About the Institute

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change we are dedicated to making globalization work for the many, not the few. We do this by helping countries, their people and their governments address some of the most difficult challenges in the world today – beginning with those where we think we can break new ground, offering leaders new thinking and new approaches. Our staff – over 200 of them, based all over the world – are working on some of the most intractable problems around issues of co-existence, governance, the peace process in the Middle East and renewing the center.

Focus of the Role

Our Governance work supports the governments and leaders of fragile, developing, and emerging states to enhance their effectiveness. We are focused on helping governments and leaders make their vision for the development of their country a reality. We work in the center of government and in key line ministries and our work is shaped by national priorities.

In Ethiopia, we support the Government in the delivery of its top priorities through our work on policy advisory, implementation support and institutional building.  Dynamic political and economic reforms are unfolding, and the team has been fortunate to be at the center of exciting and unprecedented projects.  Our staff work shoulder to shoulder with government counterparts leading reform efforts across top priorities and key development areas including; investment, export, employment, digital transformation and state-owned enterprise.

Currently, we are seeking a new Associate with relevant experience and high levels of enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do attitude to support the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MINT) on the implementation of the National Digital Transformation Strategy as well as the review and design of relevant associated policies and projects. The Associate would report to the TBI Senior Advisor leading our work at MINT and is required to be an active team player and contributor to overall project-wide objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research & Analytical:

• Ability to collect relevant data from a variety of sources, analyze data to contribute to sector strategies and/or policy studies.  Reliability on data collection and triangulation will be necessary, with emphasis on attention to detail
• Assist, and at times lead, preparation of brief analysis to support reform strategies
• Provide input into write ups and power point presentations including presenting our findings and recommendations to government counterparts
• Prepare a workplan to deliver on the workstream objectives as agreed with the Senior Advisor and Country Head and communicate regular progress updates
• Act as primary liaison for client institutions such as the Ministry of Innovation and Technology and partner implementation institutions
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with key government counterparts and other key stakeholders (donors/consultants)

Institutional Building and Implementation:

• Ability to provide basic training and capacity building activities to stakeholders in government institutions
• Develop new guidelines and templates to support implementation of new reforms and policies and to institutionalize improved methods and processes
• Support the creation of a problem-solving culture, to bridge implementation gaps and accelerate strengthening of institutions

Other internal TBI responsibilities

• Actively participate and collaborate in internal team building activities and learning initiatives to enhance coordination and continuous improvement for our impact in Ethiopia
• Occasionally assist Country Head or other workstreams with short assignments related to unanticipated government requirements

What We Are Looking For

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred Educational Background: Economics, Engineering/ICT, Public Administration and/or International Development
• Minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience in a relevant field; eg. management consulting, public policy, economic development and/ or private sector development. Experience in or with ICT sector highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively with in a team, showing high flexibility as priorities change and support areas are revised according to client needs
• Willingness and excitement to learn about the role of Technology in meeting Ethiopia’s development goals.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills
• Excellent inter-personal skills. A team player with an ability to develop and foster relationships with counterparts across a large organization and with external stakeholders;
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach to overcoming barriers and making change happen; and the ability to cope in emotionally demanding environments
• Fluency in English and Amharic (oral and written communication skills)

Career Level: Minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience in a relevant field; eg. management consulting, public policy, economic development and/ or private sector development