Programme Manager, Tech for Development

Focus of the Role

Within TBI’s Tech for Development partnership with the Government of Senegal we are supporting the Ministry of Health deploy a digital vaccine register and roll out advance the Government’s eHealth strategy (especially electronic health records).  In addition we are developing a unique and innovative initiative the “Tech Policy Advisory partnership”. This seeks to support the Government understand and take maximum advantage of latest developments in digital technology to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda (as set out in SN Numérique 2025). A team of three to four experts is envisaged for this project. 

This role involves supporting the Head of Tech to plan, operationalise, track and measure the impact across TBI’s Tech for Development work in Senegal and well as reporting against Objectives and Key Results.  

The post holder will join a fast-developing team.
  
This is a key role requiring a candidate with relevant expertise in Tech, proven experience in project management and the right skills, temperament and drive to deliver in a complex and sensitive government environment. 

Key Responsibilities

• Planning: Working closely with Head of Tech for Development, design, maintain and continually improve project plans and tools related to Tech for Development in line with the OKRs
• Execution and Monitoring: Under the direction of the Head of Tech for Development, review and maintain project goals, plans, proof points and OKRs. Report to and engage with Country Head for Senegal, and our Global Director Tech for Development, and his/her team to drive delivery,  troubleshoot and manage roll-out. Where relevant, ensure expenditure is utilised in line with budget with robust management accounts and accountability established. Ensure all necessary risk, legal and financial compliance and processes are followed
• Government Relations: Support the Head of Tech for Development to maintain effective and trusted relationships in government in line with the country project strategy and positioning, and in service of the overall TBI mission to support political leaders to achieve results that benefit the people of the country and our tech for development initiative
• People: Support the recruitment and management of team staff, as required. The post holder will be expected to develop strong working relationships
• External Relations (non-governmental): Support the Head of Tech for Development to engage with relevant external stakeholders such as tech hubs/incubators, investors, donor Partners other not for profit organisations, media, suppliers and agencies as directed
• One TBI: The post holder will formally report into Head of Tech Senegal and will work closely with the Country Head, Senegal, and the wider tech for development teams in London and other countries.
• The programme manager will support the Head of Tech across the different Tech for Development projects.  This could also include communications (providing reporting and other comms materials), pitching and presenting, linking up with internal and external stakeholders (different TBI teams, Partners and actors in the Tech sector)
• At least initially, the Programme Manager will support the Head of Tech and Country Head get the Tech Policy Advisory (TPA) partnership initiative fully up and running.  This will include An operational workplan developed for TPA based on OKRs (objectives and Key Results – the TBI reporting and impact assessment framework) and the global T4D Strategic Framework;  tools to implement, track and record developed and operational.   Impact of initiatives under TPA captured and communicated

Person Specification

We are looking for an experienced programme manager:

• With experience in business operations, technology, consulting or advisory functions
• With a minimum of 5 years’ experience in management consulting or government advisory
• With experience working in emerging markets, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa
• With some experience in public affairs or government relations
• With an in-depth understanding of the tech policy and regulatory environment in practise
• Who commits to business objectives and pulls out the stops to make sure they are always met
• With the ability to work under pressure, and to coordinate with teams and multi-disciplinary advisors
• With strong communication and project management skills
• Who can work flexibly and be adaptable, open to changing approaches in response to changing situations on the ground
• With proven understanding of the policy context, how to influence policy and the discretion and judgment needed to navigate a complex political environment
• With a bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
• Prior work with the Government of Senegal is highly desirable
• Working language is French - Fluency in 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 Government Advisory teams work directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It works with a variety of partners and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia.

 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.