Consultant, Industrial Park/SEZ

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 not-for-profit organisation, operating in more than 40 countries across five continents. Our teams include political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages and 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 is seeking a short-term Core Expert to provide specialist technical input into the Industrial Park and SEZ Development project the institute is working on. The work focuses on strengthening the design, governance, financing, and investment readiness of Rwanda’s industrial parks and special economic zones. The Core Expert will bring direct, hands-on experience in designing, operationalizing, or managing industrial parks and/or SEZs in comparable markets, and will provide targeted diagnostic assessments, practical frameworks, and decision-ready recommendations within a compressed three-month engagement. This is a short-term, deliverable-focused engagement rather than an embedded advisory role. The Core Expert will work closely with TBI’s Special Investment and Trade & Industrialization project teams and relevant Government counterparts to accelerate priority outputs already scoped for FY 2026/27. Role Responsibilities SEZ Development (Special Investment Projects, RDB)Validate and strengthen the SEZ landscape assessment, drawing on comparable international experience to sense-check firm profiles, infrastructure status, and clustering opportunities Advise on the strategic clustering and investment pipeline approach, including priority sector selection, anchor firm profiling, and value chain linkages Provide expert input into the SEZ firm incentive and support framework, covering options for investor attraction, retention, expansion, compliance, and local economic linkages Contribute to targeted advisory notes on priority SEZ policy, regulatory, financing, or institutional decisions Industrial Parks Strategy Operationalisation (Trade & Industrialisation, MINICOM/NIRDA)Provide expert input into the industrial parks transition roadmap and governance framework, including the target management model, institutional mandates, and coordination mechanisms Advise on the design of the priority industrial park pilot, including maintenance fee arrangements, park-level service standards, decentralised management processes, and tenant engagement approaches Support the design of the industrial park financing framework, outlining public, private, and blended financing options for development, maintenance, and service delivery Benchmark Rwanda’s proposed models against comparable industrial park/SEZ management and financing structures internationally Candidate Profile 15+ years of hands-on experience in industrial park and/or SEZ development, design, management, or advisory, ideally in comparable emerging-market contexts Demonstrated track record designing park operating and governance models, financing frameworks, or clustering and investment pipeline strategies Experience navigating multi-institution government environments (e. g. trade/industry ministries, investment promotion agencies, park authorities, or regulators)Strong diagnostic and advisory skills, with the ability to produce decision-ready recommendations within a short, defined timeline Prior experience in Africa, or in comparable emerging or premium industrial development contexts, is highly advantageous Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate technical analysis into clear briefs and advisory notes for senior government stakeholders Based in or able to relocate to Kigali, Rwanda. Engagement Terms Contract Type: Short-Term Consultant/Contractor Duration: Up to 3 months (exact start date to be confirmed)Location: Kigali, Rwanda, with possible travel to industrial park/SEZ sites Reporting Line: Senior Manager, Country Program & Delivery, working closely with the Special Investment Projects and Trade & Industrialisation workstream leads Closing Date: 2026-11-10.

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