JOB DESCRIPTION

View Vacancy – Science and Technology Officer (DEU25.339)

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory

Science and Innovation

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Who are we?

The British Consulate General in Munich is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and is now looking Science and Technology Officer to join the Science and Technology Network (STN).

The UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN) is at the forefront of fostering global science partnerships and advancing science diplomacy. STN plays a pivotal role in maintaining the UK”s leadership in science, technology, and innovation through international collaboration.

This position is based at the British Consulate in Munich, part of the wider Germany Network, which includes our Embassy in Berlin and a further consulate in Dusseldorf. The role is part of the broader science and technology team for DACH reporting to the DACH Europe Regional Manager based in BE Berlin. The role starts at an exciting time, coming soon after the signing of a historic Bilateral Treaty between the UK and Germany with its heavy focus on enhancing Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation between our two countries. This post holder will also serve as a strategic connector between STN and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), helping to align science and technology policy with commercial priorities that drive investment and export growth.

As a Network we put our values – kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility – at the heart of all we do. We are inclusive and value diversity and the contributions of all staff. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group but, as women and members of ethnic minority groups are currently underrepresented at this level at post, we would particularly encourage applications from members of these groups.

Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will contribute to science, innovation, and technology policy, with a primary focus on enhancing bilateral collaboration between the UK and Germany. The role is geographically centred on representing the UK Science and Technology Network in Munich and its surrounding regions.

The postholder will lead the team’s work on Quantum and Space Policy in particular, alongside supporting broader aspects of its work. This position is embedded within the broader UK Consulate in Munich, where technology, trade, and business are key strategic priorities.

Key Objectives:

• Deliver insights and analysis on emerging trends and opportunities in science, technology, and innovation, with a focus on Munich and the surrounding regions.
• Play a pivotal role in advancing priority policy areas under the UK-Germany Kensington Treaty,
• Lead on Quantum Technologies and Space Policy for Germany and act as a liaison between STN and DBT to ensure science and technology policy is aligned with commercial and trade objectives.

The role requires regular stakeholder engagement across the German government at state and federal level, tech companies, research bodies, science academies, agencies, and other sectors. Plus, regular engagement with and reporting to UK government stakeholders.

You will deliver and further shape the Science & Technology and Germany Networks’ science, technology, and innovation objectives. The role focuses on engagement, delivery, and insight, with responsibilities that may evolve over time. The UK and Germany have recently signed the Kensington Treaty and a Strategic Science and Technology Partnership. You will be instrumental in turbocharging key policy areas of this agreement, while supporting on all its objectives in southern Germany.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Driving S&T collaborations: Identifying and realising opportunities for S&T collaboration through implementing the UK’s International Technology Strategy in Germany and the UK-Germany Strategic S&T Partnership.
• Support the British Ambassador and British Consul General: Assist the British Ambassador/BCG in their engagement on science and technology with high-level stakeholders in Munich.
• Network Building: Establish and maintain contacts in government, research organisations, universities and businesses in the UK and Germany to support STN and Network objectives.
• Reporting and analysis: Share regular reports and insights on German science and technology policies, programmes and investments with the STN and Germany networks and key contacts in UK Headquarters.
• Cross Germany Network collaboration: Build productive partnerships with teams across the Network on priority areas for the UK.
• Visit Coordination: Support ministerial and senior official visits to Munich and surrounding areas by identifying contacts, coordinating meetings, and providing briefings.
• Programme Leadership: Lead bilateral projects, visits, events, and activities to enhance the visibility of UK science excellence and innovation.
• Business Planning: Support annual strategic business plans.
• Commercial Insight and Support: Provide commercial insights and policy advice to DBT, DSIT and other UK government teams to help shape trade and investment strategies in science and technology sectors.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Our Ideal Candidate shows:

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Science, Technology, International Relations, or Engineering Degree (or similar);
• Experience of working within science, innovation and/or technology policy within government, academia or private industry;
• Strong knowledge of Munich, Bavarian and Southern Germany Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystems;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a strong and reliable network of external contacts;
• Self-Starter – ability to work well on own initiative;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills;
• Very good IT skills, especially MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of working internationally and/or working for an international organisation;
• Experience working with Quantum Technology, AI and space ecosystems.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

9 November 2025

Grade

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal

Working hours per week

37.5

Region

Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory

Germany

Location (City)

Munich

Type of Post

British Consulate General

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

EUR

Salary

Salary € 67,080. – rising to a maximum of approx. € 75,351.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable).

Type of Salary

yearly

Start Date

1 January 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full time (37,5 hours a week) , fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. Salary € 67,080. – rising to a maximum of approx. € 75,351.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable). Candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Equal employment

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The Germany Network wants to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Learning & Development

The Germany Network has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, supported by our L&D Committee. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to induction programmes offered to all S&T Network staff.

The Germany Network is responsible for managing the UK’s relationship with Germany. It remains one of the UK’s most important strategic relationships internationally in terms of trade, foreign policy, science and innovation and much more. The Germany network includes c.250 staff across three locations (Berlin, Dusseldorf and Munich), representing a number of different Whitehall departments.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

*Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C1 as proficiency Level which comprehends that a person can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements