Senior Policy Analyst, Science and Innovation Unit

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 

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 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 Policy Lead (SF) 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 to:   

• Develop radical, actionable policy solutions based on high-quality research and robust analysis 
• Contribute to our strategic vision of accelerating scientific understanding and innovation, and  
• Communicate and promote our work with key decision makers through a wide range of outputs and activities 

Key Responsibilities

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 

Person Specification

The following criteria must be met:  

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