Business Climate Advisor

Focus of the Role

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a purpose-driven, not-for-profit organisation, with a mission to equip leaders to build open, prosperous and inclusive societies. We believe that politics done well has the power to transform lives. When governments work well, they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We are optimists, and we work relentlessly to support leaders and governments with the challenges they face: giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people.  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Advisory Practice works 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. We are currently in a rapid expansion phase from c. 18 countries at present, to 30 by December 2022.

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. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

·       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 Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), TBI’s partnership encompasses advisory work currently focusing on business climate, investment promotion, energy sector development, and digital transformation.

A fragile but important country for Sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC is geographically vast, boasts a large and rapidly growing population, and is among the world’s poorest, having suffered from conflict and fragility over the past forty years. Governance issues, along with recent security and health crises, continue to impede its development, despite being rich in natural resources. Following its first peaceful democratic transition in January 2019, the country is embarking on an ambitious program of economic diversification and reforms, which will require a vibrant private sector in order to achieve inclusive sustainable growth.

TBI will support the Government’s efforts to improve the business climate and is looking to recruit an exceptional individual with experience in providing strategic advice and delivery support.

Key Responsibilities

The post-holder will provide high-quality implementable advice to the Business Climate Unit (Cellule Climat des Affaires, CCA), anchored in the Presidency. He/she will also support coordination with relevant ministries and agencies responsible for the implementation of priority reforms. This is the first time TBI operates in the DRC so the post-holder will part of the inaugural team and therefore also responsible for building TBI’s reputation and credentials in the country. Key areas of responsibility will include:

·       Support the CCA in its work with key stakeholders, identifying binding constraints for private investment and opportunities for reforms to improve the DRC’s business climate;

·       Help the CCA in the prioritization, planning and implementation of key reforms, including benchmark analysis as well as the development of strategic plans and roadmaps;

·       Develop and maintain trust-based relationships with government and private sector actors as well as development partners, including targeted communication strategies;

·       Ensure effective management processes and systems are in place, including data collection, analysis and reporting in order to implement planned reforms timely and accurately;

·       Support the CCA’s institutional development, including capacity assessments and skills transfer to bridge implementation gaps and accelerate delivery;

·       Serve as a thought partner and expert on matters of policy reforms and performance management systems for senior officials and TBI.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will thrive in an environment where the importance of personal initiative coupled with teamwork is critical. Above all s/he will build effective relationships, win trust, and help shape and influence change in government. With a good knowledge of delivery principles and processes, s/he will have a grounding in project management, institutional development and public policy. Desired qualifications and competencies include:

• 5-10 years of work experience in the public, private or non-governmental sectors, including governance, policy reforms, commercial law, business management, and consulting;
• Experience in institutional development and organisational change management, including process and system design;
• Extensive conceptual and methodological skills and in applying qualitative and quantitative research methods;
• Experience in the development and implementation of project management and/or matrix frameworks;
• Excellent in building and managing effective relationships, including the ability to navigate a complex political environment. Experience working in Africa is desirable;
• Ability in influencing, coaching and delivering change through others;
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, strategic planning and decision-making capabilities;
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach to overcoming barriers and making change happen, and the ability to cope in an emotionally demanding environment;
• Strong team player with outstanding team management skills;
• Self-starter, motivated and proactive with solutions;
• Willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice;
• Ability to reside in Kinshasa for at least one year;
• Fluency in French and English is required.

About The Institute

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.