Main purpose of job:
 
The UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) is a network of 125 officers based at 66 locations around the world, tasked with three core objectives: to project the UK’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) excellence and leadership globally; to actively build and facilitate STI collaborations of value to the UK; and to provide STI insights and intelligence. At the British Embassy Seoul, the SIN team sits in the Economic Diplomacy Section. It leads on collaborative activity that is developed and delivered in line with UK policy and strategy, and with priorities mutually agreed in partnership with the Republic of Korea Government. Our current high level sector priorities cover Global Health, Climate and the Environment, and Digital and Emerging Technologies. 

As Head of the SIN and Health Team, you will be responsible for leading a motivated team to deliver on the three core objectives outlined above. You will additionally be expected to collaborate across the Embassy, ensuring that maximum value is achieved from the SIN and Health Team by realising synergies, especially, where appropriate, those related to commercial. You will regularly cultivate, own and maintain relationships at Director level and above with your stakeholders and be expected to represent the UK in public fora. And to do this, you will need to have a strong understanding of UK strengths in science and how to leverage these within the context of the bilateral relationship.

The British Embassy Seoul is an exciting and rewarding place to work, and your role offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the bilateral relationship in an area of high strategic interest to both the UK and the Republic of Korea. The British Embassy Seoul provides a supportive and flexible working environment that is committed to inclusivity and diversity. 

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Science and Innovation (45%)

•  Lead the development and management of strategic relationships with government ministries and national agencies, regional government and agencies, research performing organisations, and companies in the UK and Republic of Korea.
•  Direct the successful and streamlined delivery of the biennial UK-Korea Joint Committee Meetings on Science and Technology Cooperation, working in partnership with the UK’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Korean ministries: Ministry of Science and ICT; Ministry of Trade Industry and Energy, and Ministry of Health and Welfare.
•   Oversee the relationship management of UK and Korean funding agency partnerships for existing and new R&D collaboration programmes in line with UK policy and bilaterally agreed priority.
• Design and implement the annual SIN Korea Business Delivery Plan in line with current FCDO/DSIT SIN priorities: Global Health; Climate and the Environment, and Emerging and Critical Technologies. Ensure that delivery is in line with the Post Country Business Plan, the Bilateral Framework, UK national R&D strategies, and multilateral engagement requirements. Secure strategic advantage from outward and inward visit programmes to support planned activity. Collaborate closely with colleagues at Post, in particular the Economic Diplomacy Section and the Digital Technology Network to maximise impact.
•   Ensure the efficient spend of all team and allocated budgets and identify and support proposals for additional funding in line with business plans.
•  Lead by example on the implementation of an enhanced communication plan for team activity.

Cross-Embassy Collaboration (15%)

• Work in close collaboration with colleagues and as part of projects across the British Embassy Seoul to ensure effective information sharing and maximisation of programme and project impact.

Health (10%)

•  Lead Post delivery of a new UK-Korea Health MOU and Health Dialogue, working in cooperation with UK and Korean stakeholders on the formation of an active plan for health policy exchange and collaboration.
• Manage the expansion of stakeholder management to support exchange, including relationships with the FCDO, DHSC and UKHSA, MOFA, MOHW and KDCA. Support UK engagement with the Republic of Korea with multilateral fora including the WHO and G20, helping to influence the alignment of Korean policy to the UK.
• Convene and chair a cross-Post Health Working Group to health sector priorities, share information and outcomes, and to identify and deliver collaborative target activity.

Innovation Twins (10%)

• In partnership with the Connected Places Catapult, co-manage and deliver the effective spend of £1 million between 2022 and 2025 for the development of strategic innovation partnerships between UK and Korean cities at the city government, business and academic levels.
• Ensure that all opportunities and outcomes of the project are communicated across Post to enable maximum benefit from the programme.

Line Management (10%)

• Manage and support the learning and development for a team of four staff (EO x 3, AO x 1), in line with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Good Line Management practice.

Regional Collaboration (5%)

• In partnership with SIN Asia-Pacific country heads, identify and implement a new cross-regional programme of benefit to all regional SIN colleagues.

Corporate Contribution (5%)

• Participate and take a leading role in projects and activities bettering the British Embassy Seoul workplace or in support of corporate social responsibility.

Please note that with the British Embassy Seoul’s delivery of the ONE HMG Overseas agenda, the work and responsibilities of this role may change and that staff flexibility is expected.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

• Line management of four staff: EO x 3 and AO x 1
• Expenditure (FY23/24 – subject to change on an annual basis): £150k in total of programme funds
   

• Self-motivation, creativity, and the ability to set, communicate and deliver strategic direction.
• At least three years of leading and managing teams (3+ people):
•  Fluency in English, both spoken and written.
• At least three years of project and budget management experience.
• At least five years of experience working for or with sector relevant Korean ministries, funding agencies, associations, and research performing organisations.
• At least three years of experience in inter-governmental relations.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Standard computer literacy skills.
• Evidenced interest in science and innovation and/or international cooperation.