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

Job Introduction

TBI has a growing programme in Ethiopia supporting the Government of Ethiopia across top priorities to drive economic and digital transformation. Our work, since 2014, involves policy advice, strategy development, as well as delivery and coordination support. Currently, the Ethiopia country team is working with multiple government institutions and relevant development partners in key areas including; Implementation of the National Development Plan, State Owned Enterprise Reform, Manufacturing Sector Development, Health, Investment, and E-Commerce.To help support and consolidate this growing programme and team, TBI is seeking to recruit a Deputy Country Director. This new role will focus on supporting and nurturing our growing team, supporting the TBI country project team in the management of TBI supported country projects (planning, tracking reporting on and communicating our work), developing and consolidating our relations with key stakeholders in government and promoting greater joint working between TBI’s team in Ethiopia and other colleagues across the Institute. The Deputy Country Director will support the Country Director and work closely with other project leads and the office manager to achieve our programme goals.

We would consider supporting applicants not currently based in, or with a right to work in, Ethiopia to relocate for this role

.Key Responsibilities

• Help manage a high performing team, working alongside the Country Director
• Oversee specific technical areas and workstreams and ensure coordination between them, which will be defined in the Country strategy and/or the team’s OKRs
• Coach technical experts to problem-solve delivery issues and unblock bottlenecks
• Help manage team performance and delivery quality, facilitating linkages to TBI sectoral and other country team colleagues
• Contribute to recruitment to build a high performing team right for Ethiopia’s context
• Support setting the strategic direction of the project, performance reviews and measurement of impact
• Support the Country Director in the development of the strategic direction for the project, specifically the annual strategy setting and quarterly review process
• Be accountable for implementing the OKRs other than the Technology workstreams
• Support TBI team members in Ethiopia to develop new strategic opportunities with counterparts
• 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.
  • Review project progress, consider alternative approaches and re-set workstream objectives accordingly
  • Prepare status reports and establish effective project communication plans to key stakeholders (internal/external)
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and perform other duties as reasonably required to achieve the goals of the Ethiopia project and the Institute
• Support the enablers for a successful Country Programme: Relationship building, thought leadership and strategic partnerships
• Understand the political and governmental landscape by building credible and meaningful relationship with stakeholders. Channel this knowledge into project decision-making and high quality advice to senior government counterparts as well as TBI leadership
• Enhance coordination and a ‘one TBI’ approach and work on joint projects where necessary to bring the best of TBI to our in-country deliverables
• Contribute analysis, lessons learnt, case studies and/or policy papers as necessary to support TBI partnership, thought leadership, external positioning and communications activities
• Deputise for the Country Director and support operational management
• Deputise for Country Director, and with the help of the Office manager support the Country Director in a range of activities e.g. operational management, liaising with HQ on reporting, approvals, ensuring staff adhere to policies and code of conduct etc
• Work closely with the Country Director, and the Global Operations and Security Team to strengthen risk management approaches. Anticipate project risks and manage to suggest actions to mitigate them, including financial, reputational, safety and security

Person Specification

We are looking for an outstanding individual with drive, resilience, a can-do attitude and track record of delivering successfully. They should have extensive experience of working with governments in Africa (specific experience with the government of Ethiopia desirable), of managing a team, proven skills in managing high level contacts with senior governmental interlocutors and other partners and familiarity with project planning and management. The requirements that should be met are:

• Broad and comprehensive experience in government, government advisory or management consulting public/civil services worldwide, finance or international development
• Significant experience in management/leadership, with a proven record of managing high performing teams
• The ability to work and interact at the highest levels of public life, strong political acumen, high levels of judgment and discretion and the ability to develop an understanding of the needs of senior officials
• 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
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team
• High quality communication, drafting and presentation skills
• Strong sense of ethics, discretion and perseverance required
• Experience in economic development would be an advantage, as is experience of living and working in developing countries
• Fluent working level English and Amharic