3 Positions at Tony Blair Institute for Global change: (Deadline 7, 16, 18 June 2021)

• Be accountable to the Country Head for developing the strategic direction for the project, specifically the annual strategy setting and quarterly review process, playing a lead role in workstream design, based on TBI’s mission and approach within Rwanda’s country context
• Identify and develop new strategic opportunities with counterparts
• Be accountable to the Country Head for implementing the OKRs (with responsibility for workstreams contracted with GoR), working alongside the Head of Tech for Development to ensure workstreams are on track against project requirements and schedules
• Lead the planning and evaluation cycle to assess regularly whether the strategy is ‘working’ and adapt rapidly in response to new challenges and opportunities.  Including:
  • Ensure the project has a clear Objectives and Key Results framework for regular monitoring, using the organizational Theory of Change and impact tools. Lead regular project performance reporting, including the quarterly review process
  • Deploy a strategic approach to review project progress, consider alternative approaches and re-set workstream objectives accordingly (within the OKR framework), with approval from the Country Head
  • Prepare status reports and establish effective project communication plans to key stakeholders (e.g., GoR)
  • Support the country team to conduct post project evaluation and identify successful and unsuccessful project elements
  • Learn from and apply new and innovative approaches to policy reform in Africa to support change and deliver impact in Rwanda
  • Apply the above to drive a culture of continuous learning within the Rwanda team
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and perform other duties as reasonably required to achieve the goals of the Rwanda project and the Institute

3. Build and manage a high performing team, working alongside the Country Head

• Oversee specific technical areas and workstreams and ensure coordination between them, under TBI’s contract with the Government of Rwanda, which will be defined in the team’s OKRs
• Coach technical experts to problem-solve delivery issues and unblock bottlenecks in the above-mentioned technical areas and workstreams
• Manage team performance and delivery quality under the GoR contract
• Challenge ways of working in the team to drive impact
• Role-model TBI’s culture, living and representing TBI’s values
• Contribute to recruitment processes to build a high performing team that is the right fit for Rwanda’s context

4. Support the enablers of the Rwanda project: business development, thought leadership and fundraising

• Contribute analysis, lessons learnt, case studies and/or policy papers as necessary to support TBI fundraising, partnership and communications activities
• Provide active contribution to thought leadership, fundraising and external positioning, to bring the best possible contribution from the team, and provide individual leadership to contribute your own thinking

5. Maintain TBI’s license to operate in Rwanda

• Act as Country Head when the Country Head is away and support the Country Head in a range of activities e.g. operational management, liaising with HQ on reporting, approvals etc.
• Manage the Supplier for Administration and Operations Management Services.  Accountable for project budget management, including putting in place appropriate financial controls; operations and oversight of supplier relationships; security and risk management
• Anticipate project risks and manage the Supplier to suggest actions to mitigate them, including financial, reputational, safety and security
• Responsible for ensuring TBI policies and procedures are adhered to at all times

Person Specification

We are looking for an outstanding individual with high levels of enthusiasm, drive, resilience, a can-do attitude and ability to consistently achieve results in a fast-paced environment; an individual with a proven track record of leadership and delivery in the public or private sector. .

The requirements that should be met are:

• Role must be filled by an individual who can live and work in Rwanda without restriction
• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in government, government advisory or management consulting public/civil services worldwide, finance or international development
• The ability to work and interact at the highest levels of public life, strong political acumen, and the ability to develop an understanding of the needs of senior officials
• The ability to manage high level political relationships, including as an interlocutor in Mr Blair’s relationship with the Government leadership
• The ability to work independently, think strategically and translate strategies into concrete and implementable plans
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, including sound knowledge of data analysis, strategic planning, and project management tools
• A strong understanding of harnessing technology for change and use of technology for accelerated development
• Subject matter expertise may be required e.g. public policy, international development, private sector development, agriculture etc.  depending on the project strategy
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team
• Experienced people manager and effective motivator of high performing teams
• High quality communication, drafting and presentation skills
• The ability to set and maintain a safe and secure culture and professional environment
• Strong sense of ethics, discretion and perseverance required
• Experience of living and working in developing countries is strongly desirable
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Kinyarwanda and French is desirable

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people

We do this within two connected divisions:

 Government Advisory

Our Advisory Practice works directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It has both non-profit partners and a client base and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia. We are currently in a rapid expansion phase from c. 18 countries at present, to 30 by December 2022.

 Policy Futures

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas:

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics;
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world.

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are:

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\’re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY

• Support sourcing and negotiations with fund managers at the early-stage and growth-stage to accelerate deployment of prioritized early-stage financing mechanisms including the Rwanda Innovation Fund
• Identify systemic issues and propose areas of intervention required to support fund managers and portfolio managers

3.Develop and Implement Broader Partnership Strategy for the Ecosystem Development

• Develop and operationalize partnership strategy for KIC across key pillars of the ecosystem – capital, talent development, industry innovation, entrepreneurship, and government
• Fast track ongoing and planned partnerships (e.g., program partners, academia, peer ecosystems in strategic markets, multinational companies, etc.) with the goal of enhancing the ecosystem as well as to attract tenants to establish in the Kigali Innovation City ecosystem
• Tactical execution of new impactful and strategic agreements through all aspects of partnership development including business case development and negotiation and collaborate with other stakeholders in the government and private sector to support partnership development and management
• Develop targeted KPIs with clear stakeholder mapping and engagement plan to measure and track success of the strategy

Person Specification

• A Master’s degree in business or other relevant fields is preferred, preferably with specialization/expertise in Business, STEM, Public Policy or Economics disciplines and ideally within a developmental context
• Experience working primarily within the private sector with expertise building business cases around market opportunities and partnerships – including strategy development, market segmentation, competitive analysis, and financial analysis
• Strong analytic and research skills with the ability to analyse opportunities (both quantitative and qualitative). Excellent business writing, presentation skills and verbal communication skills (in English)
• Demonstrated work experience in startup/innovation ecosystems, preferably in emerging markets
• Experience managing multiple projects & stakeholders, with excellent stakeholder management skills
• At least 7 years’ experience in management consulting and/or investment banking, investment management or companies or projects demanding similar skillsets is preferred
• Preference for individuals with work experience in Africa and/or other emerging markets
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills. Team player with an ability to develop and foster relationships with counterparts across a large organization
• Self-starter with drive, motivation, and ability to consistently achieve results in a fast-paced environment

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people

We do this within two connected divisions:

 Government Advisory 

Our Advisory Practice works directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It has both non-profit partners and a client base and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia. We are currently in a rapid expansion phase from c. 18 countries at present, to 30 by December 2022.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas:

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics;
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world.

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are:

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\’re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY