Job Description

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
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.

The Head of Partnerships, Middle East and Eastern Europe is critical to delivering TBI's ambition. The role will be responsible for building and executing a portfolio of impactful, scalable partnerships in the MEEE region working with our client facing Advisory teams. The priority for the portfolio will be accelerating impact in the region through our partnership platform; driving global scaleable partners with leading tech innovators who share our vision for impactful change for our clients.

TBI is working with senior political leaders worldwide with diverse levels of digital maturity to imagine the art of the possible, formulate bold solutions, and deliver tangible change with technology. Today, with rapid advancements in machine learning and generative AI, the 'toolbox' available to leaders is transformative. TBI is helping leaders to explore new frontiers in government, public service innovation, and drive inclusive economic prosperity with technology at the heart. Developing the right partners to accelerate impact for our clients is crucial to this agenda.

TBI is looking to hire an experienced Head of Partnerships who brings specialised skills, networks and interests in technology and innovation, digitisation and/or AI who can enhance our relationships with leading technology companies and pull through emerging innovation to improve our offer in the region. The post holder should be a natural convener and networker able to creatively find synergies and pathways for partnerships. The Head of Partnerships will work in highly matrixed organisation and the ability to collaborate and deliver with colleagues across structures will be crucial.

This role reports to the Director, Partnerships Hub and sits within the Strategy & Partnerships (S&P) Department of TBI. The role will matrix report into the the Middle East Eastern Europe Advisory structure. S&P is one of 3 external facing business critical departments - the other two being Policy & Politics and Global Government Advisory. The S&P department leads and oversees the Institute's strategic direction and growth, with specific responsibility for futureproofing growth, developing scalable partnerships, innovating in tech and securing financial resources to measurably advance the Institute's operational goals and drive sustainable impact. The post-holder can expect to work closely with senior colleagues across the whole of the Institute.
Relocation and visa assistance will be provided for the successful candidate if required.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to and working closely with the Director, Partnerships Hub, as well as matrix reporting into the Middle East and Eastern Europe Advisory structure, responsibilities will include but are not limited to:• With focus on TBI's Partnership Platform and cultivation of global partners to support Government's in the age of AI; develop a MEEE-specific partnerships strategy for a dedicated portfolio of partnerships that meets TBI's ambition for the region and for global scale
• In line with strategy, develop and enhance our network, relationships, and partnerships with leading innovators, technology and AI companies, implementation partners, and thought leaders which enhance our understanding of emerging innovation and improve our offer to governments. This should include targeting MEEE partners who are able to scale and work with our Government clients in other regions
• Set and deliver annual OKRs for MEEE partnerships in line with and contributing to team OKRs
• Work closely with Advisory Teams to understand the needs, opportunity impact, and delivery models. This will include frequent travel and interaction with advisory.
• Work closely with Global PI Team to understand and shape the global portfolio, support implementation of global partners in region, share lessons, and identify additional opportunity for cross collaboration
• Lead prospecting, solicitation, commercial model development and stewardship for key MEEE accounts
• Support Advisory Country Teams with scoping, cultivate offers from TBI's Global partners with our client governments and serve as MEEE focal points for these partnerships
• Serve as a connector between the wider Strategy & Partners Division and TBI Middle East Eastern Europe Advisory
• Work closely with TBI teams and partners to troubleshoot implementation challenges and lead teams toward solutions to deliver greater impact, escalating to leadership as appropriate
• Represent TBI at external events
• Working with TBI's CRM and related tools, maintain a clear, organised means for tracking partnership pipeline and engagement
• Pay special attention to what the portfolio offers as a platform for TBI and our participating partners
• Lead partner impact reporting for your portfolio and manage to key performance indicators for portfolio
• Serve as a strong leader for TBI's culture and values

Key internal relationships: S&P department leaders and their teams; StratPI leadership and department; Regional Directors and Country Directors, Global Advisory; key country teams; Community Engagement Team; Global Client Solutions; Legal department.
Person Specification & Know How
This is a senior leadership role requiring an exceptional candidate who is looking to expand their experience across a growing portfolio:• Extensive experience as a lead for partnerships and/or high level relationship management, and working with contracts
• Bachelor's or postgraduate degree or equivalent practical experience
• Strategic thinker who can challenge the status-quo and develop plans for successful delivery of challenging objectives
• The ability to operate in rapidly changing and growth business environment
• Proven ability to oversee numerous projects and initiatives, delegating and performance managing the details
• A track record of cultivating and maintaining partnerships and alliances across diverse organisations
• Strong commercial acumen and experience e.g. building revenue models and associated governance structures
• Experience and strong interest in the fields of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence
• A natural networker and convener and can manage a multitude of external relationships navigating a matrixed internal organisation
• Brings experience in the mechanics of partnerships, related financial models and can ensure the partnerships cultivated operationally function across portfolio need
• Proven leadership capacity - able to set strategic direction, inspire teams to collaboratively achieve exceptional objectives, and not afraid to be hands-on to achieve results
• Skilled communicator and influencer, from executive office level through to technical level, is adept at speaking to senior leadership
• Impact focused, you will have a background of delivering operationally with a positive impact
• Demonstrated ability in problem analysis and problem resolution at both strategic and functional level
• Proven experience of providing creative and innovative approaches in developing new initiatives/systems that contribute towards set goals
• With experience and a strong network of actors in at least one of the following prioritised areas for TBI's partnership portfolios: tech & digitisation; life sciences and health innovation; climate; and/or government delivery
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Arabic and English
• A proven self-starter and is entrepreneurial in spirit
• Open to travel and curious to learn from colleagues across our global team
• Keenly interested in the work of TBI and share in our mission and values
• Arabic language and experience in the Middle East is required


We encourage early applications as we reserve the right, if required, to close this role earlier.
Closing Date:
2024-09-02