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Policy Lead, Science and Innovation Unit

Job Reference tbigc/TP/5126/185

This job has been closed.

Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Permanent/Full Time
Contract Details:
Ongoing
Salary:
£60,000-£80,000
Working Hours:
35 Hours per week
Location:
Accra
Closing Date:
29/11/2020
Seniority level:
Policy
Company Industry:
Policy - Tech and Public Policy
Job Function:
Ghana

Focus of the Role

The technological revolution is the central issue for modern, progressive policymakers. Properly managed it can help build a better and more equal society for everyone. But achieving this vision requires a determined effort to understand the new reality, in order to resolve the new challenges arising from the internet era and accelerate the opportunities it presents. 

Our Technology and Public Policy programme exists to help policymakers master the implications of the technology revolution and deliver progressive policy and strategy for the 21st century. This short deck explains more about the overall programme and our team culture.

Science and innovation are the fundamental forces that have driven every great advancement in the human condition and this Unit’s ambition is to develop a platform that will help drive the next one. We have a particular focus on deep tech and the frontier technologies that will be part of the solution to some of the greatest challenges we face today, including in health and energy. Ultimately, the drag from many parts of politics in these areas is weaker than the thrust of technology, but there is a deep need for policy to speed up and accelerate their development. We want to find ways to make this happen.   

The post holder will play a central role in our work to develop politically actionable policy and strategy, and to use this to influence the global policy debate. They will report to the Head of the Science & Innovation Unit and work closely with other members of the Unit and the wider policy community at the Institute.

Job Introduction

The key objectives for the role are: 

  • Identify interesting new ideas for how science and innovation can be applied to achieve policy goals, and develop a distinctive narrative around them 
  • Deliver a range of policy products that shape the policy debate around the world 
  • Promote our policy work with clear, effective and innovative communication 
  • Convene key players in policy, research and industry to help drive real-world change 

Key Responsibilities

The post holder will: 

  • Be responsible for scoping and structuring programmes of work 
  • Be responsible for developing and delivering a range of policy products 
  • Build productive relationships with their stakeholders in tech and policy 
  • Speak about their work at public events and in the media 
  • Line manage senior policy analysts and / or policy analysts if required 

Person Specification

The following criteria must be met: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience 
  • 6+ years’ experience in public policy, consulting or relevant profession 
  • Proven ability to structure and solve complex policy problems 
  • A clear and confident communicator, both written and spoken 

The following is also desirable: 

  • Published material in science-focussed outlets and journals 
  • Practitioner experience in health, biotech or related fields 
  • Practitioner experience in the energy / climate / sustainability sectors 

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. It exists to equip political leaders and governments with the tools to create open, inclusive and prosperous societies in a globalised world.

We do this within two connected divisions:

Government Advisory

Our Government Advisory teams work 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.

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.

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.