Tech Policy Associate

Focus of the Role

Are you excited by the prospect of transforming developing and emerging nations in Africa through the application of technology and innovations across public services, agriculture, health and climate? 

Our main objective in this strategically important role is to rapidly deploy a tech for development initiative in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has been enabled by a dynamic external partner across existing and new operations in our Government Advisory and Tech & Public Policy divisions. This landmark initiative will be delivered in 30 countries, with activity in DRC starting immediately. 

We have an advisory team embedded in DRC, some of whom are now working with governmental bodies to find solutions to support the country’s long term COVID-19 response as well as the roll-out of the Digital Code, Digital ID (DiD), and e-tax systems.

Job Introduction

Technology is closing off old pathways to development; but potentially opening up others. Countries that are quick to embrace tech have been able to make significant leaps, but there are yet to be any digital miracles equivalent to those in Asia at the turn of the last century. As part of our mandate from partner governments, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) works to develop practical solutions for how developing countries can apply technology to advance prosperity and improve peoples’ lives.

Our Tech for Development (T4D) programme helps mobilize world-class technical assistance and facilitate partnerships with leading tech providers to effectively deliver priority digitalisation projects. Our work has a particular focus on closing the global digital divide and building out digital infrastructure, applying technology transform healthcare, education and other public services, and fostering tech innovation in key sectors like energy and agriculture.

In the DRC, decades of political instability and a weak regulatory environment have limited private and public investments in the country’s ICT infrastructure and connectivity, also impacting the development of the necessary skills base to engage in the digital economy. In 2019, committed to making digitalization a national priority, President Tshisekedi set out a national vision in the country’s first National Digitalization Plan – Horizon 2025 and established a new ministry in charge of digital affairs. Our mandate in DRC is to enable the basis for further digital transformation of the country, including through provide policy advisory on foundational legal and governance frameworks, the development of an ethical and inclusive digital identity system, among other institutional development and delivery support.

Key Responsibilities

The Tech Policy Associate will support the Tech Policy Advisor and work with other TBI colleagues in delivering our Tech for Development workplan across key responsibilities, including:

• Undertake high-quality research and analysis on key foundational regulations, policy and governance issues relevant to the DRC context and national priorities
• Translate insights into agenda-setting, design thinking and actionable policy advice
• Support the engagement of key stakeholders to explore synergies, identify bottlenecks and scope new opportunities
• Support institutional development efforts, notably the transfer of skills and technology to improve strategic planning, performance management, and decision-making in the Ministry of Digitalisation and other relevant public institutions
• Support the Tech Policy Advisor in updating the T4D workplan plan and act as a focal point on related Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning activities
• Assist the Tech Policy Advisor on other tasks and activities as needed

This is a fixed term role for one year.

Person Specification

To be successful in this role you will need to be closely aligned with the Institute’s outlook and mission and be entrepreneurial in your approach to your work.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and experience:

• Previous experience of the Technology sector
• Demonstrated ability to research and with a strong interest in dealing with complex policy issues
• Relevant educational experience in technology, public policy, economics or other fields
• 3-5 years of experience in consulting or public policy related to the digital economy advantageous
• Knowledge of and experience with Digital ID and government services desired
• Experience of the DRC region is essential, exposure to other international regions would also be a plus
• Skilled in writing clearly and concisely on complex topics for a variety of audiences, alongside effective oral presentation
• Strong organization and time management skills, acute attention to detail, and knowledge of MS Office are essential
• Eager to work in a fast-paced environment while juggling priorities and meeting deadlines
• Be a self-starter, able to work independently but also be a strong team player. Be comfortable working in a small but highly dynamic and adaptive team
• With French as working language and ability to work in English
• Good interpersonal and networking skills

About The Institute

The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) is a mission-driven not for profit organisation. We exist to equip political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies. We work hard, every day, to make a difference. When governments work well they are able to create economic and social change in a way that promotes fairness, social justice and opportunity. We work relentlessly to support leader and governments with the challenges they face. Giving them practical solutions and actionable insights, that once implemented, can be transformative for their people  

We do this within two connected divisions: 

 Government Advisory 

Our Advisory Practice works directly with political leaders and governments around the world to implement reforms that improve the lives of their citizens. It has both non-profit partners and a client base and its outputs cover a range of disciplines and projects across countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South Asia. We are currently in a rapid expansion phase from c. 18 countries at present, to 30 by December 2022.

 Policy Futures 

Our Policy Futures work encompasses three broad areas: 

• Renewing the Centre: developing a bold and innovative domestic policy programme to help renew the centre ground of British politics; 
• Tech and Public Policy: exploring the policy challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution; and 
• Extremism Policy Unit: creating solutions designed to tackle the threat of extremist ideologies in the UK and around the world. 

As an organisation, the core beliefs we all embrace are: 

• Open and Progressive: you’ll believe in the value of teamwork 
• Bold and Pragmatic: you’ll approach everything you do with integrity and authenticity 
• Optimistic Changemaker: you’ll be focused on results 

TBI believes embracing diversity and inclusion make us a better place to work.  It’s our goal to reflect everyone in society and we actively welcome applications from individuals and groups who are under-represented in the workplace. We celebrate difference be it ethnicity, religion, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. We will only ever assess you on your abilities and fit for a role. We’re happy to discuss any adjustments you need to ensure a level playing field during recruitment and, if you\'re successful, discuss any adjustments you might need to thrive in your role.