Tony Blair Institute

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

The Advisory practice at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) works with reform-minded political leaders and governments to drive transformative change through strategy, policy, and delivery. Our aim is to achieve meaningful, positive impact for citizens around the world.

As part of TBI’s growing presence in Central Asia, we are expanding our support to a key government partner focused on delivering a bold, long-term transformation agenda. We are seeking a Country Director to lead TBI’s in-country operations and advisory delivery, overseeing a portfolio of work spanning strategic communications, investment facilitation, and delivery support at the Centre of Government.

The Country Director will be responsible for establishing trusted relationships with senior government stakeholders, ensuring successful implementation of our embedded model, and leading a high-performing team to translate presidential priorities into measurable impact. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep political awareness, strategic clarity, and experience in public sector reform, investment policy and narrative development.

Key Responsibilities

The Country Director is ultimately accountable for the success of TBI’s work in the country. The role includes strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, team development, and operational oversight. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead Government Engagement and Client Relationships
• Build and maintain strong mandates with senior political leaders and government counterparts.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive office and key ministries on communications strategy, economic positioning, and investment attraction.
• Represent TBI with political diplomacy and professionalism at national and international levels.
• Drive Strategic Direction and Delivery
• Translate leadership priorities into clear, focused programmes of work across communications and investment.
• Oversee the delivery of strategic initiatives, ensuring measurable results and alignment with national development plans.
• Monitor delivery progress, manage risks, and lead reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and Develop a High-Performing Team
• Lead a collaborative, mission-driven team that operates effectively across workstreams and holds each other accountable for impact.
• Provide clear direction, mentorship, and on-the-ground support to advisors, ensuring strong project planning, content development, and delivery.
• Invest in the team’s professional growth through feedback, learning opportunities, and performance reviews.
• Cultivate and exemplify a positive, inclusive, and purpose-led team culture, ensuring alignment with TBI’s core values.
• Ensure Operational Excellence
• Hold final accountability for operational & project efficiency, team performance and internal compliance within the Central Asia programme.
• Lead the development and implementation of country-specific protocols, including risk management, legal registration, security, and staffing policies.
• Ensure budgets are well managed, resources are used effectively, and operational plans are in place and executed.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members as the programme grows.
  
  

Person Specification

We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of impact in government advisory, strategy, and public sector engagement. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Extensive professional experience in government, politics, public sector advisory, management consulting, or broader organisational leadership, with a strong record of working with senior officials and influential stakeholders in Central Asia or the wider Asia-Pacific region.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior government leaders, with strong awareness of the regional policy landscape, governance structures, and development priorities.
• Deep expertise in one or more areas relevant to public sector advisory, such as public policy, economic development, digital transformation, or government administration.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to work independently, think analytically, and produce client-ready deliverables. A hands-on attitude is essential, with strong PowerPoint skills and a willingness to support deliverable development directly.
• Experience managing and motivating mid-sized, cross-functional teams from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. A collaborative, team-first ethos is essential, as is a genuine commitment to team members’ performance, development, and well-being.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to quickly build credibility with clients and engage effectively across all levels of government and partner organisations.
• Strong political acumen, with sensitivity to operating in complex political contexts and the sound judgment to navigate tensions and represent TBI externally with professionalism.
• The ability to manage multiple, fast-paced workstreams simultaneously while maintaining clear priorities and high-quality output.
• A graduate degree in Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Preferred experience includes exposure to geopolitics, work with international or multilateral organisations, economic development strategy, or investment-related initiatives, particularly in emerging markets.
  
  

Closing Date:

2025-06-12