Technical Associate

Focus of the Role

Are you excited by the prospect of transforming developing and emerging nations in Africa through the application of technology and innovations across public services, agriculture, health and climate? Do you have experience of consulting or working in the tech field and of leading teams to drive systemic and transformative change in an emerging or developing country?

Our main objective in this strategically important role is to rapidly deploy a tech for development initiative in Senegal, which has been enabled by a dynamic external partner across existing and new operations in our Government Advisory and Tech & Public Policy divisions. This landmark initiative will be delivered in 30 countries, with activity in Senegal starting immediately. 

We have an advisory team embedded in Senegal, part of which is working with the Ministry of Health and Social Action (MSAS) to implement the national health sector digitization program. The Technical Associate would report to the E-Health Senior Project Manager leading our work at the MSAS and is required to be an active team player and contributor to overall project-wide objectives. This is a two-year fixed term role.

Key Responsibilities

• ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Communicate with stakeholders (MSAS, Editors, TBI) to understand their requirements
• Develop and analyse functional specifications
• Design efficient IT systems to meet business and technology needs
• Coordinate developers to build and implement technology solutions
• Integrate multiple systems and reconcile needs of different teams
• Gather feedback from end users about system usage
• Plan and oversee projects (e.g. migration, upgrades, training, hardware/software installations)
• Provide advice and technical training
• Keep abreast of technology trends and developments

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals with high levels of enthusiasm, drive, resilience, a can-do attitude and the ability to consistently achieve results in a fast-paced environment. This is a role in a fast-paced team, working within complex policy areas that are highly scrutinized.

We are looking for an exceptional Technical Associate with:

• Minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience in technology and/or government advisory
• With a bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
• Proven experience as an IT Analyst, IT Developer, IT Consultant, or similar role
• Knowledge of databases, system security and troubleshooting
• An understanding of business practices
• Excellent communication skills
• Analytical mindset
• Problem-solving aptitude
• BSc/BA in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent practical experience
• Prior experience working with government is highly desirable
• Fluency in French and English required

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader 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 

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.