In this role you will be responsible for:

• Leading existing and developing new research and innovation partnerships in South and South-east Asia to deliver against FCDO’s strategic priorities on science, technology and innovation, notably the International Development and International Technology strategies and in line with UK’s Integrated Review. This could range from capacity strengthening initiatives, setting up new G2G MoUs and partnerships through to joint projects to develop and scale new tools, evidence, and cutting-edge technologies to tackle major development challenges, and ensure that the findings translate into impacts at scale. 
• Supporting the development of the approach and Business Case for a new platform to build / strengthen research and innovations ecosystems in India and South-east Asia. Using technical expertise and drawing on lessons from relevant capacity building programmes in Africa and SARH’s Global Research Partnership programme, the post-holder will develop new ideas that will harness innovation to tackle the barriers to development in the region. This will include leading a range of consultations across the region to understand opportunities and challenges to inform programme design that will strengthen locally led research and innovation partnerships, tap into the energy and drive of young scientists and innovators to develop, test and scale locally led solutions to pressing challenges, including effective adaptation to climate change, accelerated clean energy access, effective models to protect nature and addressing pollution, and create new job and employment opportunities for urban and rural youth.
• Growing strategic engagement between the UK Gov and priority countries and institutions in the ASEAN region. This could include leading high-level government to government dialogues and expanding our offer across the Indo-Pacific region. We would expect the post holder to work with local and regional institutions and international donors and organisations to develop relationships and collaborate on priority science, technology and innovation initiatives across South and South-East Asia.
• Contributing to the Global Science Department objectives, engaging on key cross-cutting Departmental priorities, and contributing to broader Directorate (RED) discussions and directions. This includes working closely with Science and Innovation teams in the region.
• Engaging in policy dialogue with key internal stakeholders, ranging from inputs into Country Business Plans, advising FCDO Posts in identifying key opportunities for R&D engagement to advance RED’s business plan objectives, providing regional insights for RED’s central programming in the region to deliver development impact; and driving implementation of corporate thought leadership priorities and events.
• Providing expert advice to the Head of SARH, and input into SARH’s key operational or policy areas to help SARH achieve policy or business objectives.

• Higher degree (PhD or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to international development
• Knowledge and experience of the UK’s science, technology and research strategy and policy, including the funding structures, architecture and governance
• Proven knowledge of the role science, research, technology and Innovation can play in development in South and South-East Asia. This may include understanding and experience in a technical area or more widely across development policy
• Practical experience of commissioning research and using research and evidence to develop policy or programming, with sound knowledge of translating research into policy and practice and knowledge of research synthesis

For British High Commission candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC Candidates, salary will be all-inclusive of INR 259018 per month together with a 12% Provident Fund and 6% Superannuation. This salary is non-negotiable.

Additionally, the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with INR 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family.

No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided.

Please note - BHC does not deduct tax at source and employees are required to ensure that any requirements of local income-tax law are complied with in full. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.    

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

Around half of our work forces are women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCDO has anywhere across the globe. We are aiming to make it the best.