About the opportunity
Established in 2022, the FCDO’s Research Advisory Group provides strategic guidance, rapid insight, and independent challenge to the FCDO’s research funding portfolio. Its advice supports the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser, who also directs the Research and Evidence Division, in assuring the quality and appropriateness of the department’s research portfolio. The group brings together leading experts from academia with thematic and geographic expertise across health, agriculture, climate, energy, growth, humanitarian, education, conflict, social development, big data innovation, and AI. Members are appointed in a personal capacity for a three-year term, renewable once to a maximum of two terms.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to provide independent scientific and research advice directly to the FCDO.
- Engagement with leading experts across diverse academic disciplines and thematic global challenges.
- Reimbursement of reasonable economy travel and incidental expenses by the FCDO.
Who can apply?
- Expertise, skills, and experience in a relevant thematic area such as health, agriculture, climate, energy and water, growth, humanitarian, education, governance, conflict and social development, or data for development.
- Seniority and international reputation.
- Familiarity with government processes and key policies.
- Commitment to a fair and independent process.
- Breadth of academic discipline and an understanding of transdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.
- An international and global perspective, including capacity strengthening in the Global South and the translation and impact of research for partners.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Expression of interest
When to apply
- The deadline for applications is 30 September at 11:59 PM UK time.
How to apply
- Submit a CV and an expression of interest via the online application form.
- Enter N/A in the salary expectations and notice period fields during application due to the unremunerated nature of the position.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview led by the Co-Chairs and including the Chief Scientific Adviser and/or Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser.
Additional information
- This position is unremunerated, though reasonable travel and incidental expenses are reimbursed.
- The time commitment involves four meetings per year, each lasting 2.5 to 3 hours, plus 2 to 3 hours of reading and preparation per meeting, alongside occasional ad hoc input.
- Members abide by the seven principles of public life (Nolan Principles) and must complete and maintain a declaration of interests.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Senior researchers, academics, and experts with deep international experience in global challenges and thematic areas like health, climate, or agriculture.
- Professionals with experience advising government bodies or familiarity with public sector processes.
- Individuals seeking a high-level advisory role that shapes national and international research portfolios.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is unremunerated, meaning it does not provide a salary or stipend beyond expense reimbursements.
- Requires a reliable time commitment of four meetings per year plus regular preparation and reading time.
- Members are expected to serve a three-year term with strict confidentiality and declaration requirements.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This advisory position is well-suited for senior experts who want to contribute high-level strategic guidance to international development and research policy without committing to a full-time employment contract.
Our take
Senior academics and subject-matter experts with a background in global development research who wish to contribute part-time pro-bono guidance to government policy should consider applying. It is less suitable for candidates seeking paid employment or those unable to meet the recurring meeting and preparation commitments.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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