Delivery Advisor - Agriculture

Focus of the Role

Togo’s economic growth has been sustained in recent years and shows signs of acceleration (3.9% between 2007 and 2013, and 5.6% between 2013 and 2015). This growth was largely supported by an active policy of public investment that contributed to the development of the country's infrastructure. However, key sectors of the economy continue to face challenges that hinder structural transformation and industrial development. The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis it brought globally threatens to exacerbate these vulnerabilities.

Job Introduction

Togo’s National Development Plan 2018-2022 focuses on three key areas: 1) setting up an excellence logistics hub and world-class business centre, 2) developing agricultural processing, manufacturing and extractive industries, and 3) consolidating social development and strengthening mechanisms for inclusion. Togo aims to achieve its ambition through the implementation of flagship projects with high potential for large-scale job creation and the predominant involvement of the private sector.

Key Responsibilities

The Delivery Advisor - Agriculture will support the development of Togo’s agricultural sector. This role is dependent on the finalization of funding from TBI’s partner.

Specific duties include:

1. Support the government of Togo to develop and run a delivery mechanism for the implementation of its flagship projects in the agriculture sector, especially in a context of economic impact from the COVID-19 crisis. Assess to what extent delivery mechanisms can be used to deliver the wider agriculture development plan.
2. Facilitate the coordination with different stakeholders around the implementation of the flagship projects and agriculture development plan – with other government agencies, private sector, donor partners, farmers group, etc. Assess whether new coordination mechanisms for flagship projects can be institutionalized.
3. Support government counterparts with the delivery of various strategic initiatives related to the Togolese agricultural sector, including but not limited to reforms to the extension system, access to resources for an agro-inputs supply scheme, resolving value chains’ specific bottlenecks.
4. Assist government counterparts in their interactions with international agribusiness investors, with support from the TBI team across the government of Togo.
5. Support the TBI Togo Country Head and other team members on various strategic and management issues for the Togo project.

Person Specification

We are looking for outstanding individuals with a proven track record of delivery in the public or private sectors. We seek to create international and multi-disciplinary teams and are looking for individuals with relevant industry experience.

All candidates will be required to have:

• A master’s degree in political science, agriculture, economics, business administration, or other relevant fields.
• At least 5 years of experience working on developing the agricultural sector in emerging markets, or supporting private sector development, with demonstrated expertise in governance of the sector.
• Experience working with governments in the agriculture sector.
• Experience working with senior executives is an asset.
• Experiential knowledge of institutional development and organisational management, including process and system engineering.
• Strong analytical and management skills, including sound knowledge of data analysis, strategic planning, and project management tools.
• Strong communications skills, including delivering high quality and visually compelling presentations as well as effective cross-cultural and interpersonal communication.
• Fluent French and English spoken and written.

Above all, we are looking for individuals with high levels of enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do attitude. Experience of living and working in developing countries is desirable but not essential.

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 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.