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.
Role Summary
The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) advises reforming political leaders and governments on strategy, policy, and delivery, with technology as an enabler across all three functions. In doing so, we make a significant and positive impact for citizens around the world.
In recognition of TBI Advisory’s growing impact and size, we are seeking a talented Associate to join TBI’s Asia Pacific (APAC) Advisory Team – a regional team that supports our existing country operations and plays a key role in efforts to expand the footprint of our advisory work into new countries across the APAC region. Associates on the APAC regional team provide dedicated in-country support to new countries as they ramp up operations and launch Advisory projects with senior government counterparts.
Associates represent the bulk of TBI’s teams around the world. They are generalist problem-solvers able to support political leaders across all the dimensions at which we offer advice. Successful applicants will have an amazing career ahead of them. Whether they are at TBI for a few years, or a large share of their career as they grow and progress within the Institute – their experience as a TBI Associate will position them to have a huge global impact.
This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about politics and the ability to create change by working in and with governments. Candidates must have the ability to operate directly with clients, which include Ministers, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Heads of State. Candidates must also be able to work across TBI with professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, collaboration, and diplomacy.
Candidates must be willing to travel extensively across the APAC region, including for in-country deployments that can last up to six (6) months in duration. Candidates may be expected to do more than one (1) in-country deployment a year and should be excited by the opportunity to live in and learn about new countries and their governments.
This is not an entry level role. Candidates with over three (3) years of full-time experience will be considered, ideally in management consulting, government advisory, public sector, or policy. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree, though it is possible that successful applicants will still be early in their career with a high degree of learning and development potential.
Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient in English and at least one other language at a level strong enough to engage with senior politicians in the region. The Associates can be based in Singapore, Manila, or Hanoi. Candidates must have the right to work in the locations that they are applying to – visas will not be sponsored for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Support scoping teams as they assess potential opportunities for TBI to work with new governments and senior leaders
- Support the launch of new country operations through deployment to the country and working closely with the Country Director in building trust with government counterparts, driving workstream analyses and output, developing and outlining the internal strategy for country operations, and supporting on permanent country team recruiting.
- Develop research, in-depth analysis, written insights, decks and other deliverables for clients and senior leadership within TBI
- Engage with senior client counterparts to understand client requirements, articulate ideas, and participate in presentation of deliverables
- Routinely engage with teams across TBI to ensure the best-of-TBI is brought forward to country programmes and clients
- Play a strong role in project delivery through support in robust project planning, managing timelines, and accomplishment of deliverables
- Innovate and develop tools that enable efficient management and delivery of programmes (e.g. project dashboards, frameworks, and trackers)
- Undertake complex political analyses to understand key actors, their drivers, and how TBI can approach complex political landscapes
Person Specification:
- Experience as a political staffer, public servant, or in management consulting, economics, finance, multilateral institutions, high impact civil society organisations, and many other previous roles are all considered relevant at TBI. Technology experience is not required but is an asset. What is required is a personal passion for politics, strong political acumen, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
- A work ethos focused on team success with genuine motivation for colleagues’ performance, growth, and well-being – the Asia Pacific Regional Advisory team is a tight-knit unit who work closely together, so we are looking for candidates who will contribute to the positive and encouraging team atmosphere.
- Ability to perform in-depth analysis across various topics, generate original insights and produce high-quality deliverables, which are fit for delivery to senior government clients, perform challenging analysis, and structured problem solving.
- Strong time management skills and a demonstrable strength in project management
- Demonstrable experience of being an entrepreneurial self-starter
- Skilled at communicating, from executive office level through to technical level, adept at speaking to senior leadership, knowing how to navigate ambiguous environments and comfortable at managing up and beyond hierarchy.
- Demonstrating a proactive and hands-on attitude, not afraid to roll-up their sleeves to get the job done and take ownership of their workstream.
- Passion for tech and an interest in using new software beyond the traditional MS Office Suite
