Deputy Director – Global Research and Innovation

With our mission of driving stronger growth, better jobs and bold discoveries, there has never been a more exciting time to join DSIT.  

The International Research and Innovation Directorate (IRID) plays a crucial role in delivering the government’s vision of the UK being a global science superpower, leader and pioneer in cutting edge technology and new research fields, supporting investment, innovation and jobs across the UK, driving progress on net zero, and using UK science and technology strength to drive the country’s strategic advantage, underpinned by strong diplomatic and trade relationships.  We lead work on the UK’s association to Horizon Europe, wider global R&D partnerships, the UK’s talent fellowship programmes and policy, research security, research infrastructure, Public Sector Research Establishments, and much more.

In this Deputy Director role leading the Global Research and Innovation team, you will play a key role in this mission. The team has a fascinating range of work: leading the development of bilateral and multilateral R&D partnerships with countries as diverse as Switzerland, Israel and South Korea; delivering the International Science Partnerships Fund; and working alongside FCDO and UKRI teams across the full range of the UK’s R&D partnerships. If you’re an inspirational leader who is internationally minded, experienced in policy development and programme delivery, and attracted by the challenge of working on one of the government’s central priorities, we’d love to hear from you. 

We particularly welcome applications representative of the broad range of views and backgrounds we have in our society. In return, DSIT can offer you the challenge and stretch you need to develop your career and reach your full potential.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a key Deputy Director role within our new department, sitting in the International Research and Innovation Directorate (IRID). 

You will be responsible for a team leading vital work on the UK’s international R&D partnerships. You will build and maintain fruitful relationships with Ministers, colleagues in FCDO (both in London and across the Science and Innovation Network, which you will co-lead with your FCDO counterpart), No 10, Cabinet Office and HMT as well as across DSIT, OGDs and delivery partners (including UKRI and the National Academies), through an open and engaging style of working. This will extend to international counterparts across the world, and leading your team across multiple locations in the UK.

You will work closely with Ministers to translate their ambitions into clear outcome-focused plans. You will be adept at operating within a complex and wide-ranging political context. You will seek to continually improve our ways of delivering our objectives, embracing innovation and diversity to strengthen our decision making and influencing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead a team of c. 40 FTE to deliver the UK’s international R&D partnerships, through bilateral and multilateral relationships, working in close collaboration with sister teams in the International and Economic Security Directorate and FCDO.
• Represent the UK where appropriate in bilateral and multilateral R&D fora, including the G7, G20 and Eureka.
• Oversee the continued delivery and development of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and other international R&D funds, supporting and challenging delivery partners and ensuring strong R&D outcomes and value for money (VfM).
• Lead strategic work on the UK’s long-term R&D partnerships.

There will be some scope to amend the precise responsibilities in line with any broader reform within DSIT.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A proven track record of leading and developing international policy initiatives, and the successful development of bilateral / multilateral partnerships.
• Significant experience in the design and delivery of R&D or other government programmes and / or funds.
• Empowering and inclusive leadership of high-performing and diverse teams to drive real change.
• Proven experience of providing strategic advice to senior stakeholders (e.g. Ministers and senior officials, including in HM Treasury and No 10), demonstrating acute awareness of the political context.
• Evidenced ability to build and maintain a broad set of (international) stakeholder relationships while remaining credible across a range of business, academic and stakeholder groups.
• Highly effective collaboration skills, working across organisational boundaries to achieve mutually desired outcomes.

Please note that the successful applicant will be required to undertake regular international and UK travel.

As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above.
This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions.
Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and
conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your
personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any
absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you
to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.

Job contact :

• Name : SCS Recruitment Team
• Email : scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk