Associate

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.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) aims to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive, and prosperous societies in an interconnected world. We do this through developing policy and advising governments.

TBI has been working in Zambia since March 2022. Working hand-in-hand with the Office of the President of the Republic of Zambia, the project is led by a Country Director, with a team currently consisting of advisers supporting the government in different ministries. We are hiring a Delivery Associate to support the Office of the President establish a structure to prioritise, plan and steer the implementation of the government’s transformation and digital agenda.

In support of this mission, TBI is looking to recruit a Delivery Associate to work closely with Senior Advisors/Managers and other TBI colleagues, as well as relevant government institutions and development partners, to help accelerate the delivery of program objectives across various workstreams.

We are looking for individuals with high levels of enthusiasm, drive, resilience, a “can-do” attitude and ability to consistently achieve results in a fast-paced environment.

The position is full-time, with a minimum duration of 2 years and based in Lusaka, Zambia and starts as soon as possible on the identification of a suitable candidate.

Job Introduction

The President of Zambia has officially announced the establishment of a Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) and his commitment on driving delivery of strategic matters through the PDU. TBI supported the establishment of the PDU and is now focused on developing the Delivery Agenda contributing to the seven outcome areas identified by the President – Job Creation; Increasing Household Income; Efficient Value Chains; Value Addition; Export Diversification; Enhanced Public Services; and Project Delivery. 

The Delivery Associate will work closely with Delivery Advisors and a Senior Delivery Advisor who will be heading the PDU project for TBI under the guidance and supervision of the Country Director. The Associate will mainly focus on the analytical part of the work with a responsibility of developing measurable workplans and delivery of result. The Associate is expected to establish and manage relationships with mid-level/technical counterparts across the broader ecosystem, including colleagues from the PDU. 

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analytical work and preparation of documents, including targeting analysis, roadmaps, delivery chain analysis, trajectories, decks for stocktake meetings, reports to President and key stakeholders. Support Delivery Advisor on problem solving and following up on key actions with counterparts
• Undertake research on selected implementation topics and other high-impact analysis on relevant policy and sectoral issues, including benchmarking, networking and information-sharing
• Proactively monitor engagement with TBI central teams, including reporting processes, communicate requests to relevant team members, and follow-up on queries in a consistent and timely manner
• Plan, prioritise and drive tasks from start to finish, including managing internal and external deadlines, content development, and deliverables in coordination with relevant colleagues
• Identify and structure relevant delivery initiatives, agreeing clear deliverables with colleagues and counterparts, including advice on organisational structures, processes, tools, and methodologies to improve delivery capabilities within targeted government institutions
• Provide regular reports and updates on activities, support the completion of high-quality written documents and articulate findings using various presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
• Support maintenance of delivery dashboards and trackers
• Support the Zambia team’s knowledge management efforts on relevant subject matters

Person Specification

We are looking for outstanding individuals with a proven interest and some experience 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.

With a good knowledge of project management or delivery systems, the successful candidate will have a grounding in strategy consulting, project management and public policy.

Desired experience and competencies include:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in the following preferred areas: Business, Economics, Engineering, Marketing, Law, and Communications or equivalent
• Experience in the public, private or non-governmental sectors, for example in Delivery Unit, project management, business management, and consulting
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment, with an emphasis on high- performance, results, and accountability
• In addition, we place high value on personal qualities such as resourcefulness, tenacity, independence, self-confidence, and integrity
• Strong willingness to learn, and ability to be a real team player
• Willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice

#LI-Hybrid