Director Extremism Policy Unit

Job Reference tbigc/TP/5126/113

This job has been closed.

Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Permanent/Full Time
Contract Details:
Perm
Salary:
Competitive
Working Hours:
35 Hours per week
Location:
London
Closing Date:
28/04/2020
Seniority level:
Policy
Company Industry:
Generation Global
Job Function:
United Kingdom

Focus of the Role

The Extremism Policy Unit (EPU) is an international policy and research unit of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change; which, together with the UK policy and Tech units and an Action Research Lab, comprise the TBI Policy Futures practice. The goal of our policy work at TBI is to shape the relevant debates with bold ideas and practical reforms.

Many of the new social and political challenges that confront national governments around the world today are global in origin. This includes the threat from networks of global extremism. Only by taking a global perspective can we hope to develop policies and cooperation that will address the issue successfully for the long term.

The EPU produces, commissions and curates high-quality empirical analysis, undertakes practical research and issues timely analysis and commentary to inform and influence global policy relating to preventing and countering violent extremism.

How to apply - Submit your CV and Cover Letter

Job Introduction

We are looking to appoint an exceptional and experienced candidate to lead the EPU and shape the Institute’s global political and policy engagement strategy in preventing and countering extremism, and in related areas such as integration and conflict and security. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will work directly with the Institute’s senior management team and Policy Futures colleagues to devise a coherent agenda for the EPU, and deliver it with impact. Drawing on our substantial in-house expertise and experience, as well as the beliefs and values that TBI embodies, you will build on our existing work and determine the priorities for expanding the work of the team. Our aim is ambitious – to influence at a regional and global level, and across government departments in priority regions and donor countries.

A strategic thinker, you will have a keen sense of how to prioritise issues within a potentially broad agenda, in order to allow a sufficiently strong focus for the team to have impact on the debates it chooses to enter.

As an experienced people manager, you will oversee the continued development of the EPU team and provide strategic direction to analysts and researchers working across a range of topics, drawing out the commonalities and ensuring that their work coheres within a compelling narrative.

You will need to have a strong understanding of the global audience for the unit’s work and its key stakeholders, gained through significant experience of working with relevant multilateral institutions and government structures. You will also have a track record of influencing such stakeholders, including through engagement with a globally-orientated communications team.

You will also have relevant subject-matter expertise in one or more of the broad areas in which TBI currently works, such as global policy relating to extremism, conflict and security, international relations, foreign affairs or a related field.

Close attention to detail and a commitment to excellence will be hallmarks of your work and, as an excellent communicator, you will be adept at conveying complex policy and analysis, as well as its implications, to stakeholders at the top levels of government internationally. You will also be an agile team player, capable of working closely with the other policy staff at TBI to develop a consistent and effective approach to policy development and advocacy across the Institute.

Key Responsibilities

Key elements of the role include:

  • Responsible for developing a strategy for a programme of global policy work that builds upon TBI’s existing capabilities.
  • Responsible for ensuring the EPU’s global policy agenda can engage with and influence relevant debates.
  • Identifying key opportunities for TBI to build relevant and meaningful relationships and partnerships, and shape policy agendas.
  • Developing and involving an influential network of global stakeholders and experts to maximise TBI’s impact.
  • Overseeing the development of an effective, collaborative and high performing team.
  • Working to ensure a consistent approach to policy influence across TBI.
  • Representing TBI at the top levels of government around the world, as well as in the media, on social media and in other public forums.
  • Set metrics and monitor progress against the EPU’s objectives and outcomes.
  • Responsible for managing EPU budgets and resources effectively.

Person Specification

Person Specification

  • A strong alignment with the mission of TBI.
  • Extensive experience of working with and influencing key stakeholders, such as governments, multilateral institutions and global media.
  • Significant experience of working on, engaging with and influencing international issues.
  • A strategic thinker with a proven ability to deliver on their strategy in a global context
  • Strong track record of working with senior, peer and junior colleagues to deliver impact.
  • Experience of government policy delivery or working with government in an advisory/consultancy capacity.
  • Strong people and resource management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable:

  • Global network of organisations and individuals who inform policy development and implementation.
  • Track record of published research / analysis / commentary in a relevant field.
  • A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field.
  • Significant experience of working in, or with the systems of, more than one country.

 

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) aims to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies in an interconnected world. We do this through our Policy Futures ideas and our Government Advisory Practice.  What we believe in as an organisation:

  • 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 Changemakers – 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’ll only ever asses 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.