Innovation Officer - Shanghai

Would you like to represent Denmark in Shanghai, China’s dynamic global innovation hotspot? Innovation Centre Denmark in Shanghai is looking for an energetic and ambitious individual to take over a full-time position as Innovation Officer within sustainability and innovation.

The position is based in the Innovation Centre Denmark at the Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai.

This challenging and fulfilling job in an international environment offers plenty of opportunities for professional and personal development.

You will have an outstanding platform to develop Sino-Danish partnerships within research, development, commerce, entrepreneurship and innovation - working with new green technologies and projects. Focus is on innovative business models and partnerships to enhance Danish - Chinese value creation and green transition ultimately.

The Innovation Centre in Shanghai supports a Triple Helix Model - private companies, public authorities and universities – in its innovation activities by providing access to knowledge, networks, technology, and capital in China. It also strengthens connections between Danish and Chinese research, innovation environments, educational institutions, and authorities, focusing on advancing Danish interests.

We are particularly interested in a profile that can drive activities within energy efficiency, water and circular economy. These are areas, where collaborations would be particularly fruitful between Denmark and China. In your application you are welcome to motivate, which areas of the green transition you are most interested in working with.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of the Innovation Centre in Shanghai, you will join a team of excellent colleagues dedicated to commerce, research and innovation collaborations between Danish stronghold sectors and their Chinese counterparts.

You are expected to understand and quickly acquire an overview of the Danish green transition strongholds and networks, with support of your colleagues at the Danish missions across China.

In addition, you are expected to identify Chinese business and innovation opportunities towards Danish stronghold positions; and develop projects and activities that facilitate the Danish companies’, from start-ups to multinational corporations, organizations, and knowledge institutes, growth opportunities in China. 

You will be responsible for sales and execution of business consultancy services towards Danish cleantech companies on various needs, including but not limited to: technology scouting, partner identification, concept discovery & validation, business model development, innovation ecosystem introduction, meeting facilitation & arrangement. 

One of the tasks of the Innovation Centres based in 7 Global innovation "hot spots" is to scout for new technologies, disruptive innovations and opportunities, and to bring insights into state-of-the-art developments back to Denmark in the form of smaller reports, analysis and workshops/conferences. 

Desired skills and experience 

We are looking for an open minded, positive, flexible and enthusiastic team player, with an eye for quality and efficiency in your daily work, and with the capability to deliver tangible results. 

The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria: 

• Preferred master degree with focus on sustainability and innovation/related academic disciplines.
• Sales and consultancy experience from an international firm, and/or research experience from an international university/research institute and/or industry experience from tech companies or cleantech sectors (including the energy sector/utility companies).
• In-depth knowledge about the Chinese tech or cleantech industries, i.e. policies, stakeholders, business models and/or innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Cross-cultural experience is a must. Experience in Europe and maybe even Denmark is a plus. Please specify in the application/cover letter your specific experience & engagement with western companies/institutions/universities.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to write reports and conduct analysis in relation to innovation projects.
• Good business understanding.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), knowledge of Mandarin a plus.
• Self-driven, good interpersonal skills, result-oriented approach, and high drive to succeed in your own and the team’s projects. 

Application and recruitment process

To apply for the position, please send your application (CV and one-page written application, proof of relevant education, recommendation and references) in English explaining your motivation and qualifications for the job to [email protected] no later than 14 August 2024 at noon.

The subject of the e-mail should read “Innovation Officer, Research and Sustainability”.

Interviews will be held on a continuous basis until the right candidate has been found.

Submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Personal Data Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Royal Danish Consulate General attaches great importance to equal opportunities for all and therefore welcomes applications from all qualified persons regardless of race, sex, religion, age or disability.

The chosen candidate must present a “No Criminal Record” and pass security clearance by the Danish authorities prior to appointment.

Questions

For questions regarding the position, please call Anders Sloth Nielsen, Executive Director (DK)+45 81 75 39 77 or (CN)+86 138 1646 5571 or Mikael Hemniti Winther, Consul General +86 159 0064 7179.

For questions regarding the local contract please contact Dung Nguyen, Head of Administration on +86 159 2188 3220.

About us

The Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai is one of four Danish representations in China. The representations are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Taipei.

The Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai serves the local Danish population, and promotes trade, innovation and investments between Denmark and China. The Consulate General has four main departments:

• The Trade Council – promotes Danish trade with China
• Invest in Denmark – promotes Chinese investments in Denmark
• Innovation Centre Denmark – promotes innovation and education partnerships
• Visa and Consular Affairs – handles visa and passport applications, and provides consular assistance to Danish citizens in China

Read more about The Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai here or Innovation centre Denmark here.