The FCDO Research Advisory Group (RAG) is seeking experienced experts to join its advisory group and provide independent scientific and research advice to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

This is a senior-level, part-time advisory opportunity for individuals with substantial expertise in areas such as health, agriculture, climate, energy, water, economic growth, humanitarian affairs, education, governance, conflict, social development, data for development, big data and artificial intelligence.

Members will contribute strategic advice on FCDO’s research priorities, funding portfolio, evidence use, research quality, value for money, emerging global challenges and connections with the wider UK and international research community.

The position is remote, part-time and unremunerated, although FCDO will reimburse reasonable economy travel and incidental expenses associated with the role.

About the FCDO Research Advisory Group

The FCDO Research Advisory Group was established in 2022 to provide strategic guidance, rapid insight and independent challenge to FCDO’s research funding portfolio.

The Group supports the work of the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), who is also the Director of the Research and Evidence Division.

Its role is to help assure the quality, relevance and appropriateness of FCDO’s research portfolio.

The Group brings together experts with thematic and geographic knowledge covering a wide range of global development and international policy issues.

Its areas of expertise include:

• Health
• Agriculture
• Climate
• Energy
• Water
• Economic growth
• Humanitarian affairs
• Education
• Governance
• Conflict
• Social development
• Data for development
• Big data
• Artificial intelligence
• Innovation and related research areas

Members are expected to contribute their expertise while also engaging with issues that extend beyond their own individual academic discipline.

What Is the Role of an FCDO Research Advisory Group Member?

Members provide independent scientific and research advice to FCDO.

The role is not simply about advising on an individual’s specialist field. Members are appointed in a personal capacity, meaning they serve as independent experts rather than representatives of their employer, profession, institution or an interest group.

Members are also expected to contribute across the Group’s broader agenda.

Their responsibilities include providing insight into how research and evidence can support international development and wider foreign policy objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advising on FCDO Research Priorities

Members will contribute to discussions concerning:

• FCDO’s research priorities
• Research activities
• The relationship between FCDO research and the wider UK science base
• Connections with international research communities
• Emerging areas where additional research may be required

Their advice can help FCDO consider whether its research portfolio is addressing important global challenges and research needs.

2. Supporting Evidence-Informed Policy

A central responsibility of the Group is helping ensure that FCDO policy is informed by the best available research and evidence.

Members may therefore be asked to consider the quality, relevance and usefulness of research being used to inform policy.

This requires an understanding of how research can be translated into practical policy and development impact.

3. Reviewing Research Programme Effectiveness

Members will comment on the:

• Effectiveness of research programmes
• Value for money of research investments
• Funding mechanisms for research and development
• Performance and relevance of research activities

This means applicants should be able to engage with questions concerning not only academic quality but also the practical impact and effectiveness of research funding.

4. Advising on the Research Portfolio

Members will help assess the overall balance and adequacy of FCDO’s research portfolio.

This includes identifying:

• Research gaps
• Areas requiring greater attention
• Areas that may deserve less emphasis
• Emerging research priorities
• Opportunities for strengthening the overall portfolio

Members therefore need to be able to think beyond individual research projects and consider research strategically at portfolio level.

5. Horizon-Scanning and Scenario Planning

The Group also participates in horizon-scanning and long-range scenario planning.

This involves considering emerging global challenges and developments that could have implications for research, international development and policy.

Experts should therefore be comfortable thinking about future trends and possible challenges rather than focusing exclusively on current issues.

6. Connecting FCDO With Specialist Expertise

Members can provide advice and connections to specialist expertise across:

• The UK research community
• International research institutions
• Academic networks
• Relevant specialist fields
• Global research communities

Their networks and understanding of the international research environment can therefore contribute to the Group’s advisory role.

7. Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness

Where required, members may also provide advice on scientific inputs to FCDO’s emergency response and disaster preparedness.

This responsibility highlights the importance of having experts who can apply research and evidence to rapidly changing international situations.

Time Commitment

The position is designed to be compatible with other professional responsibilities.

Members are expected to participate in:

• Four meetings per year
• Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours per meeting
• Approximately 2 to 3 hours of reading and preparation for each meeting
• Occasional additional meetings or direct engagement when FCDO requires specific expert advice

Meeting papers are expected to be circulated approximately one week before each meeting, allowing members time to review the material and prepare.

Meeting dates will be confirmed as far in advance as possible.

There may also be occasional ad hoc requests for expert input between scheduled meetings.

Length of Appointment

The appointment is for:

Three years

The term is renewable once, with a maximum of:

Two terms

This means a member may potentially serve for up to six years if their appointment is renewed.

Remuneration and Expenses

The position is unremunerated.

Members do not receive a salary for serving on the Research Advisory Group.

However, the information provided states that reasonable travel expenses and incidental expenses will be reimbursed by FCDO.

Where travel is required, the stated provision is for economy travel.

Applicants should therefore understand that this is a professional advisory appointment rather than a salaried part-time employment position.

Employment Arrangement

The position is listed as:

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Remote

The remote nature of the role means that members can participate without being based at a particular FCDO office.

However, applicants should take into account that the role may involve meetings or activities requiring travel, with reasonable eligible travel and incidental expenses reimbursed according to the stated arrangements.

Who Is FCDO Looking For?

The Research Advisory Group is seeking individuals with a combination of subject-matter expertise, senior professional experience, international perspective and the ability to provide independent advice.

The selection criteria emphasize several important characteristics.

Selection Criteria

1. Relevant Thematic Expertise

Applicants should have expertise, skills and experience in a relevant thematic area.

The identified thematic areas include:

• Health
• Agriculture
• Climate
• Energy
• Water
• Growth
• Humanitarian affairs
• Education
• Governance
• Conflict
• Social development
• Data for development

Applicants whose expertise relates to broader research, innovation, technology or evidence issues may also be relevant where their expertise connects with the Group’s agenda.

2. Seniority and International Reputation

The Group is looking for individuals with an appropriate level of seniority and international reputation.

This is therefore a senior expert/advisory appointment rather than an entry-level opportunity.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate a substantial record of expertise and contribution in their relevant field.

3. Familiarity With Government Processes

Applicants should have familiarity with:

• Government processes
• Key government policies
• Policy development
• The relationship between research and government decision-making

Experience of working with government, public institutions or policy environments can therefore be relevant to the role.

4. Independence and Fairness

Members must be committed to a fair and independent process.

Because the Group provides independent advice, members are expected to approach issues objectively and contribute professional judgement without allowing personal or institutional interests to determine their advice.

5. Breadth of Academic Discipline

The selection process values breadth across academic disciplines.

Applicants should have an understanding of transdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.

This is important because many of the issues addressed by FCDO cannot be examined through one discipline alone.

For example, challenges involving climate, health, development, conflict or technology can involve multiple scientific, social, economic and policy perspectives.

6. International and Global Perspective

Applicants should have an international and global perspective.

Particular emphasis is placed on:

• Capacity strengthening in the Global South
• Translation of research into impact
• Research partnerships
• Working with international partners
• Understanding how research can contribute to development outcomes

Experience working across countries, regions or international research networks may therefore be relevant.

FCDO Research and Development Context

The Research Advisory Group operates within a broader FCDO research and development environment.

Following publication of the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) Approach Paper, launch of the GRTD website and confirmation of long-term funding, FCDO’s research and development portfolio now includes:

• A large Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme
• A smaller but growing non-ODA portfolio

The non-ODA component is focused on broader foreign policy and national security objectives.

This means the Group’s work extends across a diverse research portfolio involving development, international policy and other strategic priorities.

Appointment in a Personal Capacity

A significant condition of the appointment is that members serve in their personal capacity.

They are not appointed as representatives of:

• Their employer
• Their university
• Their profession
• An interest group
• Another organization

Members are also expected to contribute across the full agenda of the Research Advisory Group, rather than restricting their contribution exclusively to their own academic discipline.

This makes breadth of perspective and the ability to engage with multidisciplinary issues particularly important.

Principles and Standards Expected of Members

Members must abide by the Seven Principles of Public Life, commonly known as the Nolan Principles.

They are also expected to take account of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA)’s Principles of Scientific Advice to Government.

These expectations reinforce the importance of:

• Independence
• Integrity
• Evidence
• Professional conduct
• Responsible advisory practice
• Transparency around interests

Declaration of Interests

Successful members must complete a declaration of interests when appointed.

The declaration must also be kept up to date throughout their appointment.

This is important because members may be involved in discussions concerning research programmes, funding mechanisms and research priorities.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to disclose relevant interests and maintain accurate declarations during their term.

Confidentiality and Information Security

Members will have responsibilities concerning FCDO information and documentation.

FCDO documents and information used by the Group are Official UK Government papers and must not be shared outside the Group.

Members will therefore be responsible for safeguarding:

• FCDO documents
• Research-related information
• Meeting papers
• Advisory materials
• Other official information provided to the Group

Applicants should be comfortable working within appropriate confidentiality and information-security requirements.

Selection Process

The selection process involves several stages.

Step 1: Submit an Application

Interested applicants are required to submit:

• A CV
• An expression of interest

The application should demonstrate how the applicant’s experience, expertise and perspective correspond to the requirements of the Research Advisory Group.

Step 2: Shortlisting

Applications will be reviewed and suitable candidates will be shortlisted.

The selection criteria include thematic expertise, seniority, international reputation, government familiarity, independence, multidisciplinary perspective and international experience.

Step 3: Panel Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview.

The panel will be led by the Co-Chairs and will include the:

• Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), and/or
• Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser (Deputy CSA)

Candidates should therefore be prepared to discuss their expertise, experience, understanding of research-policy relationships and ability to contribute to the Group’s broader agenda.

Application Deadline

The stated application deadline is:

30 September at 11:59 PM UK time

Important Application Form Instruction

Because this is a part-time and unremunerated position, applicants are specifically instructed to enter:

N/A

in both the:

• Salary expectations field
• Notice period field

Applicants should follow this instruction rather than entering a salary expectation or employment notice period.

How to Apply

Applicants interested in joining the FCDO Research Advisory Group should prepare a strong CV and expression of interest addressing their suitability for the position.

The application should demonstrate relevant evidence of:

1. Thematic expertise
2. Senior professional experience
3. International experience or perspective
4. Understanding of government and policy processes
5. Independent and fair judgement
6. Multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary experience
7. Research translation and impact
8. Capacity strengthening, particularly in the Global South
9. Relevant professional and academic networks
10. Ability to contribute to the Group beyond a narrow disciplinary area

Applicants should also ensure that the salary expectations and notice period fields contain N/A, as instructed in the vacancy announcement.

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Key Details at a Glance

Important Considerations Before Applying

Potential applicants should consider the following before submitting an application:

1. It is a senior-level position

The selection criteria specifically mention seniority and international reputation.

2. It is unpaid

The role is unremunerated, although reasonable travel and incidental expenses are reimbursed.

3. It requires ongoing commitment

There are four meetings each year, preparation for each meeting and occasional additional requests for advice.

4. Independence is important

Members serve in their personal capacity and must support a fair and independent process.

5. Confidentiality is required

Members will have responsibilities for safeguarding Official UK Government documents and information.

6. Multidisciplinary thinking is expected

Members are expected to contribute across the Group’s agenda rather than only discussing their own specialist area.

7. International experience is relevant

The selection criteria specifically refer to an international and global perspective and capacity strengthening in the Global South.

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Conclusion

The Member, FCDO Research Advisory Group opportunity provides experienced research and policy experts with the opportunity to contribute independent scientific and research advice to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The Group plays a strategic role in examining FCDO’s research priorities, assessing research programmes and funding mechanisms, identifying gaps, considering emerging global challenges and strengthening the connection between research evidence and policy.

The position is particularly relevant to senior experts with substantial thematic expertise, international perspective, familiarity with government processes, multidisciplinary experience and a strong understanding of how research can be translated into policy and practical impact.

Members will serve for an initial three-year term, renewable once, and will participate in four meetings each year alongside occasional additional advisory activities. The position is remote and part-time but is unremunerated, with reasonable economy travel and incidental expenses reimbursed by FCDO.

Applicants should submit a CV and expression of interest and be prepared for a panel interview if shortlisted. The stated deadline is 30 September at 11:59 PM UK time. Applicants should also enter N/A in the salary expectations and notice period fields because the position is part-time and unremunerated.

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