Senior Agri-business Advisor

Focus of the Role

TBI has been supporting the Government of Côte d’Ivoire since 2018 to promote the development of priority agricultural value chains, mainly cotton and cashew, in close coordination with the Cotton and Cashew Council and other key stakeholders. Today, our partnership also encompasses support to strengthen government delivery systems and develop digital solutions in key priority areas. On the eve of a new development cycle, with the recent finalization of its new National Development Plan 2021-2025, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire is committed to deeply transform agriculture by enhancing raw material processing, through increasing private financing and participation in implementation of priority projects.

This is an initial one-year fixed term contract.

Job Introduction

We are looking for an agile Senior Agri-business Advisor to work across various government institutions.  You will work with Prime Minister’s Office, the Cotton and Cashew Council and other relevant ministries and agencies, to improve raw cashew nuts processing rate, in coordination with Investment and Private Sector Development (PSD) Advisors. The postholder will be responsible for broadly acting as technical and operational expert on cashew-related topics, mainly supporting public authorities in their mission to originate new investment projects, facilitate implementation of existing projects and strengthen the respective policy environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Government’s efforts to monitor and facilitate implementation of investment projects from technical and operational points of view in cashew sector
• Identify key binding constraints to the growth of raw cashew nuts processing rate and provide tangible, high-quality and implementable advice to alleviate those
• Conduct analysis on technical assistance needs for SMEs in cashew processing and provide a workable plan to address those needs and develop private sector
• Introduce commercially available technological solutions, particularly to improve traceability and sustainability, to the cashew sector
• Facilitate experience sharing amongst sector stakeholders
• Coordination and collaboration with other relevant TBI Sector Practices, including Investment, Agriculture, and Energy
• Facilitate experience sharing amongst sector stakeholders
• Provide regular reports and updates on activities and achievements

Person Specification

We are looking for an outstanding individual 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.

On top on a very deep knowledge of the cashew sector, the successful candidate will have, a grounding in public policy and sustainable development. Desired qualifications and competencies include:

• Ideally a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience working with public authorities or international organizations and/or private sector on economic development, agriculture transformation, or investment promotion in emerging markets, especially in Africa or similar markets

• Extensive conceptual and methodological skills and in applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Proven capacity to build and manage effective relationships at senior levels, including the ability to navigate and build trust a complex political environment

• Experience of identifying and resolving project implementation bottlenecks with demonstrable capacity for follow through and delivering of results
• An ability to work independently, think strategically and translate objectives into realistic delivery plans, with emphasis on attention to details
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication and management skills
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and diverse team
• Self-starter, motivated and proactive with solutions
• English and French language written and verbal proficiency.

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.