Strategic Advisor - E-Commerce

Focus of the Role

The Tony Blair Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade & Industry and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is recruiting a Strategic Advisor to support the implementation of the e-commerce policy, operationalisation of its instruments, and increasing exports to China and other international markets.

Job Introduction

We are looking to hire a Strategic Advisor with experience and expertise on government advisory, particularly on international trade. The Strategic Advisor will lead and drive the implementation of policy instruments and special projects on E-Commerce with the Government of Rwanda. The post holder will join a fast-growing team of TBI Rwanda and works closely with the Delivery Manger and reports to the Country Director.

The post holder will directly support two key institutions within the Government of Rwanda in, namely the Rwanda Development Board as well as the Ministry of Trade & Industry.

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

Please note: We will be screening and interviewing candidates from the 13^th March 2023 onwards so please do submit your application as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

1. E-Commerce Workstream – support to MINICOM

• Conduct analysis of the policy coherence with other relevant policy instruments in support to e-commerce adoption, and provide input on the draft policy
• Perform analysis of existing legal instruments to ensure that there is conformity of E-Commerce related laws to international best practices specifically in online consumer protection, validity and enforcement of electronic communications and contacts, cyber security related issues and protection of intellectual property rights
• Operationalise the National E-Commerce Council as an oversight, supervisory and coordination body of e-commerce sector
• Undertake a multi sector wide capacity needs assessment and make a proposal on required capabilities across all e-commerce actors
• Provide support in setting up a mechanism for e-commerce data collection and dissemination to inform industry monitoring and performance
• Assist in the development of roadmaps and strategies to leverage Rwanda’s partnerships, logistics and trade facilitating agencies, innovation hubs and funds, towards positioning Rwanda as a reginal e-commerce hub

1. E-World Trade Platform (eWTP) Workstream – support to RDB

• Provide strategic advice to RDB on the implementation of eWTP and identify additional opportunities to drive e-commerce and support Rwandan firms to engage in global trade
• Conduct economic analysis and develop strategies to boost Rwanda’s trade and export competitiveness, particularly:

• Conduct economic analysis of trade statistics, sectoral performance, market and microeconomic analysis for exporting firms/companies to enhance export competitiveness
• Support RDB in repositioning of Rwanda with regards to export diversification and value addition, with a focus on the Chinese and the middle east market

• Develop a sales and marketing strategy to increase Rwandan exports:

• Structure and drive the online and on-ground marketing strategies to increase Rwandan product sales volumes on eWTP with Alibaba Group and through other 1-2 top trade platforms in the Middle East
• Identify top 20 firms with potential and design a suitable marketing strategy to increase sales in the China under the eWTP and another 10-15 companies for sales in the Middle East market
• Assist RDB in organising and coordinating online and offline promotional events, facilitating B2B sessions with Chinese and middle east buyers and advising Rwandan Exporters to meet buyers' requirements
• Structure and drive tourism marketing to increase tourism through e-commerce platforms (post Covid-19)

Person Specification

This is a role in a fast-paced government, working within complex policy areas that are highly scrutinised. Therefore, the successful candidate for the role should be able to display the majority of the following:

• A BA or Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Marketing, Business, or a closely related field
• Experience in working with/in government institutions in implementing policies and ideally with some experience within the private sector
• Experience working with the Asian/Chinese, middle east market and international investors is an advantage
• Strong analytical & research skills; excellent marketing, business writing, presentation skills, negotiation and verbal communication skills (in English)
• Proficient in oral and written English; knowledge of Mandarin Chinese and/or Arabic is an added advantage
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, and a can-do attitude
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and perform other duties as reasonably required to achieve the goals of your team and the Institute

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.