Industrial Policy Advisor

Focus of the Role

With emergence at the heart of its ambitions, Togo has made remarkable progress over the past 10 years and has set itself high economic growth as well as social and human development targets for the coming years, despite the unprecedented shock of Covid-19 and its repercussions for Africa. Togo now wishes to give a new impetus to its economy and society, notably through a more urgent move to action than ever before on the part of the government.

Thus, the national vision, embodied by the new Togo 2025 Presidential Roadmap, is articulated around three integrated strategic axes: 1) strengthening social inclusion and harmony and consolidating peace, 2) boosting job creation by building on the strengths of the economy, and 3) modernising the country and strengthening its structures. Togo intends to achieve its goals through a portfolio of 42 priority reforms and projects covering all of the country's economic and social sectors, half of which will be supported by private investment as well as a controlled use of public deficit.

The Tony Blair Institute has been supporting the Government of Togo since 2017, including the establishment of a delivery unit to accelerate the implementation of priority projects, policy advice on key economic and social reforms, notably to improve the business climate, as well as technical and investment promotion support in areas such as agriculture, industry, maritime economy and energy.

Job Introduction

Industrialisation is now a top priority for most of the African governments that TBI is supporting. For many government leaders, it represents a vision of economic and social transformation for the entire country.

Despite the Covid crisis, the Government of Togo has recently launched several new initiatives and public investments in the areas of electricity production, ICT development, manufacturing and vocational training. However, key sectors of the economy continue to face challenges that hinder structural transformation and industrial development.

With support from TBI’s central Indusrialisation Team, The Industrial Policy Advisor will be embedded in the Center of Government, working alongside key counterparts from the Government of Togo and other stakeholders to strengthen industrial policy-making and accelerate the delivery of priority reforms and initiatives. Overall, the main objectives is to increase public sector capability to implement a smart export-oriented industrial strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Support the government to strengthen their market-led industrial policies and develop critical industries that can foster the economic transformation of the country. This will include strengthening coordination and delivery mechanisms for industrialisation strategies;
• Develop frameworks and tools for the delivery of industrialisation. These include frameworks to select the industries that the country should focus on and to support the effective implementation of industrial policies;
• Support the CoG and relevant counterparts in their work with key stakeholders, identifying and facilitating strategic investment opportunities in line with the industrial strategy;
• Collaborate with the investment team to secure manufacturing foreign and domestic investments in Togo;
• Ensure transformational technology initiatives are streamlined into our industrialisation work;
• Ensure effective management processes and systems are in place, including data collection, analysis and reporting in order to deliver projects timely and accurately;
• Support the TBI Country Head and other team members on various strategic initiatives, including contributing to skills development of local analysts and other activities.

Person Specification

• Extensive experience in industrial policy and job creation advisory and consultancy to or in government. Direct experience in key sectors like manufacturing would be an asset, as would experience in Africa;
• Experience in and a deep understanding of government delivery and centre of government strengthening;
• Experience working in a commercial setting and engaging the private sector and, a proven ability to assess the business case of investment projects;
• Results oriented, structured, resilient in seeing projects through to the end and a willingness to be pro-active and go the extra mile;
• The confidence, experience, communication skills and credibility to operate at a senior level in government and TBI;
• Highly developed analytical skills that can be deployed in a range of contexts;
• The ability to deliver a challenging and complex agenda – particularly in helping governments design and implement industrial policies and developing industrial capabilities;
• The ability to work in the face of a range of competing views and priorities, possessing highly developed communication and negotiation skills;
• Demonstrated capability to publish action-oriented policy papers on industrialisation in the continent;
• Able to work independently but also be a strong team player;
• Relevant educational qualifications in economics, management, business administration, public administration or other related fields.
• Fluency in French and English is required.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Above all, we are looking for individuals with high levels of enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do attitude. Experience of living and working in developing countries is desirable but not essential.

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.