Manager

Support the operationalisation and delivery of governmental programs.

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Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Open positions at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
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Overview

Support the operationalisation and delivery of governmental programs.

You have:

  • At least 5 years’ experience in public sector consulting or organizations with effective project delivery.
  • Graduate degree in public policy, economics, international relations, or political sciences.
  • Fluency in English is required, with fluency in an Eastern European language preferred.
  • Proven ability to lead engagement with public sector clients.
  • Comfort operating in politically complex environments and sensitive contexts.

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global team of over 800 changemakers, operating in more than 40 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

We are looking for an exceptional Manager to support the operationlisation and delivery of an ambitious cross-Government programme in an Eastern European country. The successful candidate will play an instrumental role in supporting a number of projects in the country, supporting the clients on across critical policy topics related to the country’s policy, legislation and guidance for citizens.

This is an exciting opportunity requiring exceptional candidates who have experience working for public sector clients, a can-do attitude, appetite to make an impact, versatility, and comfort operating in politically complex environments. The candidate will report to the Country Director overseeing TBI’s work in country and will work closely with the TBI teams embedded in country at the highest level of Government. The candidate will have a unique opportunity to interact directly with government civil service officials, appointed senior leadership positions within government, and senior elected officials. The team’s work is highly visible within government and any team member will be able to shape the work of TBI in country and support a government that is charting a new direction for the future.

The ideal candidate will have public sector experience, either in government or through public sector management consulting with experience delivering strategy, policy and delivery of projects for public sector clients. Experience working on EU accession topics and processes (or conversely, EU exit), including management, and legislation, are a bonus. The scope of work will cover the wider government agenda on public administration governance, economic development, and social policy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead team on a TBI in-country workstream–with 1-2 analyst or associate resources engaged along with remote support from TBI’s global experts – in problem structuring, analysis, synthesis and client implications, and in the production of client deliverables through effective and impactful written communication.
  • Conduct in-depth analyses and advise on key policy topics and international developments as needed to support the client’s policymaking and decision-making on priority projects and enhance the government’s ability to respond and adapt to global and regional trends.
  • Lead on government transformation initiatives, including efforts to reorganise and streamline government bodies with the aim of optimization and impact.
  • Engage with government stakeholders to discuss opportunities, and own preparation of materials for and delivery of proposals. The successful candidate will be expected to manage junior colleagues in this function.
  • Create intuitive dashboards which summarise the state of play and help clients see where to deploy their efforts next to move the dial on their transformation ambitions.
  • Contribute to the initiation of new workstreams in the country. This will entail working with the country director, remote resources, and on-the-ground resources in leading research, engaging with senior government stakeholders, and overseeing the production of client-ready presentations.
  • Support in building capacity within our client counterparts’ organizations by supporting in training where appropriate and supporting in the roll-out of new ways-of-work.
  • The Manager will report to the Country Director.

Person Specification

Academics and experience

  • At least 5 years’ experience – ideally in public sector consulting, public sector organizations, or implementation-oriented areas of a large, private sector organization – with a track record of effective project delivery.
  • Candidates with exposure to and/or experience in coordinating and/or overseeing EU accession processes will be given preference.
  • A graduate degree in public policy, economics, international relations, or political sciences; under-graduate degrees and graduate degrees in other areas can be considered with relevant equivalent experience.
  • Ability to effectively manage small teams comprising a variety of skill sets, nationalities and cultural backgrounds with an ethos focused on team success and genuine motivation for colleagues’ performance, growth and well-being.
  • Proven ability to lead engagement with public sector clients.
  • Proven experience with delivery and organisational management. It would be desirable if the candidate holds project management qualifications or relevant training in delivery frameworks.

Work ethics and skills

  • A proactive, self-motivated individual with a passion for achieving impact.
  • Commitment to delivering high quality work, and ready to put in the necessary effort to achieve this within imparted deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently, think strategically and produce deliverables, with attention to detail.
  • Strong written communication and executive reporting skills including concise written PPT decks and reports.
  • A proven ability to collaborate with others, including people from different backgrounds and cultures.
  • Comfort with TBI’s role being to support governments to succeed and letting them take credit for their wins, rather than TBI taking credit or being in the limelight.
  • Ability to work as part of a team, with a team culture rather than culture of internal competition.
  • Fluency in English is required, with fluency in an Eastern European language preferred.

Client and environmental awareness

  • Excellent interpersonal and presentational skills; able to quickly establish TBI’s credibility with the client.
  • Ability to operate within sometimes sensitive political contexts and be attuned to potential areas of conflict or tension. Apply sound judgement in all external engagements on behalf of TBI.
  • An awareness of international relations trends, particularly in Eastern Europe.

Closing Date:

2025-02-25

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you led a team in a challenging project? This question assesses your leadership and project management skills. Detail your approach, the challenges faced, and how you motivated your team.
How do you prioritize tasks when multiple deadlines are approaching? To evaluate your time management and organizational skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of how you've handled a disagreement within your team. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use to engage stakeholders in a project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay informed about international relations trends, especially in Eastern Europe? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: institute.global