Political Engagement Manager

Focus of the Role

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.

Job Introduction

Alongside the Institute’s Advisory and Strategy and Partnerships divisions, the Policy and Politics division serves an important role for the Institute. Our policy and political professionals based in London and around the world lead TBI’s original research and thinking on the most important questions for leaders.

The Policy and Politics division generates analysis that shapes public debate, enhances the work of client governments, and supports partnerships which improve people’s lives. Our work is global in nature, but we also develop individual national strategies, including our flagship Future of Britain programme.

This role is fundamental to the political operation of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and requires someone who is competent at servicing a network and identifying important engagement opportunities.

The ideal candidate will know British politics inside out and have a broad understanding of the global scene, bringing an adeptness and small ‘p’ politics to the engagement efforts of the Institute.

They’ll anticipate moments to proactively communicate with political stakeholders, working on behalf of the ED, Politics and the Institute’s Executive Chairman, and be on hand to coordinate engagement and draft correspondence where necessary.

All engagement across the Institute will be tracked and monitored, and the role holder will become a source of rich insight - knowing what is happening in the world of politics and being able to map engagement across the Institute.

Ultimately, they’ll be an enabler rather than a gatekeeper, seeing the necessity of a political network to the Institute’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

The holder of this position will:

• Support the Head of Political Delivery to develop a stakeholder engagement strategy that aligns to the overall aims of the TBI and our programme of work including the Future of Britain programme
• Develop and successfully deliver stakeholder engagement plans in accordance with the TBI’s overarching stakeholder engagement strategy
• Support the Head of Political delivery on proposing engagement activity on behalf of senior leaders at TBI, including the ED, Politics and the Institute’s Executive Chairman
• Maintain their own working network and become a source of political insight in their own right
• Provide updates on parliamentary and political activity
• Create a culture of engagement and communication across the Institute, positioning themselves at the centre of this
• Supporting the Head of Political Delivery with our Future of Britain: Next Generation youth engagement program
• Identify gaps in the TBI network and identify ways to fill them
• Work with CRM to track engagements and interactions

Person Specification

Values

• Highly collaborative and able to build strong working relationships internally and externally in a complex stakeholder environment
• Ability to work consistently to high professional standards accurately, honestly and of high quality
• Commitment to a positive learning culture of feedback and continuous improvement

Knowledge

• Understand UK politics (National, regional and local) and the role the Institute can play in this - and what that means for its political work
• Be personable and have small ‘p’ politics, building and maintaining relationships
• Be a self-starter and have the initiative to identify and instigate opportunities for interaction

Experience

• Experience of working in British politics
• Experience of working and networking successful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including with senior figures
• Experience of working with government, political parties or third sector organisations is desirable
• Senior stakeholder engagement experience
• Experience of managing complex projects with multiple outputs, deadlines and stakeholders

Skills / Ability

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise and schedule work
• Ability to monitor and update on political events and interventions
• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• A self-starter, who prioritises tasks with a high attention to detail who can take responsibility and ownership
• Ability to motivate staff

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