Operations Assistant at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Operations Assistant at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Operations Assistant – Zambia

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Location: Zambia
Time Type: Full time
Posted on: Posted Today
Job Requisition ID: JR000377

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we are not just talkers; we are doers. We lead the change. Working with political leaders globally, we strive to turn bold ideas into reality, assisting governments in delivering for their people. Our work involves advising on strategy, policy, and delivery, leveraging the power of technology. We share our on-ground learnings to benefit everyone, contributing to building more open, inclusive, and prosperous countries worldwide.

We are a diverse global team of nearly 800 changemakers, operating in over 30 countries, across five continents. Comprising political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists, and more, we speak more than 45 languages. Engaging in over 100 projects, we tackle some of the world’s most significant challenges, driven by our passion for making a difference.

In a world of increasing complexity, we recognize that diversity of background and perspective is a strength. Our culture values and nurtures differences, dedicated to unlocking potential for the countries we work in and our team members. If you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, regardless of your background, we invite you to join us in building a better future.

Role Summary:

TBI is experiencing rapid growth in its Zambia team. To support our work, we are seeking an exceptional candidate to provide effective and efficient support to the TBI team in Zambia, ensuring smooth administrative and operational delivery. This role involves providing administrative, operational, and business setup support to TBI management and other staff members. Reporting to the Country Director, the role collaborates closely with central teams, including the Global Security and Operations Team and Finance Team.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Setup Support:

• Support business set-up in Zambia, including financial management.
• Assist with problem-solving, setting up bank accounts, and managing cash in-country.
• Ensure minimum cash levels for security evacuation.
• Support the setup of appropriate office locations and relocated staff accommodations.
• Conduct and document security assessments of new buildings.
• Liaise with Legal and Finance teams for adequate documentation and support with ad-hoc requests related to TBI entity setup in Zambia.

Ongoing Business Support Functions:

• IT: Liaise with central IT support and HR onboarding teams to ensure staff have adequate IT equipment.
• HR and Staffing: Manage onboarding of new staff, advise on HR and staffing policies, ensure correct right-to-work permits/visas.
• Admin: Support Country Director and leadership team with logistics.
• Travel: Ensure consistent use of TBI travel management system and procedures.
• Coordinate in-country moves outside of core locations.
• Support visa applications and arrival procedures of international staff and visitors.
• Ensure international staff and visitors have a working means of communication within 24 hours of arrival.

Office Operations:

• Onboard and oversee local vendors, including cleaners and local IT.
• Ensure compliance with local government and company policies regarding protocols and procedures.
• Liaise with the Global Security and Operations Team to ensure protocols are followed and identify operational risks.
• Support projects with leadership visits and events in the region.
• Monitor and send country security updates to the Global Security and Operations Team.
• Participate in the crisis management team in case of medical or security emergencies.

Finance:

• Maintain monthly finance tracker and petty cash.
• Manage financial activities in compliance with TBI policy and procedures.
• Support Country Director and team in central financial management, including preparing requests for funds and/or direct payments.

Safety, Security, and Access:

• Develop country-level security SOPs.
• Maintain an active network to understand the security context.
• Notify Country Director and Global Security and Operations Team of potential impacts on staff or activities.
• Report safety and security violations and incidents.
• Enable safe access for TBI staff to new areas.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities:

Critical Experience & Knowledge:

• Agronomic background with at least 5 years of technical and/or sales & marketing management.
• Crop Protection product and crop agronomy expertise.
• Strong people management, influencing, and leadership skills.
• Language skills – must have excellent English language skills.
• Key project management skills; strong understanding of customer needs, structure, and business drivers.
• Marketing and business acumen.
• Ability to build partnerships.

Critical Technical, Professional, And Personal Capabilities:

• Ability to gain buy-in across boundaries and quickly drive actions.
• Self-driver who demonstrates a high degree of ownership.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and a good team player.
• Leadership – ability to lead, coach, drive, and motivate individuals, teams, and customers.
• Focuses on customers.
• Creative, solution-oriented mindset.

Critical Leadership Capabilities:

• Judgment.
• Strategic thinking.
• Focus on customers.
• Planning.
• Execution & results.
• Collaboration.
• Learning agility.

Person Specification:

The individual should work to the highest standard with a keen attention to detail, delivering workable solutions to various teams with competing priorities. Proactive engagement with the business, boldness in approach, and a focus on making positive changes and improving operational efficiency are key. The successful candidate should be an ambassador for the team, building trust with those they engage with, and be solution-oriented.

Closing Date: 2024-02-11

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