JOB DESCRIPTION

View Vacancy – Science & Technology Senior Advisor, Grade – HEO, Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore

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)

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Note: The role is open for either of the location: New Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore

Main purpose of job:

We are seeking a talented individual to join our dynamic and inclusive Science and Technology Network, working at the intersection of diplomacy, project management, and strategic partnership development. This is a fast-paced role, working on high-impact projects that are central to the UK-India relationship. The role will be a blend of responsibilities across the UK-India Net Zero Innovation Programme (NZIP) and the UK-India Research & Innovation Corridor (RIC), supporting the delivery of Vision 2035 and the UK-India bilateral science and innovation agenda.

The Science, Tech and Health teams act as a living bridge between policymakers, researchers, and innovators in the UK and India. Our work is at the forefront of advancing science and technology as a strategic tool for global influence, security, and prosperity. By deepening bilateral collaboration, we help both countries navigate complex geopolitical challenges, strengthen resilience, and promote shared values of democracy, openness, and peace. Science and technology partnerships are central to shaping the international landscape, driving innovation-led growth, and ensuring the UK and India remain leaders in setting global standards and responding to emerging threats and opportunities.

The jobholder will work closely with colleagues across the Science & Technology Network (STN), the British High Commission, and the Government of India’s Department for Science and Technology (DST), as well as with other UK and Indian government departments, industry leaders, academic institutions, and innovation hubs. You will be expected to collaborate with the climate team and other thematic leads to cultivate ambitious, pioneering, and impactful UK-India partnerships in areas such as hydrogen, decarbonising transport and pharmaceuticals, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and other net zero technologies.

The role will involve:

• Supporting the delivery and coordination of the UK-India Net Zero Innovation Programme (NZIP), including its key pillars: decarbonising transport, pharmaceuticals, hydrogen, and CCUS.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the UK-India Research & Innovation Corridor (RIC), including mapping bilateral projects, facilitating workshops, and supporting evidence-based recommendations for Ministers.
• Engaging with stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration, investment, and innovation, and helping to position the UK-India partnership as a global leader in science and technology.
• Managing and supporting a portfolio of projects and events, including inward and outward visits, workshops, and bilateral dialogues, to promote the UK and India’s science and tech story.
• Building and maintaining relationships with influencers and decision makers across government, industry, academia, and innovation communities in both countries.
• Supporting the development of future science leaders and STEMM talent pipeline initiatives and contributing to knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities.
• Ensuring alignment with Vision 2035, the UK-India Science & Innovation Council, and wider FCDO objectives, including UK growth, climate action, and global leadership in sustainable technology.

The jobholder will be part of a supportive, diverse, and flexible team, with opportunities to lead on additional workstreams and contribute to the evolving programme of work. You will have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including site visits, role-relevant training, mentoring, crisis response, and participation in Embassy networks. Staff wellbeing and career development are central to our team culture.

This role offers the chance to work at the heart of the UK-India science and innovation partnership, with opportunities for domestic and international travel, and to make a tangible impact on the delivery of UK-India Vision 2035, the Research and Innovation Corridor, and the net zero and innovation agenda.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

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

The post holder will play a pivotal role in advancing UK-India collaboration in science and technology, with a particular focus on the Net Zero Implementation Programme (NZIP) and the Research & Innovation Corridor (RIC). The role requires strong analytical, relationship management, and project delivery skills, as well as the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-profile environment. The jobholder will need to be proactive and a self-starter, demonstrating initiative, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Science & Tech Sector Expertise, Reporting and Delivering UK-India Collaboration (25%):

• Act as sector lead for priority science and technology areas within NZIP and RIC.
• Monitor and report on developments in these sectors to UK Government policymakers and colleagues across the British High Commission (BHC) network.
• Identify and scope new opportunities for collaboration, contributing to the delivery of Vision 2035 and the UK’s ambitious research and innovation agenda.

Strategic Relationship Management (30%):

• Build and maintain a network of influential stakeholders in India and the UK, including government, industry, academia, and innovation hubs.
• Support senior official engagement with key leaders and interlocutors.
• Use organisational skills to manage strategic engagement tools and respond promptly to queries.

Programme and Project Management (25%):

• Develop and deliver small seed-funded programmes and projects to nurture a pipeline of cutting-edge innovations.
• Apply project management skills to ensure programmes run smoothly, on time, and within budget.
• Manage relevant in-country events and provide strategic guidance to keep activities aligned with UK Government policy objectives.

Visits and High-Level Meetings (15%):

• Support visits and engagements between Ministers and senior Government officials leading on science and technology in the UK and India.
• Help shape and deliver programmes, site visits, announcements, and associated communications to a global audience.

Communications (5%)

• Work closely with communications teams and relevant teams across UK Government to ensure effective dissemination of key messages and outcomes.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Budget Management: Responsible for managing a seed funding portfolio of around £500,000, ensuring effective allocation, monitoring, and reporting in line with FCDO guidelines.
• People Management: May be required to provide task management and supervision to junior staff members or interns as opportunities arise, supporting their development and ensuring delivery of team objectives.
• Programme Oversight: Oversee the delivery of funded projects and activities, ensuring value for money and compliance with financial and procurement procedures.
• Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across the Science & Technology Network (STN), providing guidance and support to ensure successful delivery of joint initiatives.
• Increasing Industrial Investment: Proactively engage with industry stakeholders to identify opportunities and develop initiatives that attract greater private sector investment into UK-India science and technology collaborations, supporting the growth of innovation-led partnerships and commercialisation.

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

Must-have skills and qualifications:

• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven project management experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in science, technology, innovation, or related sectors is highly desirable.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Essential on arrival:

• Relevant Degree: Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, international relations, public policy, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: Minimum three years of relevant work experience in science, innovation, technology, or net zero sectors.
• Project Management: Demonstrable experience in managing multi-partner projects or programmes, including budget oversight.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government, industry, and academic partners.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in reporting and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, cross-cultural team.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse complex information, identify trends, and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Willingness to Travel: Ability and willingness to undertake essential travel within India and to the UK, potentially on a quarterly basis, to support programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and high-level events.

Language Requirements:

• Language: English
• Level of Language Required: Expert

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Desirable:

• International Experience: Experience working in an international organisation, government, or with UK-India science/research partnerships.
• Policy Knowledge: Familiarity with UK and Indian science, technology, and innovation policy landscapes.
• Budget Management: Experience in managing budgets and financial reporting.
• Event Delivery: Experience organising and delivering high-profile events, workshops, or visits.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of net zero technologies, such as hydrogen, CCUS, or sustainable aviation.
• Civil Service Behaviours: Evidence of ‘Seeing the Big Picture’, ‘Communicating and Influencing’, ‘Working Together’, and ‘Delivering at Pace’ as outlined in the Civil Service Success Profiles.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together

Application deadline

10 December 2025

Grade

Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Fixed Term

Working hours per week

40

Duration of Post

12 months

Region

South Asia & Afghanistan

Country/Territory

India

Location (City)

Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi

Type of Post

British High Commission

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

INR

Salary

INR 125,179 per month plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

12 January 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment

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 125,179 per month plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance.

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 which includes self, spouse/partner and children up to an age of 23 years and irrespective of age, only if with, physical or mental disability.

No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided. FCDO does not pay for any travelling, accommodation & relocation expenses incurred and/or accept any financial risk, including cancellation or reschedule costs

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, e.g., some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

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 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.

Additional information

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders will need have, or be able to obtain, a valid special work permit issued from Government of India (GOI) to work in the British High Commission (BHC). BHC will not be able to sponsor work visas or obtain/ assist with the special work permit from GOI. Offers of employment made to OCI card holders will be conditional upon candidates obtaining a special work permit.

Note: For requisite special permission to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India, OCI Cardholder must visit https://ociservices.gov.in

Please note – successful applicants will be offered employment on Country Based Staff (CBS) terms and conditions. This is not a permanent UK Civil Service position and does not attract diplomatic immunities and privileges (other than what an individual may already hold if they are a recognised partner/family member of a serving diplomat).

To Apply:
Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.

a) Complete the Online Application Form
b) Complete the Experience, Professional Skills and Behaviour based Segments in the Online Application Form

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification

To ensure a successful application it is important that you explain how you demonstrate behaviours and technical / professional skills, basis your experience. You are strongly advised to read the Success Profiles Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which provides a detailed guidance on how these behaviours are defined for each position.

Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to prepare specific examples of when and how you have demonstrated these behaviours in your application, by evidencing a structured response, including your skills and experiences. You briefly describe the situation in which you demonstrated the behaviour, and then explain your task in addressing the situation, what action you took and the result of this.

Internal staff applying for this position must have prior approval from their current line manager and should not be on an active formal written warning, else the application will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 10 December 2025 (latest by 23:55 hours IST).

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Please note – “Provident Fund Transfer in and out from EPFO is not possible as BHC PF is managed by a private PF trust governed by Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The staff still has the option to transfer out and in from a privately held PF trust which are not governed by EPFO. Any tax deduction on EPF will be in compliance with local income-tax law and must be complied with in full.”

Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Basis the scores, the candidate/s who did not score as highly as the successful candidate, might be placed on the reserve list. If during the reserve period of 12 months, the same or largely similar role becomes available, the role may be offered to the second or subsequent appointable candidates.

” The start date mentioned in the job advert is tentative and the appointment will be subject to successful clearances including police verification, references, medical, educational, and professional checks. “

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, caste, or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

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.