British Geological Survey

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL GEOSCIENCE

Grade: UKRI Pay Band G/S2

Salary: £71,792 to £78,971 per annum (depending on skills and experience)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible and remote working options may be available)

Location: BGS headquarters in Nottingham or BGS offices in Edinburgh

You will be required to regularly travel to other BGS offices as well as travelling nationally and internationally to attend key partnership events to promote the work and science of BGS.

Closing date: Wednesday 23 October 2024.

About the role

The exciting new BGS position of Director of International Geoscience (DIG) is the strategic scientific lead for delivering the globalisation of the BGS research programme. You will lead a programme across the BGS structure delivered by a small international team alongside 150-200 staff from teams across the BGS science programmes. The key objectives of the role are:

To deliver the globalisation of BGS science to grow our international reputation and impact and ensure the relevance of our research. Support UK Government objectives in soft power, international development and Global Public Good.

The DIG is responsible for oversight of BGS international activities and is supported by a small team to deliver a programme of research, global stakeholder engagement, and business development aligned to the BGS Strategy.

This responsibility includes maximising synergies across the BGS science challenge areas, managing global reputational risks, ensuring best practice in Health & Safety (H&S) and project execution.

As part of the BGS International portfolio, the DIG is responsible for developing and delivering the programme of international research and innovation, and Official Overseas Development Assistance. This comprises a portfolio of individual projects working with around 40 public sector, academic and partner organisations across Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, south and east Asia, and the UK Overseas Territories.

Key duties / responsibilities:

Oversee, lead, develop and deliver a diverse and integrated portfolio ensuring globalisation of the entire breadth of BGS science.
Actively contribute to the strategic science leadership and corporate governance of BGS through membership of SMB and SSG.
Represent BGS to external stakeholders, especially in terms of geological knowledge services and information.
Have oversight of global reputational risks, ensuring that best practice in H&S, project execution and international stakeholder relations.
Engage as necessary with the BGS Science Advisory Committee and the BGS Board on the development and delivery of the overall science strategy for the BGS.
Lead the International leadership team, setting clear direction and objectives and performance management processes against programme objectives and budgets.
Work with the Challenge Programme Manager in your challenge area and across the other challenge areas to ensure a fit for purpose, well skilled scientific workforce for the future BGS.
Responsibility for adhering to all BGS / UKRI policies, processes and procedures.
Ensure positive health, safety, wellbeing, and environmental performance across the International Geoscience area.
Act as a scientific mentor and leadership role model in relation to BGS’s values and its commitment to equality, diversity and the creation of an inclusive working environment.
Ensure international programme activities operate in line with BGS’ Research Ethics and Research Integrity policy.
Contribute to visible geoscience through leadership at conferences, meetings, workshops, events and media content.

About you

Essential:

Strong senior management and leadership experience with a proven ability to set direction and to develop and implement strategy.
A successful track record of overseeing the delivery of projects, both scientific impact/outcomes and financial/programme.
A PhD in a relevant science field, or equivalent comparable work experience.
A strong science profile evidenced by peer-reviewed published papers, conference presentations, and senior journal editorial experience.
Excellent communication skills, evidenced by clear examples of good negotiating and influencing skills.
Experience of identifying and securing significant external income opportunities.
Awareness and understanding of the BGS Strategy and Public Science Role.
Ability to handle multidimensional problems, overcoming barriers and developing creative solutions.

Desirable:

Evidence of the ability to develop strategic and institutional relationships and collaborations with multiple stakeholders.
Familiarity with Public Sector Information and other relevant legislative issues.

Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally.

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 23 October 2024 . Interviews are expected to be held on either 7, 8 or 11 November 2024 in Nottingham.

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Director of International Geoscience