Infrastructure Delivery Advisor

Focus of the Role

The top presidential priorities include a wide range of sectors: air, sea and road transportation, internet connectivity, real estate development, business environment, agricultural development, as well as the supply of electricity and water. Immediate priorities are the planning, financing and implementation of a new integrated port on Unguja Island, as well as the upgrading of both the port and airport on Pemba island. The Government is planning to deliver a significant portion of this investment through a Public Private Partnership model.

Job Introduction

This role will support the Government so that major milestones within infrastructure projects and reforms are delivered quickly. Close trusted relationships will be key, with focus on supporting the construction, extension and efficient management of ports and airports.

The position is full-time, with a minimum duration of 2 years and based in Unguja, Zanzibar and starts as soon as possible on the identification of a suitable candidate.  Relocation assistance may be provided for the successful candidate if required.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations

• Trusted relationships with key decision makers and implementers around the President’s infrastructure delivery agenda
• Supporting the Government to strengthen communication and coordination internally and with development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders. Build capacity of the Government including mentoring and support of Government officials who are at the forefront of driving this agenda

Strategy, Planning and Execution

• Support the Government and the Presidential Delivery Bureau, so that major milestones in top priority infrastructure projects are delivered quickly
• Assess the pipeline of priority infrastructure projects and help government to prioritise based on their feasibility
• Assess capacity across Government to secure finance and deliver these projects, including the assessment of resource gaps for priority projects and reforms
• Exploring any opportunities for transformative technologies to speed up the implementation of the Governments infrastructure agenda

One TBI

• Contributing to the success of the Zanzibar project, by supporting the Country Director, the Deputy Country Director, and other team members and workstreams where necessary
• The team will consist of experienced advisers providing embedded support at the Presidency and to key economic institutions of the Government to attract and scale up investment in priority sectors
• The Adviser will also be a member of TBI’s Energy and Climate practice, through which they will gain from and contribute to the expertise of TBI’s teams across Africa and beyond

Person Specification

To apply for this post, it is required you have:

• Proven experience in delivery, management, project finance and strategy, i.e. managing the entire transaction lifecycle for infrastructure projects in emerging markets, especially in Africa and/or similar contexts like Zanzibar
• Substantial experience in contributing to infrastructure procurement policy, designing investment presentation and appraisal aligned with government policy, structuring investment opportunities in infrastructure
• In addition to your CV, please include a Deal Sheet of your executed transactions
• Experience of integrating social and economic considerations beyond financial costs and returns into investment presentation and appraisal processes for infrastructure
• Experience or knowledge of how to integrate lifecycle emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3) and climate resilience into investment presentation and appraisal processes for infrastructure an advantage
• Effective inter-personal and leadership, collaboration and communication skills, natural diplomatic skills and an ability to quickly build trust across the seniority spectrum. A team player with an ability to develop and foster relationships with government counterparts
• Excellent writing, presentation skills and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of Swahili would be an added advantage
• Experience of identifying and resolving project implementation bottlenecks, follow through and delivery of results
• Strong adaptive management skills, analytical and management skills, including sound knowledge of data analysis, strategic planning, and project management tools
• Political savviness and an understanding of the needs of senior Government officials, while being able to work and interact at the highest level of public life
• Be open to exploring digital and tech solutions to support the implementation of the Governments’ infrastructure delivery agenda
• Willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice

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.