Scope
FCDO, in partnership with EPSRC, NERC and UKRI aim to fund a cohort of up to 10 SRFs (one fellow per theme) to provide deep specialist expertise and be able to provide long term strategic guidance, rapid insight, independent challenge and thought leadership to FCDO to guide policy and facilitate links into the global research community.
Access to expert, independent scientific and technical advice and challenge is key to ensuring that government officials are making the right decisions on research, programmes and policies. Both the FCDO and UKRI have strong track records of investing in international research and development that seeks to address the challenges facing citizens of the world. This programme seeks to strengthen these activities by embedding deep experts within the FCDO, and to enable policymakers and researchers to collaborate and build relationships that are rich, deep and can be sustained.
The programme offers an exciting opportunity for SRFs to enhance their understanding of applying expertise and evidence in government contexts and provides a unique position to build connections between policymaking and research communities.
Each of the appointed SRFs will focus on one of ten themes to provide deep expertise, long-term strategic guidance, rapid insight, independent challenge and thought leadership to FCDO to guide policy and facilitate links into the global research community. They should have deep specialist expertise in at least one of the required areas, and be able to apply that expertise broadly in the context of the role.
The 10 themes are:
- political economy of water in Middle East and North Africa (ODA)
- politics and governance – technology, political settlements, service delivery (ODA)
- conflict – future of war, conflict and stabilisation (ODA)
- economic development and infrastructure (ODA)
- women and girls empowerment – gender and adolescence (ODA)
- climate resilient agriculture and food systems (ODA)
- global health policy and systems (ODA)
- big data, artificial intelligence and international development (ODA)
- critical minerals and supply chains (non-ODA)
- quantum technologies (non-ODA)
Eight of these potential posts will form part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), as defined by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. These eight will work in issues directly and primarily relevant to the promotion of economic development and the welfare of developing countries.
SRFs will be based in the Research and Evidence Directorate and will work with a relevant Head of Profession and with the relevant research team’s portfolio. SRFs will also be expected to engage with FCDO’s wider global network, with relevant policy teams, and with other academics who are on secondment in FCDO.
Expectations for the SRF
Successful SRFs will work collaboratively with FCDO colleagues to design a workplan to deliver on FCDO’s needs in the context of the SRF’s academic experience. It is expected that SRFs will:
- provide strategic guidance, rapid insight, independent challenge and thought leadership on areas of emerging interest
- support FCDO staff to facilitate links into the global research community
- ensure that FCDO policy is guided by research and analysis and strengthen FCDO’s capacity to use the latest evidence
- provide innovative thinking that could encourage policy renewal or inspire formal work on new technical opportunities
- develop networks of expertise across the cohort of SRFs, attending workshops and knowledge exchange activities to share lessons learned and to address complex policy questions
Benefits of the Fellowship
- SRFs will be able to maximise their own impact by working directly with government on international development and diplomacy; and increase their experience of government science
- have an insight into government analysis, operations, and policymaking in practice
- build their networks to include policy and analytical professionals within government
- join a cohort of academic researchers across government working to address complex policy and research questions
Placement with the FCDO
All SRFs are expected to start their placement with the FCDO by April 2024, following the completion of fellowship agreements and security clearance. The fellowship is expected to be on a part time basis of a minimum of two days per week (0.4 FTE) and will last two years*. Funding for the final year is dependent on continuing government commitment for this initiative. The programme will be reviewed after the first year. Exact time commitments will be agreed between the SRF, the research organisation and the FCDO.
* For those who feel their costs will be higher than the £120,000 FEC limit at 0.4FTE, we would welcome applications for 0.2FTE. FCDO are open to the possibility of discussing an increase to 0.4FTE if successful and appropriate.
Hybrid working requirements specific to the fellowship description will apply including travel to the FCDO’s London Head Office (KCS), once per month or every two weeks, depending on the placement.
Line management and support will be provided by the FCDO.
Security Clearance
Successful applicants will need to be vetted, which means UK Security Vetting (UKSV) will conduct a background check for national security purposes. All employees and fellows working at FCDO hold security clearance to protect government buildings and data which also allow access to FCDO systems.
For staff temporarily coming into the organisation on secondment a minimum of SC clearance is required unless the job itself requires DV clearance. More on the Vetting process, why it’s necessary and what’s involved, along with guidance on the process can be found on the GOV.UK website by following this link.
Equality and diversity
UKRI welcomes applications from all sections of the community, in accordance with the Equality Act.
We are committed to supporting the research community in the diverse ways a career can be built with our investments including:
- career breaks
- support for people with caring responsibilities
- flexible working
- alternative working patterns
Funding available
You can request up to £120,000 for the duration of the two year SRF period.
These awards are made under the full economic costing framework, with the FCDO and UKRI funding 80% of the full economic cost.
Applicants can apply if they hold a permanent academic or research position or an award that supports their salary. If successful, applicants are agreeing to be released for a minimum of 0.4FTE for this placement.
For those who feel their costs will be higher than the £120,000 FEC limit at 0.4FTE, we would welcome applications for 0.2FTE. FCDO are open to the possibility of discussing an increase to 0.4FTE if successful and appropriate.
Outputs and reporting
The key output from this programme will be the impact on FCDO thinking, strategy and decision-making resulting from the SRF’s world leading academic expertise, evidence and advice.
Other key deliverables expected from the SRF include:
- policy outputs, papers and evidence synthesis on areas on emerging priority
- development of knowledge exchange networks between academia and policy makers and greater connectivity with decision makers
Knowledge exchange
Knowledge exchange is at the heart of these roles. This includes the transition of recent and ongoing outputs from the SRF’s existing research activity into real world policy advice, and the impact of the SRF on UK government decision-making, international development and diplomacy.
Successful SRFs will be expected to synthesise existing thinking, facilitate knowledge dissemination, and build influence with non-academic and academic stakeholders throughout the placement. SRFs will be expected to forge cross-disciplinary knowledge with the wider cohort of Fellows, interact with relevant UKRI research portfolios and participate in planned knowledge exchange activities, as required.
The SRFs will be required to communicate their work to audiences in government and beyond, to develop connections with these audiences and to influence them. Using discretion where necessary.
Successful SRFs will be expected to develop and agree with the FCDO clear plans for knowledge exchange and communication. SRFs working in ODA areas will be expected to develop a Theory of Change for their work. The fellowship host team will link SRFs to existing relevant FCDO activities including knowledge exchange opportunities within government.
