Country Director - Timor-Leste

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 focus of this role will be to: 1) Lead a small, high performing team tasked with supporting political leadership, specifically by improving governance and executive office operations, and advising on key foreign policy priorities; 2) Grow TBI's advisory function in the country, including by securing follow-up project mandates and associated funding.

We are looking for a strategic thinker who is also hands on, with the drive to get his or her work implemented to deliver tangible results with lasting impact. 

Responsibilities will include:

1.     Leading and mentoring a team embedded in the Office of the Head of State.

2.     Implementing strategies, systems and processes to improve the effectiveness of the Executive Office.

3.     Providing bespoke strategic advice to the Head of State on key foreign policy challenges and opportunities facing the country.

4.     Identifying and establishing rapport with stakeholders who hold responsibility and influence, both in the Office of the Head of State, across the Government, and beyond.  

5.     Advising on improvements for organizational management within government, project management methods, reporting procedures, communications and PR methods to promote project successes to the public, etc.

6.     Engaging with the client on a daily basis to advance workstreams and ensure client’s needs are being met.

7.    Securing TBI's license to operate in the country long-term, including follow-up mandates with the Government and associated funding. 

Person Specification

• Broad and comprehensive experience, ideally in public sector consulting or senior roles in government, with a track record of effective project management and delivery.
• A graduate degree in public policy, economics, political science, or requisite equivalent experience; undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in other areas will also be considered with relevant equivalent experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentational skills; able to quickly establish his or her credibility with stakeholders, and an ability to collaborate with others, including people from different backgrounds and cultures.
• An ability to operate within sensitive and complex political contexts and be attuned to potential areas of conflict or tension. Apply sound judgement in all external engagements on behalf of TBI.
• Refined ability to advise, brief, and interact with senior political leaders, including Heads of State and Government. 
• An ability to work independently, think strategically and produce deliverables (PowerPoint, Excel, Word Briefings) with attention to detail.
• A proactive, self-motivated individual with a passion for achieving impact.
• Strong familiarity with machinery of government, executive office structures and processes, and organizational design.
• Expertise in foreign policy and international relations, including multilateral organizations. 
• A deep familiarity of politics in the Asia Pacific Region, and the broader economic, geopolitical, and security context.
• A track record of successfully working with and securing funding from institutional and/or philanthropic donors is considered an asset.

Closing Date:

2024-09-29

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