Kenya: Policy Associate (PA)

Organization: Aga Khan Foundation

Country: Kenya

Closing date: 13 May 2016

Reporting to: Project Director- Strengthening Educational Systems in East Africa (SESEA)

Duration: 18 months (with possible extension)

Start Date: 1^st July, 2016

Based in: Nairobi (With frequent travel within East Africa)

Background:

Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a private, non-denominational, development agency promoting creative solutions to problems that impede social development. AKF (East Africa) seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, literacy and health, with a special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in coastal and other resource-poor areas. AKF (EA) works in five sectors including Health, Education, Early Childhood Development, Rural Development and Civil Society enhancement. Over the last several years, AKF (EA)’s programs have evolved and expanded in response to government policies, beneficiary demand and assessment of needs. In order to optimize AKF (EA)’s efficiency and effectiveness as a development actor in the region, it seeks to support and improve innovations that create viable solutions to community problems that impede development.

Are you interested in finding innovative ways to improve education opportunities for children of East Africa? AKF is seeking dynamic, creative and experienced Policy Associate (PA) to work with SESEA Implementing Partners and the Learning & Dialogue Committee to use the evidence generated through the SESEA research agenda to facilitate engagement with authorities and other actors towards the adoption policies and practices that improve and sustain learning outcomes. The PA will do this by supporting the implementing partners using a wide range of approaches, such as dissemination, public dialogue, media engagement and persuasive lobbying.

The SESEA project is currently in its first quarter of its fourth year of implementation, and is scheduled to end in 31^st December 2017. This position will therefore be project-funded for a period of 18 months, and will be based at the Project Coordinating Unit in Nairobi.

I. Job Objective:

The selected candidate will play a key role in support to project implementing partners to undertake learning and dialogue events and facilitate SESEA’s participation in public debates and other opportunities to influence education policy

II. Responsibilities:

Support partners to undertake learning and dialogue events

· Review learning products, concept notes, policy analyses, reports and briefings with recommendations for changes in the policy and practice from the research and implementing partners (RIPs)

· Support and work with RIPs on prioritized areas of research and analysis to inform education policy development in the SESEA countries.

· Work with the RIPs to ensure that the SESEA Learning and Dialogue agenda is informed by, aligned with and contributes to broad national priorities in east Africa.

· Ensure strong gender analysis in all our policy work.

· Monitor policy and political debates and developments on current issues in education and follow up on policy commitments made by actors.

· Support the RIPs in organizing Learning and Dialogue events as may be required from time to time

Facilitate SESEA’s participation in public debates and other opportunities to influence education policy

· Identify, secure and link RIPs to opportunities to communicate SESEA research evidence through writing articles, online debate and public speaking.

· Network with colleagues in other NGOs and academic institutions, including those in the global North, to share emerging policy issues and develop joint thinking.

· Work with agency communications media colleagues to collect and place media stories, and support other relevant staff to act as issue spokespeople.

III. Person Specification: Knowledge and Experience

Essential

· Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, education or other relevant subject.

· At least two years’ experience of policy analysis and research on education issues gained in a public policy, NGO or academic environment

· Excellent knowledge of development including a strong understanding of power relations and the political forces which shape education policy in East Africa

· Experience of influencing government authorities and politicians

· An understanding of the importance of improved and sustainable learning outcomes in development and gender analysis skills.

· Experience of networking and contact building in political, academic or NGO settings

· Experience of using (social) media in a professional context A strong commitment to AKDN’s values, including those on women’s rights

Desirable

· A post graduate degree in a relevant subject

· Experience working closely with NGOs from developing countries, ideally in the field of policy, advocacy or campaigns.

· Knowledge of debates and trends in education, development finance and aid, particularly around strengthening education systems

· Experience of briefing media or being a media spokesperson

· Understanding of the role of the private sector in development, informed by critical contextual perspectives, as well as by experience engaging with the private sector.

IV. Person Specification: Skills and Abilities.

Essential

· Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex material and data into clear and concise lobbying and campaigning briefings and materials

· Excellent negotiation and presentational skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and across cultures

· Ability and enthusiasm to speak in public forums and take part in public debates online

· Ability to prepare strategic plans

· A proven ability to work in diverse teams of a consortium; strong collaborative and team–building skills Proven computer literacy with the ability to adopt new digital platforms

Desirable

• Quantitative skills, command of excel and statistical software

• Skills in desk-based research skills, and in action research methods

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV including contact information of three referees by 13^thMay, 2016 to the Human Resource Officer, Aga Khan Foundation (East Africa) by e-mail to: recruitment@akfea.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. AKF is an equal opportunity employer.