Job Description

ID 3362

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The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate's name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

Vacancy details

Vacancy title
Innovation Specialist and Appraisal Specialist


Closing date
07/01/2026, 17:00


Advertising basis
Permanent
Actual starting salary
A starting salary between 47,776 and 52,557 will be offered to the successful candidate based on their skills, knowledge, experience and performance at interview. This range is not negotiable.
Salary range or pay band
SEO 47,675 to 56,445
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Economy, Energy and Transport
Directorate
Business
Branch
Innovation
Location (s)
Pan Wales
Pan Wales' means that the location in which the vacancy can be based is flexible, subject to the needs of the business. A list of the Welsh Government's offices can be found on www.gov.wales/welsh-government-offices. Please note it may not always be possible to accommodate a preference for a specific office location.
Purpose of post
Two Exciting Opportunities to Shape Innovation in Wales

We're recruiting for two dynamic roles within our Innovation team:

Innovation Specialist Appraisal Specialist

Both positions are comparable in responsibility, salary, and development opportunities, and each plays a vital role in driving forward Wales' innovation agenda.
Lead Innovation in Wales - Make a Lasting Impact


Are you an experienced professional with a passion for innovation, technology, and economic development? Join the Welsh Government's Innovation team and play a pivotal role in delivering our national ambition to make Wales a global leader in innovation.

We are offering an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of Wales Innovates - our cross-government Innovation Strategy - by helping businesses, academia, and start-ups unlock their potential through cutting-edge research, development, and innovation.


As an Innovation Specialist, you will lead the delivery of innovation support across a defined region or within a specialist sector such as Digital Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, or Emerging Technologies. Your expertise will help organisations:

Accelerate growth by adopting new technologies and innovative processes. Develop competitive products and services that drive productivity and sustainability. Access funding by supporting the development of robust innovation proposals for Welsh Government and wider UK/international programmes.
You will also play a key role in the delivery of the SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme which is pan-Wales initiative designed to stimulate economic growth through innovation and R&D.


Appraisal Specialist - Driving Innovation in Wales


Are you passionate about shaping the future of innovation? This role offers the chance to make a real impact by supporting cutting-edge projects that benefit organisations, communities, and the Welsh economy.

What You'll Do

As an Appraisal Specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in helping organisations turn bold ideas into reality. You will:

Champion innovation - Assess highly technical funding applications for the SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme, applying rigorous criteria to ensure technical feasibility and commercial potential. Guide strategic decisions - Provide evidence-based recommendations to senior management on which proposals should receive funding. Empower organisations - Provide expert evaluation and guidance on RD&I proposals, ensuring projects deliver measurable impact and align with strategic priorities. Shape the future - Advise on emerging technology and market trends to help organisations innovate and improve products, processes, and services.
Why Join Us?

Joining the Welsh Government means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that values its people and supports a healthy work-life balance. Here are some of the key benefits:


Competitive pay and pension

Fair and Transparent Pay Structures: Salaries are aligned with Civil Service pay scales, offering clear progression and regular reviews. Generous pension scheme: Access to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, one of the most generous in the UK public sector, providing financial security for the future.

Flexible working and Work-life balance

Flexible working hours: Options such as flexitime, compressed hours, and hybrid working help you balance professional and personal commitments. Generous annual leave: 31 days per year, plus eight public holidays and flexi leave options. Hybrid and remote working: Many roles offer the flexibility to work from home or other locations, supporting a modern and inclusive working culture.

Health, wellbeing and support

Employee wellbeing services: Access to occupational health, counselling, and mental health support. Wellbeing initiatives: Programmes and resources to support physical and mental health, including mindfulness sessions, wellbeing champions, and fitness activities. Use your wellbeing hour weekly to support your mental wellbeing and join our sports teams or gym. Inclusive culture: A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for all staff. Join one of our staff networks for support and meet new people.
If you're ready to use your expertise to support Wales' most innovative organisations and help deliver real economic impact, we'd love to hear from you.


Be part of Wales' innovation journey.



Key tasks
As an Innovation Specialist, you will provide high-level, specialist advice and support to innovative businesses and academic institutions across Wales. You will:

Lead innovation support within a defined region or sector (e.g. Digital Technology, Advanced Manufacturing), working directly with senior leaders in business and academia. Identify and assess innovation opportunities, using diagnostic tools and Innovation Plans to understand business needs and provide tailored, practical solutions. Advise on technology adoption and new product development, helping organisations improve competitiveness through R&D and innovation. Support funding applications by appraising proposals for programmes such as SFIS funding, Innovate UK, Horizon Europe, and other Welsh Government, UK and EU schemes. Facilitate collaboration between businesses and academic institutions, including complex, business-led R&D partnerships at professorial level. Deliver "technology translation", bridging the gap between technical and commercial stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes. Mentor high-growth businesses, providing strategic guidance on research, product development and innovation planning. Support international collaboration, including brokerage through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and Innovate UK Business Growth (Edge) programme, with opportunities for international travel. Contribute to the SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) scheme, including due diligence, project appraisal, and post-project support. Provide expert guidance on Intellectual Property (IP), including IP audits, licensing advice, and diagnostics, in collaboration with specialist partners. Support delivery of the Digital & Productivity service, including assessment of technical reports and subcontractor outputs. Engage with businesses in the Accelerated Growth Programme and other research and innovation initiatives across Wales.
As an Appraisal Specialist, your main focus is on evaluating applications and recommending funding for innovation projects under the SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme. You will:

Shape the future of innovation in Wales by appraising cutting-edge proposals for funding, working directly with senior leaders and decision-makers. Lead on high-value projects - assess substantial RD&I proposals for technical, commercial, and financial viability, ensuring compliance and maximising impact. Be the expert voice - provide specialist advice on technology, product development, and sector trends to ensure proposals deliver real economic and societal benefits. Turn ideas into reality - guide organisations through the appraisal process, translating complex technical concepts into actionable plans that drive growth. Collaborate and influence - work closely with in-house Innovation/Collaboration Specialists and other experts supporting applicants with guidance and expert advice on complex, high-value projects. Support delivery and governance - as part of a case team provide advice and guidance during project progress, monitoring and delivery. Stay ahead of the curve - maintain and grow your expertise through continuous professional development in emerging technologies, science, and innovation funding. Manage and empower - manage and support staff to deliver high-quality appraisals by setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and providing coaching and guidance.




Development opportunities
As part of this role, you'll benefit from a rich programme of professional development and high-level engagement, including:

Specialist Intellectual Property Training: Gain in-depth knowledge through expert-led sessions such as the Intellectual Property Masterclass delivered by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), equipping you with the tools to advise on IP strategy, protection, and commercialisation. Advanced training in manufacturing and digital innovation: Enhance your expertise in manufacturing, productivity, digital transformation, and design through collaboration with leading UK institutions, including the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC). National and international collaboration: Work alongside a diverse network of stakeholders across Wales, the UK, and internationally. This includes opportunities to engage in cross-border innovation partnerships, contribute to global R&D initiatives, and represent Wales on the international stage.

Other vacancy related information
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. A presentation / test on 'how RD&I support can accelerate growth' will be required at stage 2. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage.

In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score, the following criteria will determine a merit order to which candidate will be appointed.

Technical 2 Experience 2 Technical 1 Experience 1

In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion Technical 2. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.



Vetting level
SC - Candidates applying for a role that requires SC clearance must have normally resided in the UK for a minimum of the last 5 years
Number of posts
2
Contact point for further information regarding the post
collaboration@gov.wales