Job Description

The British Embassy in The Hague is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. It is also part of the UK’s Netherlands Network. The British Embassy in The Hague is currently looking for a Science & Technology Officer.

The UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN) builds international partnerships that help the UK stay globally competitive in science, technology and innovation. Working across more than 55 countries, STN connects governments, researchers, universities and businesses to turn policy priorities into real collaboration and impact.

This role is based at the British Embassy in The Hague and is part of the Northern Europe Science and Technology Network, reporting to the Head of STN Netherlands.

Do you enjoy turning science and innovation into real international partnerships by building networks, spotting opportunities and delivering impact between the UK and the Netherlands?

Main purpose of job

This role leads the UK’s science, technology and innovation engagement with the Netherlands.

You will shape and deliver the Embassy’s S&T priorities, strengthen UK–Netherlands collaboration, and provide clear insight and advice to UK decision‑makers. Around 25% of the role focuses on regional projects across Northern Europe, working with colleagues on shared priorities.

This is a practical, outward‑facing role suited to someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities, and turning ideas into delivery. A background in science, technology, innovation, research, policy, industry or international programmes is highly relevant; prior government or diplomatic experience is not required.

What you’ll achieve:

Build partnerships and networks

Develop and maintain relationships with government bodies, research organisations, universities and innovative businesses in the UK and the Netherlands.
Act as a connector between UK and Dutch organisations to support shared science and innovation goals.

Provide insight and advice

Monitor developments in Dutch science, technology and innovation policy, funding and investment.
Produce clear, practical reports and briefings for colleagues in the Embassy, the wider STN network and UK headquarters.

Enable collaboration

Identify and help deliver opportunities for UK–Netherlands collaboration in research, innovation and technology.
Support delivery of the UK–Netherlands Innovation Partnership.

Work across Northern Europe

Contribute to regional science and technology projects, working closely with colleagues across the Northern Europe STN network on priority areas.

Support senior engagement

Support the British Ambassador’s engagement with senior Dutch stakeholders on science and technology.
Help coordinate ministerial and senior official visits, including identifying contacts, arranging meetings and preparing briefings.

Work across the Embassy

Collaborate with other Embassy teams on shared priorities, particularly linked to technology, innovation, investment and start‑ups.

Lead projects and events

Plan and deliver bilateral projects, visits and events that showcase UK science excellence and innovation and raise the UK’s profile in the Netherlands.

Contribute to wider Embassy work

As part of the Embassy policy team, occasionally support wider activities such as high‑profile events, official visits or political reporting.

Support planning and delivery

Contribute to the development and delivery of the annual business plan and help track progress against priorities.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows:

Proficiency in English, both written and spoken (minimum of C1 CEFR framework level language*).
Science, Technology or Engineering Degree or similar or a proven interest and demonstrated experience in science and technology issues, through either study or employment.
Experience of working within science, innovation or technology policy (or similar) within government, academia or private industry

Nice to have:

Project management and delivery experience.
Experience of working internationally and/or working for an international organisation.
Knowledge of innovation policy, the innovation landscape and R&D programs (e.g. Horizon Europe).
Enthusiasm for the science and technology sector.
Dutch language proficiency could be an advantage.

Other benefits and conditions of employment

The base salary for this position is €4,657.67gross per month, based on a working week of 36 hours. In addition, an 8% holiday allowance is payable each year. The successful candidate will initially be offered a 12 months employment contract with the possibility of renewal at Executive Officer (EO) grade.

We offer a benefits package including:

Travel (commuter) allowance
Defined contribution Pension Scheme
Performance related bonus
Time off in Lieu [and overtime pay *S-grade only*]
A minimum of 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata)
UK and Dutch public holidays
Access to the FCDO learning & development (L&D) platform
Annual L&D leave entitlement (pro rata)
The opportunity to work in an international environment

Job conditions: The job description is subject to changes and may evolve over time and in response to changing circumstances.The role exists as part of a team and all staff are expected to be flexible in supporting colleagues, particularly at busy times. The Embassy promotes and demonstrates the core values of Professionalism, Inclusivity, Honesty and Respect in all that we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all members of the team are expected to treat each other with respect. We value great teamwork, and we ask that everyone contributes to create a positive atmosphere at work.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in the Netherlands and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in the Netherlands. The successful candidate will be required to provide a BSN (citizen service number) on their start date and will need to arrange and pay for their own travel and accommodation, as well as any other living costs. The successful candidate will undergo a professional background check. Any job offer is also subject to a successful security clearance check.

Learning and development opportunities: The Embassy encourages a culture of continuous learning. All employees have access to the Civil Service-Learning platform which gives access to training to improve job specific skills. Employees are entitled to a minimum number of annual training days. We also encourage all of our colleagues to learn from each other and on-the-job training and guidance will be given along with continuous support from across the team.

Equal employment: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The British Embassy wants to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Additional information

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance and 1 month probationary period. Start date is an indicative target start date. Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen. Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

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.

British Embassy The Hague vacatures

Science & Technology Officer

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