministers and Parliament.
• Managing projects, visits and events (virtual and physical) relating to science and innovation (including organising meetings and visits for Government ministers, senior Departmental officials, representatives from science/innovation funding agencies, universities).
• Contributing to broader British Consulate-General and SIN Canada initiatives and programmes in support of UK interests.

Resources managed:

• You will be encouraged and expected to develop project proposals with budgets in the CAD$10,000s.
• This role does not currently have line management responsibilities.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience developing and implementing policy in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of effectively interacting with members of the public, science community, and senior government officials.
• Excellent (and demonstrable) written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports, and to present effectively to a range of audiences.
• Thorough understanding of Canadian science and innovation policy, including an appreciation of the government and constitutional landscape.
• Highly motivated, organised, and resourceful.
• Effective team player with leadership skills.
• Reliable, positive and flexible to new situations and ways of working.
• A self-starter who brings people along with them, learning and adapting direction as needed.
• At least 4-6 years of experience in a policy setting. Fewer years of experience would be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional, relevant experience.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Legal status to live and work in Canada in your own right, from time of application.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Strong academic (PhD or master’s degree preferred, but not essential) or corporate background in science and innovation.
• Knowledge of UK science and innovation strengths and capabilities is a plus.
• Experience working in and around Canadian science and innovation community.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in French.

Required behavioursCommunicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working TogetherApplication deadline30 July 2024GradeHigher Executive Officer (HEO)Type of PositionFull-time, PermanentWorking hours per week37.5RegionAmericas, Caribbean & Overseas TerritoriesCountry/TerritoryCanadaLocation (City)TorontoType of PostBritish Consulate GeneralNumber of vacancies1Salary CurrencyCADSalaryCAD $7,450.61 monthlyStart Date30 September 2024Other benefits and conditions of employmentThe UK in Canada network offers a strong package of L&D opportunities including an induction to working for us. We are committed to active, constructive line management. Additional L&D opportunities will be available and encouraged, with flexibility for the incumbent to seek his/her own opportunities of interest, subject to approval by your line manager.The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities. Please note the salary is non-negotiable.Additional informationMust have the legal status to live and work in Canada.Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.The FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.The UK in Canada team encourages consideration of flexible working practices requested by its staff whilst expecting personnel to work in the office 60% of time to encourage teamwork, innovation and shared sense of purpose. You may find that early on in your role you benefit from being in the office even more frequently to aid your understanding of the organisation and the role.On occasion, you may be requested to support events that you or colleagues at the British Consulate General have organised and these may be outside usual working hours such as evenings or weekends. In these circumstances you will be granted time off in lieu (TOIL).Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

Expected salary

$7450.61 per month

Location

Toronto, ON

Job date

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:11:29 GMT

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