Senior Analyst, Internet Policy

Focus of the Role

Tl;dr:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and thoughtful Senior Policy Analyst, based in San Francisco, who can help us develop and communicate policy answers to some of the biggest tech and political challenges of our age. You will work as part of a global technology team and bring 3+ years’ experience in a tech or policy field, such as AI ethics or start-up policy.

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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.

Key Responsibilities

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 help deliver our mission to develop politically actionable policy and strategy. Based in San Francisco, they will help us to reflect North American, US and Silicon Valley perspectives in our work on global policy challenges and solutions. They will report to the Internet Policy Lead (SF) and work closely with other members of the Unit and the wider policy community at the Institute. 

The key objectives for the role are to:   

• Develop radical, actionable policy solutions to regulatory and policy challenges in the internet economy, based on high-quality research and robust analysis 
• Contribute to policy projects and research programmes on aspects of the platform economy and deliver related policy products like papers and briefings  
• Communicate and promote our work with key decision makers through a wide range of outputs and activities 

The post holder will:  

• Work under the direction of a policy lead 
• Be responsible for delivering defined policy products 
• Participate in discussions with external stakeholders to inform our work 
• Build and use their network in the bay area to advance the mission of the team and Institute  

A day in the life of the Senior Policy Analyst will be varied but these are some of the things you can expect: 

• Desk research and analysis to write policy briefings, blogs, notes or longer reports 
• Video calls with your Internet Policy Unit colleagues to collectively problem-solve issues such as the future of news and social media or how to govern the internet.  
• Working with your colleagues in the tech and public policy team on some 3-6-month projects 
• Going for coffee with your connections in the Bay area tech scene to understand what the hot political and policy topics are  
• Participating in or hosting seminars and discussions on tech policy issues 
• Meeting with policy folk, and political and government leaders  
• Travel a few times a year to London, Singapore, Accra or other countries where tech and political events are happening 
• Calling TBI teams in countries in Africa to help them understand internet policy issues and hear how governments around the world are approaching the new challenges  

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience 
• 3+ years’ experience in public policy, consulting or a relevant profession 
• Track record of managing work and achieving outstanding results
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills

It would also be great if they had: 

• Experience of working in a technology company or in a technology research
• Professional expertise and authority in a relevant field of internet policy (e.g. AI ethics, online harms, platform regulation, online culture, internet governance, start-up policy)

We are looking for people passionate about their interests whether that’s AI ethics, diversity and inclusion or digital competition economics, for example. We’re interested in ideas and a motivation to find answers to some of the world’s greatest challenges and opportunities.

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About the Institute

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 

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.