Senior Manager

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 over 800 changemakers, operating in more than 40 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

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Manager based in Kyiv, Ukraine. The candidate will report to the Country Director, overseeing TBI’s Advisory Work in Ukraine, and will play an instrumental leadership role in supporting the project in the country. The candidate will lead work across critical policy topics for governments and be embedded in the country at the highest level of Government, engaging with its political leadership.

The ideal candidate will have public sector experience, either in government or through public sector management consulting, with experience delivering strategy and policy projects for public sector clients. The scope of work will cover the wider government agenda on public administration governance, economic development, and social policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Country Director to identify and define underpinning initiatives and incentives that can drive the reform agenda forward, based on the strategic priorities of the government.
• Engage with government stakeholders to discuss opportunities that align with TBI’s value proposition, and own preparation of materials for and delivery of proposals. The successful candidate will be expected to manage junior colleagues in this function.
• Lead workstreams focused on priority public policy topics, including problem framing, workflow planning, idea generation, and stakeholder management. The Senior Manager will be expected to manage workstreams in direct cooperation with, minimally, Ministerial-level counterparts.
• Identify and establish rapport with senior government stakeholders, ensuring smooth delivery of workstreams and good client relations. This will entail regular interaction and follow-up, with the need to nudge counterparts while remaining aware of the sensitivities of each stakeholder. In addition to longer-term workstreams, the Manager will be expected to contribute in an agile manner to short-term, urgent deliverables for government leaders where problem structuring, analysis, synthesis, and proposing client implications and actions are critical.
  
  

The Senior Manager will report to the Country Director.

Client relationship

• Through the delivery of quality and relevant insights, build and maintain a relationship of trust with your counterpart.
• Be able to suggest and convince your counterpart on key development priorities that TBI could be supporting, which place sustainable social and economic development at their core.
• Hold operational accountability for the effective management of client relationships (with Country Director).
  
  

Team management and internal coordination

• Provide strategic direction to staff on various high-level workstreams, ensuring efficient project planning, effective task allocation, and follow-through.
• Provide direct support to your direct reports when needed, including through sharing content knowledge, supporting in analysis, or the development of client deliverables.
• Be receptive to staff's professional and personal concerns, ensuring their well-being and acting as a coach to improve their professional skills and on-the-job satisfaction.
• Ensure projects bring the best of TBI to clients by harnessing the skills, knowledge, and capacity of political, policy, and research functions across TBI, including the Global Client Solutions team.
• Hold responsibility for the quality and timeliness of client-facing deliverables.
  
  

Person Specification

• At least 6 years’ experience, including at least 4 years in management consulting in an equivalent position serving public sector clients, with demonstrated high-quality delivery.
• A graduate degree in public policy, economics, international relations, or political science; undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in other areas can be considered with relevant equivalent experience.
• Ability to effectively manage small-to-mid-sized teams comprising a variety of skill sets, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds with an ethos focused on team success and genuine motivation for colleagues’ performance, growth, and well-being.
• Proven ability to lead engagement with public sector clients.
• An ability to work independently, think strategically, and produce deliverables, with attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentational skills; able to quickly establish his or her credibility with the client.
• Ability to operate within sensitive political contexts and be attuned to potential areas of conflict or tension.
• An awareness of international relations trends, particularly related to Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
• Strong written communication and executive reporting skills, including concisely written PPT decks and reports.
• Business fluency in English required.
  
  

Closing Date: