Senior 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 beginning of a new development cycle, with the recent finalisation 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 investment in value addition, technology, and the strengthening of the delivery of priority projects and programmes.

The Senior Advisor will therefore work in an agile way across various government institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cotton and Cashew Council 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. The postholder, under the supervision of the Investment and Private Sector Development Lead, will work on cotton, textile and apparel value chain on new investment projects origination, investment promotion strategy implementation, promotion materials building and industry analysis.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities are as follows:

• Provide expert advice and guidance on investment and private sector development, including investment promotion, investment policies and investment facilitation.
• Develop and implement strategies for promoting investment in the industry and attracting private sector participation
• Identify potential investors, facilitate investment agreements, partnerships, conduct feasibility studies and due diligence on potential investments
• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to textile and apparel businesses to enhance their competitiveness and attract investment
• Collaborate with government agencies and industry associations to develop policies and regulations that promote investment and private sector development in the textile and apparel industry
• Support local and international industry players in accessing institutional financing and in designing programs that support private sector development such as Business and entrepreneurship development programs
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners, including government officials, business leaders, investors, and development partners Support the development of an industry specific data base alongside a relevant strategy to promote Côte d’Ivoire as a key player in the industry
• Collaborate with other relevant TBI Sector Practices, including Investment and Industrialisation under GCS - Economic Prosperity
• Monitor and evaluate investment performance and impact

Person Specification

We are looking for an outstanding individual with a proven track record in the textile and apparel industry, investment promotion in the public or private sector, strategy consulting or banking. The successful candidate will thrive in an environment where the importance of personal initiative coupled with teamwork is critical. Above all you will build effective relationships, win trust, and help shape and influence change in Government.

With an in-depth knowledge of textile and apparel industry, investment and marketing tools, the successful candidate will have a grounding in investment-related subjects, consulting or business development. Desired qualifications and competencies include:

Experience

You will ideally have the following skills and experience:

• Master's degree or higher in business administration, finance, economics, or a related field
• Significant experience in investment planning, market analysis, business development, and investment facilitation, especially in the textile and apparel industry
• Good knowledge of investment policies, investment promotion and facilitation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to conduct research and analysis on economic trends and investment flows
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Experience in working with government agencies, international development partners, and industry associations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment with an emphasis on high- performance, results, and accountability
• Fluency in French and English is required

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. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your qualifications and experience.

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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 do this through developing policy and advising governments.  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  

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.