Manager

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 Tony Blair Institute's Geopolitics practice helps political leaders and governments translate systemic shifts in the global order into concrete strategic advantage — from strengthening bilateral and regional engagements to positioning on AI, technology, and economic transformation.

The Manager will be a core member of the Geopolitics practice, supporting a high-impact government advisory engagement based in the UAE, with an expected commitment of c.2 years working closely with a senior executive-level client. The role requires a highly analytical and detail-oriented professional capable of producing rigorous, research-driven insights that directly inform strategic decision-making at the highest levels of government.

This is a role for someone who combines strong research discipline and analytical precision with the ability to operate in a small, high-performing team. The successful candidate will work across a blend of macroeconomic, technological (including AI), and geopolitical issues, delivering outputs that range from high-level strategic advisory to deep-dive analytical work. The emphasis is on intellectual rigor, structured thinking, and the ability to translate complex analysis into clear, decision-ready recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead analytical and research workstreams, ensuring outputs are grounded in rigorous evidence, structured methodologies, and high attention to detail
• Produce a wide range of deliverables, including strategic briefs, deep-dive research notes, macroeconomic and geopolitical assessments, and rapid-response analyses tailored to senior decision-makers
• Apply structured analytical frameworks and research methods to generate robust, defensible insights
• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and analytical integrity across all outputs
• Translate complex analysis into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders
• Work collaboratively within a small, fast-paced team, contributing flexibly across multiple workstreams and deliverable types
• Contribute to both high-level strategic thinking and granular research tasks, adapting quickly depending on client needs
• Analyse intersections between macroeconomic trends, emerging technologies (incl. AI), and geopolitical dynamics, with a focus on implications for government strategy
• Maintain strong situational awareness and produce timely, well-evidenced assessments on evolving developments
• Uphold a consistently high standard of analytical rigor, intellectual honesty, and quality control

Person Specification

We are looking for exceptional analytical professionals with 5–7 years of experience. Candidates should bring a strong foundation in research and structured problem-solving, with experience gained in management consulting and/or a leading research, policy, or advisory institution.

Professional Background

• Experience in management consulting, geopolitical advisory, public policy, or a top-tier research institution (e.g. think tank, international organisation, economic research firm)
• Demonstrated track record of delivering high-quality analytical or research outputs for senior stakeholders
• Exposure to economic and geopolitical issues, with the ability to connect macro-level trends to policy and strategic implications
• Experience contributing to or supporting policy development, strategic advisory, or advocacy efforts is an advantage

Academic Background

• Master’s degree in international relations, public policy, economics, political economy, or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, politics, international studies, history, or similar)
• A PhD in a relevant field is advantageous but not required

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional analytical rigor and attention to detail: ability to produce precise, well-structured, and evidence-based analysis
• Strong research capability: experience conducting structured, hypothesis-driven research using diverse and credible sources
• Structured problem-solving: ability to break down complex issues and develop clear, defensible conclusions
• Clear and disciplined communication: ability to translate complex analysis into concise, decision-ready outputs
• Interest in macroeconomics, technology/AI, and geopolitics, with the ability to operate across these intersecting domains
• Familiarity with AI and advanced analytical tools (e.g. data analysis platforms, AI-assisted research tools) is a strong advantage
• Adaptability and versatility: comfort working across both high-level strategic deliverables and detailed research tasks
• Team-oriented mindset: ability to operate effectively in a small, collaborative team environment
• Strong ownership and work ethic: high level of accountability for quality, timelines, and delivery

Closing Date: