Project Lead, Central Asia

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 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 Advisory practice at TBI works with reform-minded political leaders and governments to drive transformative change through strategy, policy, and delivery. Our aim is to achieve meaningful, positive impact for citizens around the world.

As part of TBI’s growing presence in Central Asia, we are supporting the government of Kazakhstan to deliver an ambitious agenda focused on economic growth, foreign investment attraction, and energy competitiveness. The Project Lead will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering economic workstreams, working directly with high-level government counterparts in the Presidential Administration at the centre of government, key ministries, and other senior stakeholders.

This is a key leadership role in TBI’s expanding presence in Central Asia, and will require extensive strategic engagement across the highest levels of government. Central Asia is a priority subregion for TBI’s Asia Pacific operations.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract with the opportunity for extension.

• Fluency in Russian is considered a strong asset but is not an absolute requirement.
• Key Responsibilities

The Project Lead is ultimately accountable for the success of TBI’s project in the country. The role includes strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, project management, team development, and operational oversight. Key responsibilities include:

Government engagement & client relationships

• Cultivate and strengthen strong relationships with senior political leaders and government counterparts.
• Liaise with senior officials across government and the private sector, navigating power dynamics and existing frameworks to ensure TBI delivery remains politically relevant and impactful.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Office of the President and key ministries on economic positioning, investment attraction, and political reform.
• Represent TBI with political diplomacy and professionalism at national and international levels.

Technical expertise and delivery

• Translate leadership priorities into clear, focused programmes of work.
• Lead day-to-day delivery across economic workstreams in close coordination with senior government counterparts.
• Analyse high-priority sectors and industries, assess & improve institutional gaps and coordination challenges between relevant public investment agencies, and define investment opportunities within identified priority.
• Assess investment incentives and post-investment monitoring, and recommend policy adjustments or improved targeting mechanisms.
• Develop actionable recommendations to enhance national competitiveness of sectors, industries, and select companies.
• Track workstream performance through dashboards, KPIs, and structured reporting to government and internal stakeholders.
• Oversee the delivery of strategic initiatives, ensuring measurable results and alignment with national development plans.
• Monitor delivery progress, manage risks, and lead briefings, reports, and other materials to ensure all outputs are high-quality and strategically aligned.

Lead and develop a high-performing team

• Lead and mentor a collaborative, mission-driven team that operates effectively and holds each other accountable for impact.
• Provide clear direction and on-the-ground support to TBI global advisors to ensure strong project planning and delivery.
• Foster sharpened delivery execution, political acumen, and core advisory skills (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel) cultivating a learning-oriented culture.
• Actively participate with the TBI APAC region, collaborating across countries and workstreams, and contributing to regional delivery.
• Support recruitment of Associates as-needed and contribute to team growth planning to meet evolving project needs.
• Cultivate and exemplify a positive, inclusive, and purpose-led team culture, ensuring alignment with TBI’s core values.

Ensure Operational Excellence

• Hold accountability for operational and project efficiency, team performance, and internal compliance within the country programme.
• Lead the development and implementation of country-specific protocols, including risk management, security, and staffing policies.
• Ensure budgets are well managed, resources are used effectively, and operational plans are in place and executed.
• Support recruitment & onboarding of new team members as the programme grows.

Person Specification

• We are seeking an exceptional project lead with a proven track record of impact in government advisory, strategy, and public sector engagement. The ideal candidate will bring:
• Significant experience in government, politics, government/public sector advisory, management consulting or other organisational leadership, including direct client engagement.
• A deep interest in Central Asia, its people, and its growth, and a track record of working with influential stakeholders in Central Asia or similar contexts in the wider region.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior government leaders and stakeholders, with strong awareness of the regional policy landscape, governance structures, and development priorities.
• Expertise in one or more areas relevant to public sector advisory, such as public policy, economic development, digital transformation, or government administration.
• Significant experience working in economics or investment sectors, and demonstrable understanding of technical dynamics at the national level.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to work independently, think analytically, and produce client-ready deliverables. A hands-on attitude is essential, with strong PowerPoint skills and a willingness to support deliverable development directly.
• Excellent project management, people management, and strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple fast-paced workstreams simultaneously while maintaining clear priorities and high-quality output.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with gravitas and the ability to quickly build credibility with clients and engage effectively across all levels of government.
• Strong political acumen, with sensitivity to operating in complex political contexts and the sound judgment to navigate tensions and represent TBI externally with professionalism.
• A person who thrives when navigating ambiguous environments, will establish structure in the fluid context of new country operational set up, and can roll up their sleeves and get things done.
• A track record of leading high-performing & cross functional teams, with proven ability to manage, inspire and retain diverse teams to achieve exceptional objectives.
• Undergraduate and graduate degrees from globally reputable institutions in Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Preferred experience includes exposure to geopolitics, large-scale project management work with international organisations, economic development strategy, or investment-related initiatives, particularly in emerging markets.

Closing Date:

2025-12-30