Guidance

FCDO Research Advisory Group: apply to become expert member

Updated 30 January 2024

International development white paper, November 2023:

At the midpoint of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to accelerate progress to 2030, we need a collective global mobilisation of scientific expertise, research and innovation.

Integrated Review Refresh, March 2023:

We will continue to make science and technology a priority element of our bilateral partnerships, in support of shared growth and development and our vision of a future digital and technology order that benefits all.

To support the delivery of the UK’s International Development White Paper and Integrated Review, FCDO makes significant research and technology development investments. This research funding, overseen by FCDO’s Chief Scientific Adviser, supports international collaborations with researchers and innovators from around the world, drawing upon the scientific strengths of the UK. The research is problem focused, seeking to use the power of science and research to generate solutions to major development challenges, and generate evidence and data to support the UK’s development and diplomatic work.

In 2022, the FCDO established a Research Advisory Group (RAG) made up of internationally recognised academic experts in global health, energy, climate, agriculture, international relations and economics. This RAG is chaired by two existing members and meets regularly to provide confidential independent external advice and challenge to FCDO’s R&D investments. Meetings also provide a forum where future strategic directions can be discussed. Over the past year the group has supported FCDO R&D investment prioritisation, helped inform FCDO’s approach to research commissioning, and provided expert input into the International Development White Paper.

To ensure that the RAG has the necessary breadth of expertise, the FCDO is seeking to expand the group, by bringing in 4 senior experts from academia or industry, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Education and/or employment; Women and girls; Technology and innovation; and Big data, machine learning and AI, for a term of 2 years.

These new members will join the existing RAG and play an important role in providing expert strategic guidance, rapid insight, and independent challenge to shape FCDO’s research investments. These are unpaid positions, with members needing to make a commitment to attend the quarterly meetings (in person or virtually). Applicants from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are strongly encouraged.

Interested in applying? Read on for more details including requirements and application process.

Applications should be submitted by 11:59pm on 5 February 2024.

The FCDO’s Research Advisory Group is recruiting new expert members. The RAG provides independent and constructive scrutiny and challenge to help deliver FCDO’s ambitious global R&D agenda. The FCDO is expanding the group with roles for an additional 4 senior experts from academia or industry, in the fields of education and/or employment; women and girls; technology and innovation; and big data, machine learning and AI.

What we are looking for

RAG members are high calibre individuals who are expert in their fields, from academia, industry or other science and research institutions. We strongly encourage applicants from the Global South.

Members provide expertise across the breadth of the FCDO portfolio, which delivers impact by supporting:

• major international science partnerships, to develop new technologies and innovations to provide affordable clean energy, tackle food insecurity, and prevent and treat killer diseases of poverty, benefiting hundreds of millions of people
• rigorous research, to understand what works to deliver the SDGs, including to create jobs, prevent violence against women, improve learning outcomes, and reduce conflict. This evidence is used to shape FCDO and partner’s investments
• provision of critical expert geopolitical, scientific and technical analysis and advice, including in emergencies and in support of FCDO and HMG strategic decision making and investments

We are looking for individuals with expertise in one of:

• education or employment
• women and girls
• technology and innovation
• big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)

RAG members will have

• an outstanding track record in thought and intellectual leadership and the ability to contribute to strategic decision-making and planning. The skills and experience should match those of a professorial-level academic, such as success in securing research funding, leading national and international competitive research and appointment to independent expert bodies
• a strong commitment to equal partnerships with researchers in low- and middle-income country contexts and factoring international perspectives into all decision making.
• the ability to assimilate complex information, strong analytical skills, and the capacity to identify key issues and to convey technical information accurately and clearly to non-technical audiences
• effective interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively and participate fully in RAG Committee deliberations, including offering contributions and challenges outside your main expertise.

Location

In person meetings at FCDO, King Charles Street, London. Virtual attendance also possible.

Length

Appointments are made for 2 years, potentially extendable to 4 years.

Renumeration

This is an unpaid, voluntary position.

Time requirements

Commitment would include attendance at the quarterly RAG meetings and reading preparation before meetings (1 to 2 hours per meeting).

How to apply

• CV of no more than 2 sides of A4 with the e-mail addresses of 2 referees
• supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words, setting out how you meet the essential criteria and the area of expertise you are applying for
• information relating to any outside interests or conflicts of interest that may impact your ability to engage in the RAG fully. Refer to the code of practice for chairs and members of Scientific Advisory Committee (SACs)
• applications should be emailed to CSA-PO@fcdo.gov.uk by 11:59pm on 5 February 2024

How we assess your application

Applications will be assessed by the Co-Chairs of RAG:

• Professor AbuBakr Bahaj
• Professor Anne Mills
• FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Charlotte Watts

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Contact details

If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion about the role or group, email CSA-PO@fcdo.gov.uk