Duties of Senior Biotechnology Official

(a) Primary responsibilities Under the supervision of the Secretary of State, the Senior Biotechnology Official shall lead and coordinate the Department of State’s efforts, in collaboration with other relevant Federal officials, offices, and agencies, related to— (1) supporting and advising the Secretary of State regarding issues related to biotechnology, including the intersection of biotechnology with national security, global economic development, and global partnerships; (2) leading United States diplomatic and policy efforts related to international cooperation on activities to promote and protect United States priorities and interests in emerging biotechnology and national security, including coordinating biotechnology policy and initiatives with foreign governments, international organizations, private sector entities, and relevant stakeholders to advance global biotechnology innovation and security; (3) representing the Department of State in international biotechnology discussions, working groups, forums, and initiatives to advocate for United States policy and priorities in biotechnology; (4) working with United States agencies to align and leverage biotechnology-related resources and funding for international partnership and collaboration; (5) overseeing the implementation of United States commitments to international biotechnology initiatives, including— (A) securing biotechnology supply chains; (B) advancing commercial and regulatory diplomacy; (C) facilitating reciprocal biological data-sharing agreements; (D) promoting joint research and development; and (E) supporting capacity-building programs in partner nations; and (6) providing regular reports to the Secretary of State regarding the status of international biotechnology diplomacy efforts, including the progress and outcomes of biotechnology initiatives, partnerships, and any emerging issues or opportunities in the global biotechnology landscape. (b) Scope of implementation As used in subsection (a)(5), the term implementation includes— (1) fulfilling obligations under international agreements and frameworks; (2) advancing shared objectives with allied and partner nations; (3) contributing to multilateral forums and working groups; (4) coordinating technical assistance and capacity building; (5) monitoring and reporting progress; and (6) ensuring policy and programmatic follow-through. (c) Additional responsibilities In addition to the responsibilities set forth in subsection (a), the Senior Biotechnology Official may also be tasked with any other duties that the Secretary of State determines are necessary— (1) to advance Department of State goals; and (2) to further the objectives of United States biotechnology diplomacy.