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 Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). SIN has 80+ staff based in 40 different locations in 28 countries and territories worldwide.

The United Kingdom and Ghana have started to establish a strong relationship collaborating on Science, Technology and Innovation. This role is critical for developing and maintaining strong connections with a range of stakeholders in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors across Ghana and the West Africa region. Working across the UK Government’s wider science and technology agenda, you will work closely with the SIN network, Research and Evidence regional hub, and specialists working on climate, health, digital development, communications and innovation at Post. You will identify how the UK’s capabilities as a world leading science nation can partner Ghana’s vision for developing Science, Technology and Innovation as well as recognising opportunities to strengthen commercial links between the two-countries.

Responsible for strengthening and broadening bilateral science and innovation collaboration between the UK and Ghana, with a regional watching brief over West Africa. To promote collaboration, diplomacy, people to people links and inform UK policy development in science and innovation. You will:

 ·       Develop high quality and sustainable UK/Ghana science and innovation partnerships that focus on UK and Ghanaian priorities, including developing and maintaining a network of senior level contacts across the UK and Ghana research landscape;

·       Act as focal point for delivering UK Government science and innovation strategy; manage information on science and innovation work and lead on science briefing and reporting for Ghana.

·       Develop and expand the UK relationship with Ghanaian research, innovation and funding bodies;

·       Work closely with the Research and Evidence regional research hub and FCDO communications specialists to leverage and amplify the UK’s research investment and partnerships, promoting evidence-based policy making and the development of Ghana’s research landscape and partnerships.

·       Support wider UK prosperity objectives, including higher education and linkages in the digital sector. Spot and work with Department for International Trade to match opportunities to UK firms

·       Provide support to senior UK Government officials and the UK research base regarding the Ghana science and innovation environment; supporting VIP visits;

·       Identify opportunities, develop and manage bilateral projects (these might be regional in nature) in order to increase collaboration opportunities for the UK science base;

·       Support efforts to promote visibility and HMG coherence on science technology and innovation. This includes  convening and  supporting cross-mission meetings of science-focused specialists.

·       Support and facilitate UK, global and Ghanaian science partners in delivering objectives on Open Science; Science and Media; and other cross cutting priorities

·       Support UK science and innovation projects and programmes through monitoring, advice, networking and communication.

• Degree in a scientific/technological discipline or significant (5 years) work experience in a science/innovation role;
• Be able to work quickly and reliably with attention to detail and with limited supervision;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Strong IT computer skills including MS Word and Excel;
• Good presentation, interpersonal and representational skills,
• Good communications skills – amplifying and landing targeted messages to key stakeholders;
• The ability to initiate , maintain and exploit a wide range of working relationships;
• Strong organisational skills and project management experience;
• The ability to deliver results under pressure;
• Project management experience.

·       Experience of working with Ghanaian scientific research organisations and/or an understanding of research funding in Ghana;

·       An understanding of the UK science and innovation landscape;

·       Experience of working with UK research organisations.

The successful candidate will get access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on the job training and workshops. They will also be able to benefit from the wide range of training run by the British High Commission including on management and leadership, cross-cultural communication, and understanding the UK.

The current BHC working pattern is at least two days in the office weekly while COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. This is likely to change over time, and the incumbent should be prepared to work in the office fulltime. Subject to operational demands, it may be possible to work at least one day a week from home. It may be necessary to undertake representational duties including some outside of normal working hours.  Travel around Ghana and to the UK may be required.