Deputy Country Head at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Role Summary:

TBI has a growing programme in Kenya supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta’s “Big 4” strategy and the country’s “Vision 2030” buttressed by a trusted relationship with the government of Kenya (GoK). With the concept of ‘delivery’ running through all our work, the Institute is supporting some of the President’s priority projects in investment promotion, health and digital transformation (“Tech”). Nairobi is also becoming a regional hub for TBI as our work across anglophone East Africa grows.

To help support and consolidate this growing programme and team, TBI is seeking to recruit a Deputy Country Head. This new role will focus on supporting and nurturing our growing team, supporting the TBI country project team in the management of TBI supported country projects (planning, tracking reporting on and communicating our work), developing and consolidating our relations with key stakeholders in government and promoting greater joint working between TBI’s team in Kenya and other colleagues across the Institute. The Deputy Country Head will support the Country Head and work closely with the Head of Technology for Development Kenya and the Projects Coordinator/Office Manager in achieving our programme goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Help manage a high performing team, working alongside the Country Head

• Oversee specific technical areas and workstreams and ensure coordination between them, which will be defined in the team’s OKRs
• Coach technical experts to problem-solve delivery issues and unblock bottlenecks
• Help manage team performance and delivery quality, facilitating linkages to TBI sectoral and other country team colleagues
• Contribute to recruitment to build a high performing team right for Kenya’s context

Support setting the strategic direction of the project, performance reviews and measurement of impact

• Support the Country Head in the development of the strategic direction for the project, specifically the annual strategy setting and quarterly review process
• Be accountable for implementing the OKRs other than the Technology workstreams
• Lead the planning and evaluation cycle to assess regularly whether the strategy is ‘working’ and adapt rapidly in response to new challenges and opportunities. Including:
• Ensure the project has a clear Objectives and Key Results framework for regular monitoring, using the organizational Theory of Change and impact tools
• Review project progress, consider alternative approaches and re-set workstream objectives accordingly
• Prepare status reports and establish effective project communication plans to key stakeholders (e.g., GoK)
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and perform other duties as reasonably required to achieve the goals of the Kenya project and the Institute

Support the Country Head to build and maintain senior government and key Partner relationships

• Provide high quality advice to senior government counterparts as well as TBI leadership
• Understand the political and governmental landscape of Kenya, channelling this knowledge into project decision-making

Support the enablers of the Kenya Programme project: business development, thought leadership and fundraising

• Contribute analysis, lessons learnt, case studies and/or policy papers as necessary to support TBI fundraising, partnership and communications activities
• Enhance coordination and a ‘one TBI’ approach and work on joint projects where necessary.
• Provide contribution to thought leadership, fundraising and external positioning

Deputise for the Country Head and support operational management

• Deputise for Country Head and with the help of the Projects Coordinator/Office manager support the Country Head in a range of activities e.g. operational management, liaising with HQ on reporting, approvals etc.
• Support the projects coordinator/office manager in operational areas

Person Specification:

We are looking for an outstanding individual with drive, resilience, a can-do attitude and track record of delivering successfully. They should have extensive experience of working with governments in Africa (specific experience with the government of Kenya desirable), of managing a team, proven skills in managing high level contacts with senior governmental interlocutors and other partners and familiarity with project planning and management. The requirements that should be met are:

• Significant experience in government, government advisory or management consulting public/civil services worldwide, finance or international development
• Fluent working level English
• The ability to work and interact at the highest levels of public life, strong political acumen, high levels of judgment and discretion and the ability to develop an understanding of the needs of senior officials
• The ability to manage high level political relationships, including as an interlocutor in Sir Tony Blair’s relationship with the Government leadership
• The ability to work independently, think strategically and translate strategies into concrete and implementable plans
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, including sound knowledge of data analysis, strategic planning, and project management tools
• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team
• Experienced people manager and effective motivator of high performing teams
• High quality communication, drafting and presentation skills
• Strong sense of ethics, discretion and perseverance required
• Experience with investment promotion would be an advantage, as is experience of living and working in developing countries
• Ability to work and live in Kenya is required