Science & Technology Senior Advisor

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.

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.

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.

Application Deadline: 10 December 2025 (23:55 hrs IST)