Chief Innovation and Talent Officer, Grade - G7, Mumbai/ New Delhi or Bangalore

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Description (Roles and

Responsibilities) Main purpose of job:Are you ready to make a transformative impact on the UK’s economic growth? We are seeking a Chief Innovation and Talent Officer (India) - a truly unique and high-profile role at the heart of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy. 10 and the Department for Business and Trade. In this external facing role, this is your chance to lead the identification and engagement of exceptional Indian talent across a range of key industry and sectors.

You will be instrumental in building an influential network of the brightest innovators, founders, leaders, and entrepreneurs, shaping the UK’s reputation as the world’s most attractive destination for top talent. If you are motivated by the prospect of connecting extraordinary people and enabling their success in the UK, while influencing strategic industries and delivering meaningful outcomes, this role offers a rare platform to create lasting impact.

Please note – this is not an HR/internal talent attraction role. We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and

responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business. Roles and

responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:Shape the strategy of and lead the delivery of the UK Global Talent Taskforce’s (GTT) international engagement in India, and support across the region by identifying, engaging and supporting key individuals who are seeking to expand their interests in the UK, ensuring they have a clear pathway to deepen their commercial, personal or investment footprint via the GTT’s bespoke, account management function.

Actively convene senior leaders (Including the High Commissioner, deputies and DBT leadership), to define, refine and execute GTT strategy. Work closely with colleagues across the High Commission in India and the broader region of Asia, to unlock mutually beneficial engagement. g. His Majesty’s Ambassadors and Trade Commissioners).

Chair a cross government Regional Talent Steering Group to ensure coherence of UK messaging, barriers resolution, and alignment on priority individuals. Represent ‘Team UK’ at high-profile engagements and deliver bespoke talent engagements in market, including panel discussions, VIP roundtables, major industry and academic gatherings, and investment-focused events.

Report key intelligence and leads back into the UK HQ team to support the development and refinement of the GTT offer. This includes utilising existing partnerships and events to refer key individuals into the GTT pipeline. Deliver GTT objectives through frequent Ministerial and Senior Official visits to the region – the job holder will be expected to incorporate GTT objectives into visits and best utilise visits to the region to drive forward the GTT objectives.

10 officials and ministerial offices will be expected. Resources managed (staff and expenditure): No direct line management Essential

qualifications, skills and experience Essential on arrival: >8 years of overall experience with at least 5-7 years of relevant experience engaging with senior business stakeholdersA relevant undergraduate degree in business management, economics, finance or similar. A strong motivation to deliver UK Government Growth Priority and the objectives of the Global Talent Taskforce. Proven experience of working with high level stakeholders.

The ability to confidently and credibly represent the UK’s brand, values and economic ambition in high-profile settings. Experience working in or alongside startups, scale-ups or the wider innovation ecosystem, with an understanding of what high-growth businesses and influential individuals seek from government engagement. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise material and present confidently to senior audiences.

A friendly, open-minded and proactive approach to networking, with the ability to build trust quickly with influential stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, investors and partner organisations. Willingness to travel within India and occasionally to other countries in the region/the UK. Language

Requirements:Language: English & HindiLevel of Language Required: Expert Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together Application deadline 7 July 2026 Grade Grade 7 (G7) Type of Position Full-time, Fixed Term Working hours per week 40 Duration of Post 12 months Region South Asia & Afghanistan Country/Territory India Location (City) Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi Type of Post British High Commission Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency INR Salary INR 2,66,788 per month plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance Type of Salary monthly Start Date 1 September 2026 Other

benefits and conditions of employment For British High Commission candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply. For other than BHC Candidates, salary will be all-inclusive of INR 2,66,788 per month plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance. This is a fixed-term position for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to budget approval and business

requirements. Additionally, the BHC offers a great

benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with INR 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family which includes self, spouse/partner and children up to an age of 25 years and irrespective of age, only if with, physical or mental disability. No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided.

FCDO does not pay for any travelling, accommodation & relocation expenses incurred and/or accept any financial risk, including cancellation or reschedule costsPlease note - BHC does not deduct tax at source and employees are required to ensure that any

requirements of local income-tax law are complied with in full. , some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount. FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. Around half of our work forces are women.

We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCDO has anywhere across the globe. We are aiming to make it the best.