Head of Planning (Strategy Unit)

Focus of the Role

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere. 

We are a global team of nearly 800 changemakers, operating in more than 30 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference. 

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Job Introduction

This new role is critical to delivering TBI’s ambition. The objective is to create a golden thread between strategy, goal setting and impact in a dynamic and fast-growing global organisation. We are looking for someone who is experienced and adept at seeing the bigger picture, bringing analytical skills and presentational skills to the strategy function. You will define, guide, facilitate, monitor, and improve the planning process to enable leadership and staff to monitor progress. You will have a proven track record of assessing, weighing and presenting data that assists decision-makers in complex, multi-disciplinary organisations.

This role reports to the Senior Director of Strategy (SDoS), who is responsible for driving TBI’s strategy in three main ways: 1) alignment and accountability - to turn the TBI strategy into a laser focus on core business goals, the planning for these, their delivery and monitoring; 2) performance and processes - to shape and cohere organisational performance  across TBIs OKR, impact, performance and finance frameworks; 3) culture and capability- to inspire and support TBI’s leadership cohort of c.70 leaders to manage delivery, change management, identify and originate new business opportunities. The Strategy Unit has a mandate from the Senior Executive Team (SET) to direct and monitor TBI-wide planning, performance and collaboration. The Head of Planning is a key role and will directly manage one Analyst.

This role is within the Strategy & Partnerships Division of TBI. S & P is one of 3 external facing business critical departments: Policy & Politics and Global Government Advisory. The S&P department leads and oversee the Institute’s strategic direction and growth, with specific responsibility for futureproofing growth, developing scalable partnerships, innovating in tech and securing financial resources to measurably advance the Institute’s goals and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

1) performance and productivity monitoring - working to the Snr Director of Strategy, to shape, gather and cohere organisational corporate planning, content cross our OKRs, operations, impact, HR, performance and finance frameworks to enable leadership to make well informed decisions and take action.

2) data selection and shaping – working to the Snr Director of Strategy to put forward and design data sets and analytics to provide leadership and staff with insights for action and governance oversight.

3) automation and accountability – working to the Snr Director of Strategy, and with digital strategy leads in TBI, create and implement process improvement, automated and digital systems to generate data and insights and drive best in class practices to achieve increased efficiency and accountability across a growing and distributed global organisation.

In addition you will:

• Collaborate with and support the wider Strategy Team  
• Deputise for Snr Director of Strategy as needed: for internal and external projects and audiences

Person Specification

This post would be a fit for an experienced Planning or Analytics Lead looking to extend their expertise across a wide portfolio.

• Solid track record leading corporate planning, project management reporting and analytics across and within functions
• You may be from the Private, Public or the Not-for-profit sector, though it is essential you have an appreciation for the role of a Planning role/function within a Not-For-Profit organisation
• The ability to operate in rapidly changing and growth business environment
• Proven ability to oversee cross organisational projects and initiatives
• Demonstrated ability in problem analysis and problem resolution
• Proven experience of providing creative approaches that contribute towards set goals
• Experience in working with and preparing reports for C-level stakeholders and Boards
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (fluency in English essential)
• A proven self-starter and entrepreneurial in spirit
• Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree or equivalent practical experience
• Keenly interested in the work of TBI and share in our mission and values

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