Operations Analyst

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 

Job Introduction

The Extremism Policy Unit (EPU) is part of the Institute’s Policy Futures division which exists to shape the debate and provide leaders with solutions to match the myriad challenges they face.

EPU works to answer the fundamental question of how to balance the tensions between openness and security in the context of rising extremism and conflict, and how to keep these issues on the agenda. We tackle extremism because we recognise it as a driver of instability and an obstacle to reform.

EPU is looking for an ambitious Operations Analyst with a keen interest in the work of  the Institute and the subject area of global extremism.  Arabic language skills are a huge advantage.  You’ll be a key presence within out policy unit in supporting and driving the delivery of our ambitious objectives, and providing excellent project and administrative support.  You’ll report directly into the Director of EPU and work closely with our team of expert researchers, analysts and policy leads.  You may be a recent graduate or within the first few years of your career and looking for a unique opportunity to be part of our mission.

In the year we mark 20 years since 9/11 the EPU will reinforce and drive home the core messages we have put forward on extremism in recent years, and build broader and deeper alliances towards a more secure future. We are also developing and launching a new programme of work dedicated to the Middle East and North Africa. The Middle East Securing the Future Programme will study avenues for modernisation and reform across the region, with a view to spotlighting the opportunities and highlighting how regional and global leaders can support efforts towards social and economic reform. It’s an exciting time to join the Institute!

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate across EPU and our other policy divisions to assist in the operational delivery of our work
• Provide high level logistical and administrative support to the director and senior team members
• Track and ensure accountability for programme budgets
• Follow our internal processes and role-model compliance to drive team efficiency
• Provide timely project support, and meet or exceed agreed deadlines
• Make recommendations on processes and operational improvements
• Liaise across central functions team, including Comms and Legal to assist with commissions, publications and contracting
• Maintain working relationships within our policy teams and external networks
• Manage shifting priorities with flexibility and accuracy, updating trackers and proactively flagging potential bottlenecks to programme leads
• Contribute ideas and insights to team meetings, with the ambition to advance knowledge on global extremism and/or Middle East policy issues
• Apply new technology tools and project management systems to assist our work and maximise and track productivity

Person Specification

• Written and spoken fluency in Arabic highly desirable
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience 
• Proven operational delivery skills and attention to detail 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills 
• Expert Microsoft Suite skills, and a willingness to learn and utilise innovative tech solutions
• Data analysis and statistical modelling experience highly advantageous
• Strong administrative and project support skills
• Evidence of providing agile operational support in a fast-moving environment
• A true team-player who thrives on collaborating with multiple stakeholders
• Ambition to progress your career within the policy space, and develop project management skills

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.