Investment & Private Sector Advisor

Focus of the Role

At the request of President Macky Sall, the Institute’s work in Senegal builds on the strategy articulated in the Plan Sénégal Émergent (PSE) as it adapts to the impact of the Covid 19 crisis. We are building on early work focusing on promoting investment into job creating economic sectors and projects to adapt to the new realities and opportunities brought about by the pandemic.  

Following a first phase of major publicly financed infrastructure development in the Plan Senegal Emergent  (including motorways, the TER urban rapid railway, Bus Rapid Transit) the Government is increasingly seeking private investment and partnerships to finance the next stage of development.  This includes efforts to promote economic resilience and recovery in light of the Covid 19 pandemic and the economic challenges it brings.  The health and agriculture sectors are a particular focus of interest and priority in the economic relaunch efforts being planned.

Currently our work focuses on agreements with the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Digital Economy.  Our partnership also encompasses support to strengthen government delivery systems. The Government of Senegal is committed to increasing international and private financing and participation in priority sectors and projects, which is the key objective of this role.

TBI seeks to accompany the government to succeed in its investment promotion goals working collaboratively with responsible Ministries and government agencies as well as with the different Partners prioritising this investment promotion and industrialisation objective.

The Investment & Private Sector advisor will be part of the Africa Advirory team in Senegal and therefore work in an agile way across various government institutions, including the Sovereign Investment Fund, the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Industry, Investment Promotion Agency (APIX) and other relevant ministries and agencies, to improve the country’s brand and help establish linkages with private investors, development finance institutions and other key partners. This role holder will be responsible for broadly supporting the relevant government counterparts and engaging with stakeholders across the priority sector value chains (including but not limited to agro-processing) in order to originate new investment projects, facilitate structuration and promotion of existing projects and strengthen relationship with key investors.

Key Responsibilities

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Support the Government’s investment promotional efforts in Senegal and abroad, including through the development of promotion material and targeted presentations
• Strengthen the Government’s efforts to develop and facilitate marketing of investment projects
• Identify key binding constraints to attracting investors, specifically English speaking investors, and provide tangible, high-quality and implementable advice on interventions, policy or others, to alleviate those
• Identify and engage investors, distributors, and manufactures, in priority for the agroprocessing sector, but also in the tech, health and sectors and facilitate the development of potential investments into Senegal
• Strengthen efforts to help foreign investors partner with local private sector in line with government priorities
• Facilitate experience sharing amongst sector stakeholders
• Provide regular reports and updates on activities and achievements

Person Specification

We are looking for outstanding individuals with a proven track record of delivery in the public or private sectors. The successful candidate will thrive in an environment where the importance of personal initiative coupled with teamwork is critical. Above all they will build effective relationships, win trust, and help shape and influence change in government.

With a good knowledge of investment promotion and facilitation, they will have a grounding in strategy consulting, project finance and public policy. Desired qualifications and competencies include:

Experience

• 8-10 years of work experience in the public, private or non-governmental sectors, including investment banking, finance, business management, and consulting
• Extensive conceptual and methodological skills and in applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Experience in the development and implementation of project management and/or matrix frameworks
• Experience in business plan development, modelling and financial structuration
• Excellent in building and managing effective relationships, including the ability to navigate a complex political environment. Experience working in Africa is desirable
• Excellent in networking and ability to mobilize high level international investors
• Ability in influencing, coaching and delivering change through others
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, strategic planning and decision-making capabilities
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach to overcoming barriers and making change happen, and the ability to cope in an emotionally demanding environment
• Strong team player with outstanding team management skills
• Self-starter, motivated and proactive with solutions
• Willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice
• Fluency in French and English is 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.