Deputy Director Systems and Capability (Science, Innovation & Growth)

GO-Science coordinates across Government, industry and academia to ensure HMG has the right systems to use and access excellent science and also provides highly impactful advice on major issues. You will be part of the senior team in GO-Science that works together to deliver and supports the Government Chief Scientific Advisor in her role advising Cabinet on scientific issues.

You will provide leadership for the Systems and Capability (Science, Innovation & Growth) Team, which is over 30 people, to shape the Government’s aspirations for the use of science, deliver the key commitments of the Science and Technology Framework, improve the operation of Government’s science networks and links to academia; oversee the Government Science and Engineering Profession and ensure Departments make the best use of the science investments and assets. Ultimately you will seek to further improve the operation of government through better use of science and tech.

You will work collaboratively across government and the wider UK R&D landscape to understand where we are best placed to influence and build credibility to shape strategy and thinking across HMG. Good judgement is key, and you will be responsible for leading a large part of the business, so you need to be able to prioritise between diverse areas of work. Specific objectives include:

• Shaping Government’s aspirations for science and technology in Government, including working closely with the Civil Service Reform agenda and delivering key commitments in the Science and Technology Framework.
• Working with all Departments to further raise the game across Government of how well Departments use Science & Technology to drive the delivery of effective policies and operation.
• Working closely with HMT, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Cabinet Office to ensure Government gets maximum value from its investments in R&D and experts.
• Overseeing the operation and further evolution of the Government Science and Engineering Profession and build its talent– improving L&D, expanding its membership and strengthening interchange with industry and academia. Ensuring that diversity and inclusion is considered throughout everything that we do.
• Overseeing and supporting the Chief Scientific Advisor network across Government to ensure they have the tools they need and are plugged into the right areas of Government work to maximise their impact.
• Bringing in creative and innovative ideas for how HMG could further improve how it delivers better outcomes for citizens through use of science and technology.

Skills, experience and qualifications (Essential)

What we are looking for skills, experience and qualifications.

Essentials - the successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An inspiring and confident leader able to motivate, and communicate purpose and direction with an appreciation of the value of difference, diversity and inclusion, ensuring fairness and opportunity for all.
• The ability to grasp the big strategic picture and challenge and convert this into clear and deliverable plans and strategies.
• A well proven ability to influence and collaborate, forming effective relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver great outcomes.
• Experience of working across complex systems and organisations with the ability to be collegiate with senior peers and help shape and drive the further development of the organisation.
• Strong judgement and analytical skills, able to handle and communicate complex data and issues in a simple and effective way to drive policy change and engage effectively with expert communities.
• An appreciation of economic issues and the role of R&D in driving growth.

Desirables:

• Some knowledge of the R&D landscape in the UK and the relationship between government, academia and industry.

• 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a sliding scale to 30 days after 5 years’ service. This is in addition to 8 publicholidays and one day’s leave for the King’s birthday.
• A competitive contributory pension scheme that you can enter as soon as you join where we will make a significant contribution to the cost of your pension; where your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken; and where your pension will continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire;
• Flexible working patterns including part-time or time-term working and access to Flexible Working Schemes allowing you to vary your working day as long as you work your total hours;
• Generous paid maternity and paternity leave which is notably more than the statutory minimum offered by many other employers;
• Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the cost of an annual travel season ticket or a new bicycle;
• The opportunity to use onsite facilities including fitness centres and staff canteens (where applicable); and.
• Occupational sick pay.

Job contact :

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

Recruitment team

Email :
scsrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk