Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative Jobs

Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative

Roles in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda

The Africa Governance Initiative (AGI) is a UK charity pioneering a new way of working with African countries, supporting African governments to develop the capacities they need to turn their leaders' development visions into real change. Our work is underpinned by the principle that effective governance and results-oriented political leadership are essential for delivering the public services and nurturing the thriving private sector that will create sustainable development and end aid dependency in Africa. We work with countries – currently Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda – that are at turning points in their history, and where we have had an invitation from the Head of Government to provide support.

AGI is now seeking exceptional individuals to join our organisation. All roles are based in Africa, and salary will be competitive within the international charitable sector:

• Project Leaders: During 2011 AGI will recruit a handful of exceptional leaders to run our governance projects. These positions will oversee all activities of AGI's project teams in Africa, and in addition to the AGI core competencies, will require: proven leadership and management experience; ability to set strategic direction and manage performance in a complex and fast-moving environment; substantial relevant professional experience, including working with Heads of Government or other senior figures; and ability to manage a budget. These positions are for 2 years, and are based in Africa.

• Sierra Leone and Rwanda projects: We are looking to fill a small number of roles in our projects working with the Governments of Sierra Leone and Rwanda. The individuals would join established AGI teams working closely with the President or Prime Minister's offices in each country to develop and coordinate cross-government delivery frameworks; coach and train staff; and support partner governments to deliver their key priorities on health, agriculture and energy – policies which will be key to Sierra Leone and Rwanda's sustainable development. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate significant experience relevant to the role, whether in the international public or private sector – for example:
  
  
• working at a senior level with governments
• tackling public sector reform issues (for example with a top-tier strategy consulting firm)
• working for a development consultancy or development agency in the developing world.

These positions start in April 2011, based in Rwanda and Sierra Leone, and will last for 18-24 months.

• Short term consultancies: We are interested in hearing from candidates with a skill-set matching the above to join short-term projects to scope new AGI projects in Africa. These roles will be for 2-3 months, based in London, and will require some travel to Africa. Professional-level French is essential for these roles.

• Private sector development (PSD): We are seeking applicants to join our work focusing on developing the private sector in Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Liberia over the course of the next 12 months. These roles, a core part of the AGI teams in each country, provide support to leading institutions such as the Rwanda Development Board, the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency, and the Liberian National Investment Commission. The roles involve working with government partners to offer advice on investment promotion and conversion, investment climate reforms, and institutional development. Successful applicants will have:
  
  
• a track record in the international business or finance sectors, including an understanding of emerging markets
• experience in shepherding initiatives and projects (political or economic) to success in multi-stakeholder environments – for example, buy-side investment or advisory involving a number of investors, or management consulting projects which include implementation support
• experience in investor facilitation and soliciting and negotiating investments in existing enterprises (e.g. sell-side transaction advisory) as well as new ventures
• an understanding or willingness to quickly learn about private sector development, investment climate reform and working with the public sector in a developing country context.

These positions are for 2 years, based in Africa, and start dates are negotiable.

Experience and Competences

In addition to specific and relevant experience, all candidates will need to demonstrate the following:

• Excellent professional and academic credentials and a proven track record of leadership and delivery
• First class project and stakeholder management skills
• A proven ability to inspire, coach and develop others, including people from different backgrounds and cultures
• Understanding of organisational design and accountability mechanisms
• Ability to deliver results in complex and challenging environments
• Mental toughness and the ability to cope in demanding environments
• A creative and entrepreneurial approach to overcoming barriers and making change happen
• Above all, high levels of enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do attitude
• Experience of living and working in developing countries is desirable but not essential.

How to apply

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to Peter Childs Ltd at pca@peterchilds.co.uk.

In your cover letter, please specifically highlight which project and/or role you have an interest in, and your suitability for the role against the requirements above. The deadline for applications is close of play on Friday 18 February.