Policy Lead – Economist

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.

The Internet has delivered huge benefits and shaken up many sectors for the better, but it has also given rise to new risks and policy challenges. We are developing a practical, 21st century approach to regulation and ethics that works with the reality of the Internet rather than trying to fight it. We care about making sure new technology delivers benefits and protections for everybody and that the balance of power in our new economy and society reflects a progressive vision. 

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 Internet Policy Unit and work closely with other members of the Unit and the wider policy community at the Institute.

In the Internet Policy Unit, we have four open Policy lead roles. In addition to two generalist roles, one role will be an economist role and one will be a data and research role. We're looking for the best candidates regardless of location, so in your cover letter please state for which location you are applying: London, San Francisco, Accra or Singapore.

Job Introduction

The key objectives for the role are: 

• Establish distinctive positions on Internet policy and regulation, that move with the innovation of the online economy and tech sectors around the world.  
• Lead policy projects and research programmes on aspects of the platform economy and deliver related policy products like papers and briefings.  
• Build big picture narratives and policy solutions that integrate economic with cultural, ethical and societal analysis.  
• Communicate our ideas to policy makers and politicians around the world. 

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 economics or a mixed degree that includes economics, or post-graduate qualification.
• 6+ years’ experience in public policy, consulting or relevant profession
• Enthusiasm about economic thinking and its application to the real world
• Proven ability to structure and solve complex policy problems 
• A clear and confident communicator, both written and spoken 

The following is also desirable: 

• Professional expertise and authority in a relevant field of internet policy (e.g. online harms, platform regulation, online culture, internet governance, etc.) 
• Direct experience from working in a technology company that can be brought to bear in a policy and political environment 

We are also keen to hear from candidates with specialist skills in either of the following two disciplines: 

• Competition economics, in particular in relation to the analysis of competitive conditions in digital markets and the design of appropriate policy and regulatory responses 
• Data analysis and visualisation, in particular the technical expertise to work with large data sets, conduct statistical analysis and communicate to a mainstream audience with data-driven policy work and visualisations 

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.